Cassie barely got a few hours of sleep the previous night. It felt like it had just been minutes when Narcissa's voice cut through "Draco, Cassie, get up! We need to move, now!"

Cassie groaned, her eyes heavy and her limbs aching. She glanced at Draco, who looked just as disheveled, his blond hair sticking up at odd angles. They both stumbled out of their sleeping bags, rubbing their eyes.

The campsite was in disarray. Tents were half-collapsed, belongings strewn everywhere. Press wizards flocked around, their cameras flashing, while Ministry wizards tried to control the chaos.

Lucius had obviously disappeared, the bloody coward.

Narcissa hurried them along. "Keep your heads down and move quickly," she instructed, 

She guided them towards the corner behind their tent where an old, ragged boot lay on the ground.

Cassie looked around, "What are we doing?"

"Just trust me," Narcissa said, her eyes darting around nervously. "Grab onto the boot."

Cassie reached out, her fingers brushing against the worn leather. Draco followed suit Narcissa began counting down, her voice steady . "In five, four, three, two, one."

They all touched the boot simultaneously. Cassie felt a hook just behind her navel that jerked her irresistibly forward. Her feet left the ground, and the world around her blurred into a whirlwind of color and sound. The sensation was both exhilarating and terrifying, like being yanked through a vortex.

When they finally landed, it was with a jolt that sent Cassie sprawling onto the grass. She looked up, disoriented and breathless, her surroundings slowly coming into focus.

They were outside Malfoy Manor, its elaborate gardens and fountains coming into view.

"Cassie!" A unusually deep voice called out, startling her.

Cassie stumbled and turned around, her eyes widening in surprise. A man in a black hood and long cloak was hurrying toward them, his face partially obscured. As he got closer, she recognized him: Regulus, disguised as Mr. Pierre.

"Dad," she acknowledged, her voice catching in her throat.

Regulus rushed over, enveloping her in a tight hug. "Cassie, are you okay?" he asked, his hands on her shoulders, checking her over for injuries.

"I'm fine," Cassie said, her voice muffled against his cloak. She pulled back slightly, looking up at him.

Regulus's eyes were filled with concern as he reached into his cloak and pulled out a newspaper. The front page was dominated by scenes of terror at the Quidditch World Cup.

"What happened?" he asked, his voice tense.

"Pierre," Narcissa acknowledged, meeting his eyes with a careful nod. "Maybe talk about it at home. I'm sure Cassie is exhausted."

Regulus gave her an understanding nod. "Yea...Thanks by the way, Cissy, for everything."

Narcissa smiled faintly. "Of course"

Draco turned to Cassie, looking worried. "I'll see you at the train then?"

Cassie nodded, giving him a side hug. "See ya."

Turning to Regulus, she took his hand. The familiar sensation of Apparation washed over her as they disappeared with a crack,

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

They reappeared in the cozy hall of their small home, the air fragrant with the comforting scent of peppermints. Regulus quickly reversed the transfigurations that disguised him as Mr. Pierre, allowing his usual form to reemerge.

Cassie sighed heavily, exhaustion evident as she sank onto a nearby couch.

"Kreacher!" Regulus called out firmly,

The ancient house-elf appeared promptly, "Yes, Master Regulus?" 

"Two hot chocolates, please," Regulus requested,

"Right away, Master," Kreacher responded , bowing slightly before disappearing into the kitchen.

A heavy silence settled over the hall as they waited, broken only by the faint sound of Kreacher bustling about in the background. 

Moments later, Kreacher returned with two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, carefully balancing them on a silver tray. He set them down on a nearby table

Cassie took one of the mugs gratefully, cradling it between her hands as she lifted it to her lips. The rich aroma and the soothing warmth of the chocolate relaxing her

"So," Regulus began softly, taking a seat opposite Cassie 

 "Tell me what happened."

Cassie took a deep breath, "It was weird, Dad," she started, Her eyes remained fixed on the swirling patterns in her drink, her mind racing with the events she witnessed. " I was there when someone cast the Dark Mark. They were very close, not just once but twice. I could feel this... this dark magic, like a dark force surrounding me."

Regulus looked extremely concerned, his brow furrowing deeply, but he remained silent, letting Cassie speak.

"He's coming back, Dad," Cassie continued after a sip of her drink, her voice worried  but sure.

Regulus started to speak, but Cassie cut him off abruptly. "I never told you what Uncle Moony said, did I?"

Regulus shook his head slowly, his concern deepening.

"Potter's scar hurt, Dad," Cassie said quietly,  "And Dumbledore thinks something's going to happen at the tournament this year."

Regulus's disbelief was evident. "And he is still hosting it?" he asked incredulously.

Cassie nodded grimly. "It's Dumbledore. He's never going to show weakness to the other schools. He is overconfident, Like always,  he believes in his protection," she said, air quoting the word "protection" mockingly.

"Do you have to go this year?" Regulus asked, frustration creeping in , knowing her answer.

Cassie sighed deeply, her shoulders slumping. "You said that last year too," she replied, 

"And look what happened" Regulus retorted pointing to the light pink scar on her arm from a previous attack.

"I'm going, Dad," Cassie insisted firmly, 

Regulus sighed in defeat, knowing arguing further would be futile.

"I think he's gotten someone back," Cassie suddenly said,

"A really loyal follower," she added, her brows furrowing in concern.

"Maybe it's Pettigrew," Regulus suggested cautiously.

Cassie shook her head decisively, setting down her cup. "Pettigrew definitely went back, but he isn't loyal. He's a coward. He couldn't have been the one loyal enough to cast a Dark Mark," she reasoned.

Regulus nodded thoughtfully, a heavy silence settling between them.

"You don't need to get into this, Cassie," Regulus said suddenly, his voice firm.

"What?" Cassie asked incredulously, taken aback 

"You heard me," Regulus replied calmly. "Dumbledore will handle it. I will--"

"Dad, there's no way you're going to try and get into this mess," Cassie interrupted sharply, her eyes flashing  "You know what will happen if Voldemort finds out you're alive?"

"You're not to get into this either, Cassie," Regulus said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument. "You're still a child."

Cassie rolled her eyes, exasperated. "Dad, if you really think I'm just going to stand by and let Voldemort come back--"

"You don't have to do anything, Cassie," Regulus said gently, trying to calm her down. "Let Dumbledore--"

"Dumbledore?" Cassie interjected, her tone incredulous. "Dad, out of all people, you're the one who never trusted that man. Hell, bitch even hired Voldemort as a teacher."

"I know, Cassie. I know how you feel, but Dumbledore..." He paused, struggling to find the right words. "He's not always right, but he's our best chance against Voldemort...you cant deny that...he is the only wizard Voldemort feared"

Cassie shook her head, "But Dad-

Regulus's jaw tightened,  "I won't let anything happen Cassie. You're my daughter, and I'll protect you with everything I have."

Cassie softened slightly "I know" she sighed

Regulus reached across the table, his hand finding Cassie's as he searched her eyes for reassurance. "Promise me you'll be careful," he pleaded quietly, 

Cassie nodded solemnly, squeezing his hand firmly. "I promise," 

"Please try and keep your promise this time. Don't go looking for trouble," Regulus added,

Cassie chuckled softly, "You know, Dad, I don't go looking for trouble. Trouble usually finds me."

Regulus couldn't help but chuckle along with her. "That's true enough," he admitted.

"All right, one last thing," Regulus continued, his expression growing serious once more.

"Yeah?" Cassie asked

"The Durmstrang headmaster, Igor Karkaroff... he was a Death Eater," Regulus revealed, 

Cassie's eyes widened in surprise. "Do you think..." she started,

"Maybe," Regulus replied cautiously. "Just be careful, Cassie. Watch your back."

Cassie nodded

"Are you all packed for tomorrow? Got all your daggers?" 

"Yeah," Cassie nodded again, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"All right, then. You better get some rest," Regulus said softly

"Yeah" Cassie stood up from the table, squeezing his hand once more before heading towards her room

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

Cassie grinned as Mortem flew in, his familiar screech filling the room. She held out her arm, letting perch comfortably while she stroked his feathers gently. "Hey there, Mortem," she murmured, her grin widening as the black owl hooted fondly in response.

 Cassie carefully placed Mortem back into cage, ensuring he had plenty of treats to nibble on. "So Back to Hogwarts?" she asked, 

Mortem hooted approvingly

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


I love regulus and cassie bond sm

AHHHHHH AND BACK TO HOGWARTS---

THE DRAMA WILL START SOON- !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALSO- THREE CHAPS IN A WEEK BABY- IM ON ROLL (OR IM COMPLETELY JOBLESS...COLLEGE WAS ON SOME HOLIDAY TODAY)

Hope u liked it!!! 

till next time

mxriddle