"Theo" she called breathless bolting out the door of Number Twelve.

She kept going.

Down the steps. Through the gate. Past the edge of the enchantments.

Out.

She didn't stop until she saw him.

He was there.

She skidded to a stop. The breath stopped.

Theo. Her Theo

And gods, he looked—

Alive. But wrong.

Theo stood slumped against a railing, hunched slightly near the curb, stiff like he wasn't sure if he was allowed to come closer. One eye swollen, a cut across his brow, and dried blood at his temple. His lip was split. There were bruises up his arms and neck trailing down way under his shirt. A few of the wounds looked like he'd tried to patch them up himself.  Alone.

Theo looked up—and froze.

Cassiopeia Black.

Bu she did not look like his Cassie.

She didn't look like the girl he'd left on the platform . Not the one with her pale face lit up in twisted joy at the idea of possibly murdering that Ravenclaw who'd accidentally bumped into him. He remembered how her eyes had gleamed, how she'd muttered something about "just one Stab, Theo, please" while pretending to crack her knuckles.

She'd looked wild then. Alive. Stupidly proud of being his personal psychopath.

That girl had burned.

This girl—looked extinguished. Her skin was grey-pale, stretched too thin over sharp cheekbones, Her hair was unruly wild around her shoulders,  like she hadn't touched it in days. She looked starved of sleep ,of food, of hope. She was wearing—Merlin—just an oversized t-shirt and shorts that nearly swallowed her. Barefoot. 

Cassie had always looked dangerous. Even asleep. Even laughing.

But now?

She looked empty.

But not weak. Never weak.
Not his Cassie. Never. 

There was something dangerous in the quiet of her  Her eyes were blank, unreadable—but he knew her well enough to see it wasn't only numbness. It was restraint. Like she was holding herself back. Barely.
This wasn't the kind of danger that came with a wand or a smirk or some threat  This was stillness. The kind that had nothing left to lose.

She moved toward him slowly, like every step cost her something. Her shoulders were stiff, arms hanging limp at her sides.   Her lips were cracked. But her eyes—

Her eyes never left him.. Like she didn't care if the world burned behind her—as long as he was still there.

And Theo—he didn't move. HE Couldn't. Because there she was.

They stopped just inches apart.

He swallowed. "I'm sorry, Cass," he said hoarsely, before she could speak. "I... I heard him. The bastard. He said they found out about Regulus. I should've ran. I should've warned you. But he just loc—"

She didn't let him finish.

She kissed him.

Desperately.

Fiercely.

Like she needed to feel he was real. Like the world hadn't just stopped for her Three days ago.. She buried her hands in his shirt and kissed him like he was oxygen.

Theo didn't fight it. He kissed back like a drowning man, lips bruised and hands trembling.

"You're alive," she whispered, breaking away just long enough to touch his face. He winced when her fingers brushed the bruise above his eye. But he nodded.

"Yeah," he whispered. "Yeah, I'm alive."

Cassie nodded, barely holding back tears. She looked him over again— Like she didn't believe it. Like she expected him to disappear the second she blinked.

Then his gaze shifted.

Over her shoulder.

She turned, following his gaze.

Sirius.

He had followed her out. Obviously . His mouth was set, jaw tight. Concern in his eyes. And guilt. 

Cassie's heart dropped. She could see it happening already. In Sirius's head.

He was going to send Theo away. Say he couldn't stay. Say it was too dangerous. That he was one of them. One of the enemy.

She stepped in front of Theo Protectively, before she even realized what she was doing.  She panicked.

Grabbed Theo's hand.

"Come on," she hissed, and turned before Sirius could say anything, before her brain could catch up to what her body was already doing.

"Cass—what—?"

"Just—come on." She hissed dragging him down the curb

"Cassiopeia!" Sirius called.

His voice cracked on her name

 They didn't stop.

Well—Cassie didn't. Theo mostly stumbled after her, still too wrecked to keep up properly, but trying anyway. Because she asked.

Sirius stood frozen, watching them go. Watching them run. 

He hadn't meant to chase Theo off. Not really. Maybe... maybe it had crossed his mind, for a second.  Until he saw them.

Until Cassie kissed him like she hadn't breathed in days.
Until they both pulled back, foreheads resting together, not even bothering to pretend they were fine.

And suddenly, Sirius couldn't speak

Because he saw Theo's face.

Bruises.

All over him.

Old ones, Fresh ones, dark and swollen. Finger-shaped, fist-shaped, ones that disappeared beneath his sleeves and down his collarbone. Sirius knew those marks. He'd worn them every summer until he was sixteen.

And Cassie—

Cassie was hollow and emptied. Her skin was ghost-pale, like she hadn't seen sunlight in weeks. But heer eyes never left Theo. 

They both looked half-dead. Bruised. Silent. Exhausted. For Different Reasons .
But somehow—somehow—still watching each other. Like if one of them slipped, the other would catch them. Even if they were falling apart.

And they looked like kids.

Not in the way Harry and his friends looked like Kids. But in that too-old, too-sharp way. Children who had grown up preparing for this war before it even came.. Who were taught to bleed quietly/ Who didn't cry when it hurt—they hexed first. Children who never got to be just children at all.

And now they were half-dead in front of him. For different reasons. Holding each other like it was the only truth they had left.

And that is why he didn't move.

Didn't chase.

Just watched as his daughter—his daughter—and the boy she loved disappear down the street

And for the first time, Sirius Black really understood what it meant to be a Slytherin 

It didn't mean ambition.

It meant endurance.

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

Meanwhile Cassiopeia and Theodore?

They were running.
Or—more accurately—Cassie was dragging him and Theo was stumbling behind her, wincing with every other step.

"Where are we going?" he rasped, voice barely above a breath, dried blood tugging at the skin.

Cassie didn't answer. She just yanked him around another corner, the wind tangling her hair across her face. An old iron gate. She heaved it open with a grunt. The place looked like an abandoned Muggle park—Sealed off after some horrific accident, all broken swings and fractured benches.

"Sorry about the running," she muttered, breathless, as they finally collapsed beneath a tree.

Theo sank down beside her, wincing as his knees hit the grass.

Cassie didn't speak. She couldn't. Not for a full second, fingers still curled from dragging him halfway across town. And then her eyes moved over him—properly this time. There were bruises blooming along his cheekbone, A split lip, dry blood. His collarbone filled with red blotches, and just beneath the fabric of his shirt—

A smearin the shape of a handprint around his throat.

Her stomach twisted.

And that wasn't even the worst of it. The bruises didn't stop. They went down—past the neckline probably down his arms and ribs

Cassie looked away.

She stared at the ground for a long, hard second, fingers curling into the dirt like she could anchor herself before she did something stupid.  But it didn't work.

Because she was already imagining it.
What she'd do to him.
To Thomas fucking Nott.

She wouldn't kill him. No. That would be mercy.
She'd make him beg. Rip  his voice from his throat. She'd take his hand. The one that hurted Theo, snap it, burn it. 
She'd make every bruise Theo had mirror on his body. Ten Times. Until he couldn't stand. Until he forgot how to. Until he understood what it meant to try and break someone who belonged to her.

Theo caught the look on her face and groaned. "Yeah, I'd really appreciate it if you didn't plan a full torture blueprint right now."

Cassie blinked. "What?"

"I would appreciate it," Theo said again Voice dry, "if you didn't plan a whole torture file on my bastard of a father."

A beat.

He gave her a crooked half-smile. "Because he's mine to kill "

Cassie choked out something between a laugh and a cough. "Right. Of course he is."

She reached into her pocket, fishing out her wand. "Come on, Nott. Take your shirt off."

He arched an eyebrow, lips twitching despite the swelling. "Little needy, aren't we, Black?"

She let out a huff—half a laugh—and for the first time in three days, something almost like life sparked behind her eyes. "Yeah," she said "Because all my life, all I've ever wanted was to see you shirtless in an abandoned muggle park"

He winced as he took off his Shirt. "You didn't have to be so mean about it."

Cassie didnt reply, because her eyes had caught on his ribs.

They weren't just bruised—they were wrecked. Deep bruises, discolored splotches that showed repeated blows. But it was the the tenderness beneath his ribs that made him flinch when he so much as breathed too deeply, that made her stomach drop.

"That bastard," she muttered, the words clawing out of her.

Theo shot her a wary glance. "Yeah, no shit—wait, what are you doing?" He'd seen her raise her wand.

"Healing you," Cassie said flatly.

"You can't use magic, Cass. You're underage—"

"Yeah, but look at this." She leaned in, wand angled toward him— showing him the thin, delicate line carved into the wand's base. A rune 

"My dad," she said the word strange on her tongue. "He carved it into mine. It's from the other rune book you said was useless. But it—" she looked away—"it makes my wand untraceable. I can do whatever the fuck I want."

Theo's eyes widened, just slightly. "That's... actually brilliant." he muttered, watching as she began to move the wand in smooth, practiced motions over his ribs. "You should've done that to mine too. Maybe then I could've killed him. And left."

Her hand didn't stop.

But she swallowed hard.

And didn't say a word.

Her wand worked its way , skin knitting under her palm as the worst of the swelling faded. 

Theo hissed, flinching. "Shit. That stings."

"Don't be a baby," she muttered.

"I'm bleeding internally, Cass."

"You're not anymore."

Silence.

Her breath came out shaky, and her hand slid down his jaw, over skin that still felt too warm—to be in so much pain- because of his own father Then, suddenly, she said it, something she'd been trying not to ask since the second she saw him again "Why didn't you leave earlier?"

"You think I didn't want to?" He replied "I was done after the first night. I tried, Cass. But the bastard—he'd thought of everything. Some kind of charm. Stops movement. You can't even open the front bloody door. Not even call the elves.."

Cassie groaned. "How did you escape, then?"

"Thanks to you," Theo said.

"What?"

"You escaped those Death Eaters that day. Voldy was—he was pissed." Theo's said. 
He didn't say which day out loud. Neither of them needed to.
"Thomas left in a hurry. Too scared. Forgot to recast the charm."

He shrugged one shoulder. "That's when I called Kreacher."

Cassie stared at him for a long time then she sighed. "Well atleast You're alive."

She let out a sigh, fingers brushing over the last bruise on his ribs. Her magic settled into his skinn until the angry blotch disappeared.

Theo winced as he sat up straighter, his breath hitching. Cassie didn't move. Just watched him. "I'm going to kill that monster," she said. Her voice wasn't even raised. It was just true 

"I'm going to break him," she said lookeing at him, "Tear him apart. Feed his bones to Mortem I'll make him beg, Theo. I'll make him bleed."'

 Theo didn't flinch. Instead, he exhaled like she'd just said something deeply romantic. He reached lazily for a stray leaf, tossed it aside. 

"Well," he said, brushing off his pants like this was all very routine, "play with him all you want, darling. Just leave the murdery bit for me." 

 Cassie blinked—then a slow half smile appeared across her face. "Of course."

Theo leaned forward, eyes never leaving hers. His hand reached up slowly, gently, and tucked a strand of her tangled hair behind her ear.  Her face, pale from sleeplessness. Her lips, bloodless and chapped. Eyes that hadn't cried in three days because they'd burned themselves dry.

He took it all in

"I'm sorry, Cass," he said softly.

Her jaw shifted. "For what?"

Theo stopped. He'd known this would happen—of course he had. Knew her like He knew breathing.. He'd known she would lock everything inside, let it rot inside her ribcage, never say a word until it settled into something ugly enough to make her bleed. Knew she'd lock it all away like she always did. Gritted teeth. Steady voice. Sleepless eyes. Half smirk.

He knew her.

He'd always known her.

Knew the way her silence wasn't strength—it was suffocation. Knew that when she went still, it meant she was breaking somewhere no one could see.

And still, she would show up for everyone else like a one-woman army.

But he couldn't let her rot like that.

He shifted closer

"Regulus," he said gently.

Cassie's jaw ticked. She nodded once. Sharp. Mechanical. "Oh. Yeah. Thanks."

Theo didn't speak immediately. He just looked at her—the kind of look that saw through her facade, no matter how hard she braced against it. 

She hated when he did that. Hated that he could see the mess she didn't say out loud. Hated that he knew her that well.

"You need to stop doing this, Cass."

Her head snapped up. "Doing what?"

He didn't flinch. Didn't blink. "Not telling. Not saying anything. Locking it all inside until it chews through you."

"I'm not—" But the lie died in her throat

Theo just looked at her.

And that—that quiet weight, that unbearable softness in his gaze—That knowingness, was somehow worse than yelling. Worse than pity.

Her mouth twisted. Defensive. "So what, you want me to cry on command? Want me to write you a fucking monologue about how fucked I am?"

No," he said quietly. "I just want you to be real with me. For once."

"I am being real."

"No," Theo said. "You're being strong."

Cassie froze.

"And I get it," he said, gentler now. "You think if you don't keep it all together, it'll break you. And People will see that."

"Don't" She murmured Her eyes still trained on the grass

"Why not?" he said, leaning in. "You're hurting. You watched him die, Cassie. And now you're—what? Just... stitching up my bruises and pretending that's all that happened?"

"I have to keep moving—"

"No, you don't."

"I do," she snapped. "Because if I stop—if I feel any of it—I'll break so hard I won't come back from it."

And there it was. Her voice cracked on the last word

Theo reached forward and took her hand. "You don't have to come back all at once, But I'm not going to stand here and watch you bury yourself next to him."

Cassie looked at him

"It is scary cause you're doing that cycle again Cass,  What you always do. You're pretending you're fine because it's easier than breaking."

"I am fine—"

"You're not."

A pause.

"And it's ok. To not be fine."

Cassie blinked. "So what, you think I should fall apart? That that would fix anything?"

Theo shook his head " I'm just saying Cass. I think if I were the one who'd lost someone I loved—if I'd watched them die and dragged their body and shut myself in a room for days—I think you wouldn't expect me to pretend like nothing happened."

Cassie opened her mouth. Closed it again.

"You'd be the first to say I didn't have to hold it alone," Theo added. "You'd be the first to burn down the world for me."

He shifted closer. Close enough that she could hear the heartbeat under his shirt.

"So why the fuck do you think I wouldn't do the same for you?" 

Cassie swallowed. Her throat was a dryHer hands shook, and she shoved them into the pockets of her coat like she could still hide it. Still pretend.

Theo tilted his head. "So I should repress what happened at the house too, then?"

The silence after was heavy

He didn't say what had happened. Didn't say Thomas or blood or broken ribs or the way he screamed.

He didn't have to.

Cassie blinked. Hard. "Of course not," she immediately said 

"Then why is it okay for you?"

That broke something. Not with a sob. Not with a scream. Not even with tears. It was subtler than that. Her mouth opened—then closed. Like she wanted to explain, to give him a reason that made it make sense. But all she managed was a shaky inhale.

And then, without another word, she turned and curled against the tree.

She didn't cry. Not out loud. BBut her body was rigid, arms vrossed across her ribs like she was holding herself together with force. Like if she relaxed for even a second, she would break.

Theo didn't say anything. Just shifted beside her, knees brushing hers. He waited until her shoulders slackened just enough, then he opened his arms.

Cassie didn't resist. She folded into him, He wrapped around her without hesitation. One arm slung low across her back, the other buried in her hair. She tucked her face against his neck. He could feel her breath stutter, short and shallow—panic threatening again—but he held her

Her fingers curled in his shirt. Tighter than necessary.

And when she spoke—finally—her voice was hoarse.

"She held me up in the air, Theo." Her chest heaved. "Bellatrix - She was going to take me. I was surrounded - three death eaters- Dad- Reg- He sav-"

Her voice broke.

And Theo didn't tell her to keep going.

Didn't interrupt.

He just pressed his forehead to hers and let her be silent again.

Because she needed that too.

And when the silence stretched long—when her breathing finally slowed—she said, "He died because of me- I cant- I don't know how to do this without him."

Theo's fingers moved gently along her spine.

"Then don't. I'm right here."

And for the first time in days, Cassie didn't feel like she was drowning alone.

She just felt held.

They just sat like that. Still. In silence beneath the old tree in an abandoned Muggle Park like the war couldn't touch them there.

Then, out of nowhere, Theo said quietly, "You were right, you know."

Cassie stirred slightly but didn't move. Her head still tucked under his chin

"He really is a monster."

She pulled back just enough to look at him properly, brows knitting.

Theo didn't look away. His voice was low  "I used to think... maybe he wasn't that bad. Maybe he was just like Lucius, you know? Obsessed with bloodline, influence—wanted me to follow his path. Join him. That kind of poison."

He let out a bitter breath. "I thought that was the worst of it. That maybe I could survive it."

Cassie didn't speak. She didn't interrupt.

"But then I heard what he said. About you."

Cassieeyes shifted.

Theo finally looked at her. His expression was unreadable—tight, controlled, but she could feel the fury radiating off him . "He said those things at the Ministry too, didn't he?"

She froze.

Because yes. Yes, Thomas Nott had stood across a battlefield and spoken about her like she was filth.How he looked at her like.

 She knew Theo—he'd rot from the inside out. Not with hate for Thomas. But with shame. Disgust. Like he should've stopped it. Like it was his fault. 

He would hate himself for not stopping it. And that would kill her more than anything Thomas could say.

"You had to hear that?" Theo said, his voice breaking on the last word. He didn't finish the sentence. He couldn't

Cassie didn't answer , her hand still pressed against his chest like she was trying to keep his heart from shattering. "It wasn't your fault," she said "None of it."

"No. But it was my bloody father, Cass." His snapped. "And he—he was so—"

Theo recoiled, turning away like he was ashamed of how disgusting he was- Cassie reached for him immediately.She touched his cheek and tilted his jaw back until he had no choice but to look at her. His eyes were glassy now

"Don't," she murmured. "Don't look away from me- Please- It wasn't you-"

Theo's lip trembled. "I never had a father," he said. "Not really. I didn't expect him to love me. Didn't expect warmth. Or mercy."

Cassie watched him.

Theo swallowed. "But what I didn't expect—what I couldn't wrap my head around—was him laughing over me while I screamed."

Cassie inhaled sharply like his pain punched her in the lungs. Her hands flew to both sides of his face now, cradling him like something precious and hers.

"I didn't expect him to enjoy it," Theo said, and he sounded... almost confused. Like he still couldn't believe it. Like some part of him was still that small boy, waiting to be chosen.

"I kept thinking, even as it happened, maybe he's testing me. Maybe if I just endure it—if I don't scream, if I don't break—he'll stop." He gave a crooked  smile. "Turns out, that was the fun part for him."

Cassie's fingers traced his jaw slowly "He doesn't get to define you."

"He already has," Theo murmured.

Cassie leaned in, forehead against his. "No. He tried. And he failed. Because you're still here. You came back. You chose me."

Theo's hand found hers, their fingers knotting together.

"You anchored me, Theo. You always do."

"I don't know who I am outside of him," he muttered.

"You're mine," she said instantly, fiercely.

Theo let out a shaky laugh

She pressed a kiss to the edge of his jaw, "You're mine," she repeated, "And Thomas is going to pay for touching what's mine. Je te promets, mon amour."

Theo huffed a breath through his nose. His mouth twitched like he wasn't sure whether to cry or laugh.

Then he looked down at her, his voice rasping: "I don't know where you're learning your French, Black, but your pronunciation is atrocious."

"Oh really?" she said, raising a brow.

He lifted a hand to her chin, tilted it ever so slightly, then leaned in—his mouth brushing the shell of her ear as he whispered it "Its Mon amour."

Soft. Perfect. Deadly.

Then Theo leaned in—just enough to close the space between them—and kissed her. It wasn't deep. It wasn't romantic. It was grounding, just enough to say I'm still here, I'm not letting go.

Cassie didn't move. She didn't even kiss him back—not really. She just let it happen, her eyes slipping shut like she could pretend, for half a second, that everything wasn't fractured beyond repair. But guilt coiled fast in her chest, familiar and sharp. She didn't deserve this—didn't deserve him—not after everything. Regulus was dead. Because of hher- and she- 

The kiss ended before she could decide what to feel. Theo pulled back slowly, breath still mingling with hers, his hand lingering at her jaw like he didn't want to let go.

Cassie leaned  back, eyes still half-closed. They sat like that for a moment, not speaking. The world felt quieter after everything. Those three days of hell- This felt like heaven. So quiet. But not calm. Never calm.

Cassie turned her head toward him slowly, voicehesitant. "How is he?" she asked. "Draco?"

Theo swallowed, shoulders tightening. That was all it took.

Cassie's brow furrowed. "What?" she said sharply. "What happened?"

Theo didn't answer. He just looked at her.

And that was enough.

Cassie's breath hitched. "No," 

Theo nodded once. "Yeah."

She stared at him, horrified. "Marked?"

"Yeah." His voice was flat now  "Thomas said Draco got it over the summer. Claimed he was given a mission, but... he was convinced Draco's meant to fail."

"What mission?" Cassie asked sharply.

"Thomas didn't say. Too busy hitting me. Kept saying I should've been there too. That I missed my chance to get branded by that—" Theo's jaw clenched. "—that snake-faced bitch."

Cassie let out a sharp breath, dragging her hand over her face. "Fuck. Draco. Fuck."

"I know," Theo said, quietly.

Cassie looked up at him jaw tight, her hollow eyes wild. "Shit's gotten real," she said.

Theo nodded. "It has."

"We have to help him," 

"Help him?" Theo's voice was incredulous. "Cass, we don't even know what the mission is. What if it's—what if it's attacking Hogwarts? Killing Potter? Blowing up the Ministry or something insane?"

"I don't care," she snapped  "I don't give a damn what it is. Draco has to succeed in it."

Theo stared at her, stunned. "You're serious."

"I don't care what the mission is. I care that if he fails, he dies. Voldemort would skin him alive. I care that he's alone, and scared, and that no one else is going to save him—"

"You're talking about risking everything—"

"I'm talking about saving Draco," she cut in. "If the world has to burn so the people I love survive—then so be it."

Before Theo could respond, there was a sudden rustle in the trees behind them.

Cassie jerked to her feet too fast. The world tilted. She stumbled—just a half-step—but Theo was already there, hands catching her by the waist. 

He hissed under his breath as her weight pressed slightly into him—he was still sore, bruised, But his hands didn't let go. One arm braced her around the waist, the other gripped her wrist 

"Careful," he muttered, voice low. "You're swaying," 

"I'm not," she bit out, even as her knees nearly buckled.

"You haven't eaten," he said. His voice wasn't accusing - just knowing "You didn't sleep either, did you?"

Cassie didn't answer. She just pressed her lips into a thin line, angry at her body, furious at the timing, and even more furious that she needed him right now.

But she didn't push him away.

Because the trees rustled again. Closer.

****

"Homenium Revelio," Cassie rasped, pointing her wand sharply at the hedges.

There was a shimmer—then a rustle—and from the hedge stepped a figure as familiar as he was despised.

"Well, well, Miss Black," came that infuriatingly calm voice, . "Not the welcome I was expecting"

Theo stiffened beside her, instinctively shifting forward.  "Dumbledore," he muttered.

Cassie didn't take her eyes off the old man. Her grip on her wand only tightened as the bearded figure stepped forward, Behind him walked Sirius—head bowed, avoiding her gaze entirely.

"Relax," Dumbledore said, his voice warm  "Its just us ,We're just here to talk."

Neither Cassie nor Theo lowered their wands "Prove it. That you are not Polyjuiced"

Dumbledore blinked at her. Cassie's jaw was locked, eyes flat. 

"What was the first detention you gave me?" she asked.

His eyes twinkled" Well in your first year you changed my door password to dumblydumb" he said "and I gave you 20 points for impressive charm work and a week detention"

Cassie tilted her head but nodded, pointing her wand at Sirius now. "what was the first thing you asked me, when we first met?"

Sirius blinked, throat bobbing. "I asked... if you were a Slytherin."

Cassie stared at him for a beat. Then, finally, lowered her wand. Theo followed.

"I appreciate your caution," Dumbledore said. "These days, it pays to follow Ministry protocols. You can never be too sure who's real."

"Save the small talk," Cassie rasped. "What do you want, Dumbles?"

"We just wanted to talk"

"We're not interested in what you're selling," Theo said flatly

But Dumbledore took a careful step forward. "I know," he said gently, "that you've both been through something devastating. Cassiopeia... I am truly sorry for the loss"

"Stop," Cassie snapped.

Sirius flinched. Dumbledore didn't. He  just folded his hands. Cassie caught something on one of them—.Black. Withered. Like his hand was rotting away. "You've been through a terrible loss."

Cassie's face twisted. "Don't."

"You need rest. Support. A purpose—"

"I said don't." Her voice was clenched.

But Dumbledore pressed on "Regulus was—"

Cassie flinched. It was so slight most wouldn't have caught it. The way her shoulders jerked, her nostrils flared, her fingers twitched like her wand might snap in her hand. But Theo noticed. Of course he did.

Her jaw locked tight. Theo moved without thinking—his hand reaching out, lacing through hers. She didn't look at him, but she didn't pull away either.

Dumbledore kept speaking, voice so calm it made Cassie want to scream. "Regulus was a complicated young man. Brave, in his way."

Her breath hitched.

Sirius looked down

Dumbledore took a step forward, palms raised like some benevolent leader. "I know this must be a very difficult time for you, Miss Black. I simply wanted to express my condolences."

His eyes twinkled. Cassie hated that. The way his face never cracked.  She didn't respond.

But Theo felt it—her hand tightening in his, tensisng with restraint. Her lip curled just slightly at the corner. Her face had gone cold, unreadable. Not strong.

Blank.

Emotion was retreating like a tide, leaving her face stoic. Theo stepped in front of her, barely an inch, shoulders squaring. "Back off."

Dumbledore's gaze slid to him. Calculating. "Theodore. I understand your protectiveness, but I come only with peace. Regulus's loss-

"Stop," Cassie snapped cutting him off "You don't get to say his name. You didn't know him. You didn't care. He was a name to you, a boy you never bothered to ask about. You don't deserve to speak his name."

Dumbledore sighed like she was being difficult. "Cassiopeia, we understand this is a terrible time. But we are not your enemies."

"No?" she snapped. "Could've fooled me."

"We came because we want to help."

"Help? Is that what this is?" 

Theo's grip on her hand tightened as her breathing grew ragged.  

"Then let's skip the empty condolences and get to it. Why are you really here, Dumbledore? What do you want?"

Dumbledore studied her—those piercing eyes dimmer than they used to be, gaze shifting briefly to Theo, then back to her. "There is a war coming, Miss Black."

Cassie arched a brow. "Coming? You're late. It's already here."

Dumbledore inclined his head slightly. "Then all the more reason we must gather our allies. Voldemort grows bolder. More violent. We've already lost too much."

Cassie's lip curled. "You're here to recruit me?"

He didn't deny it. "Both of you " he said, gaze sliding between her and Theo "You both have the fire. I offer you a purpose."

"Oh, brilliant." Cassie exhaled a half laugh "A purpose? You want me to grieve on a schedule and then go murdering on your behalf?"

"I want to give you a way to fight back," Dumbledore replied evenly. "A place in the Order. Protection. Allies. A chance to change the outcome before more lives are lost."

Theo's jaw flexed. "And what exactly does that entail?" His voice was low. "You don't strike me as the sort who gives without expecting payment."

Dumbledore's eyes twinkled  "I simply believe you both deserve a chance to choose your side before the choice is taken from you."

Cassie stepped forward "Don't pretend this is about choice," she said flatly. "You're here because you've done the math. Regulus is dead. Theo escaped. Voldemort wants us. That makes us valuable — to you. "

Dumbledore didn't answer

"Isn't that why you waited until he was dead to show up? There's been a loss, hasn't there? My loss/ And you're you. So you're here to turn it into an opportunity."

Still, he said nothing.

"I thought so." Cassie said coldly "You want me in the Order?" she went on. "Fine. What do I get?"

Dumbledore blinked. "You'd be fighting for the greater good—"

"I don't fight for anyone, Dumbledore," Cassie snarled "Especially not for your so-called greater good." She spat. "That phrase has buried enough bodies already, hasn't it?"

He studied her "You want revenge, don't you, Miss Black? "

Cassie stilled. Her breath hitched—just enough. Just a flicker. But it was there. 

Dumbledore's eyes gleamed. Like he'd found the crack in her armor. " I can give you that."

Theo's head turned sharply, his grip tightening around her fingers. His eyes snapped to her, catching that shift—then flicked back to Dumbledore with disgust.

Cassie didn't move. Because Dumbledore was right.

But she would rather be crucio'd again than let him know it.

Dumbledore pressed on "With your magic, and the Order's intelligence... we could find him. Together."

"Oh, is that what you're offering?" she said. "You'll let me off the leash if I do it your way?"

"You would have guidance—"

"You think I need guidance?" she snapped, suddenly wild. "You think I'm waiting for your permission to kill the bastard who murdered my—"

Her voice broke. Just for a second.

She covered it  "How exactly do you plan to offer me revenge?" She asked "You don't approve of killing, do you, Dumbledore? You don't approve of me killing. But if I join, there's going to be a lot of that. You however preach mercy and forgiveness."

"I preach restraint where it matters."

"Well, I hope you look away," she said, eyes gleaming dark. "When I find Rookwood—do you know what I'll do to him?"

Her voice dropped.  "I'm going to cut out his tongue. So he can't say the incantation again. I'm going to break every bone in his wand hand. I will carve into his spine with the edge of my wand until he's begging. And then—then I'll pull his worst memory and force him to relive it again and again and again.

And then I'll start hurting him." She said

"You ask me to join your war—are you prepared to watch what I'll do?"

Sirius flinched.

 Dumbledore didnt "You could be so much more, Cassiopeia. Your power is extraordinary but you rage is dangerous. Unchecked, it could destroy you."

She smiled with no humor. "Oh, I'm counting on it."

Dumbledore folded his hands behind his back, watching her "There are other ways. You could redirect it. That pain. That fury. You don't have to let it eat you alive."

"Eat me alive?" Cassie echoed, taking a single step forward. "Professor, I am what's left after the feast."

Theo didn't say anything, but he didn't move either. He just watched her like he always did

Dumbledore's gaze swept to him, just briefly. "And you, Mr. Nott? Do you approve of this... outlet?"

Theo's jaw tensed. "I approve of her. 

He took a step forward standing beside her

"She doesn't need my approval. She doesn't need anyone's, least of all yours." His eyes were cold  "But she is right. You don't care about what happens to her. Or me. Or any of us."

"You only come knocking when we're useful. That's your game, isn't it? Turn the right students into soldiers. Tolerate the rest. Pretend the Gryffindors won the war and act like Slytherins didn't bleed for your victory. As long as they don't mess up your story."

"You're mistaken-" Dumbledore started

"No. I'm not," Theo said. "You don't care about redemption. You care about image. You preach mercy until it's inconvenient. You say you don't believe in killing—but you'll watch us bleed if it wins your war. You'll use us just like they would- Except they show it- and you hide behind  that perfect savior mask of yours "

Dumbledore folded his hands, but there was something hard about the silenc. Tired.
"I don't want to control you. But I can't stop you either. So I offer this instead- when the time comes... I'll let you burn him."

Cassie's eyes narrowed

He met her gaze squarely. "After that... perhaps, Cassiopeia, we could be allies."

She stared at him.  "And what happens when I want to burn you, too?" she asked almost softly

Dumbledore didn't answer. But something—just for a second—twitched in his expression. A crack in the calm. A flicker of... something

Cassie tilted her head, the corner of her mouth barely twitching. "Yeah. That's what I thought."

She stepped back "We'll think about it."

"You both could be extremely valu—" Dumbledore started, but Theo cut in, "She said we'll think about it." 

His gaze locked onto Dumbledore's. 

Dumbledore inclined his head slowly. "Very well. Take care, Miss Black. Mr. Nott."He turned and walked away But Sirius didn't move.

He stayed behind, just a few feet away, his eyes flicking between the two of them. Then settling on her. "Cassiopeia—" he started

"You don't speak to her directly," Theo said flatly, stepping between them.

Sirius flinched. But he looked past him anyway, eyes desperate, hollow. "Cassie... listen—I'm sorry. I know. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness, and what I said that day—afetr the ministry—it can't be undone. But just..." His voice broke. "Just let me say it. Please."

Cassie said nothing. Just looked at him—directly this time

"I'm sorry, Cass," Sirius said quietly. "Truly. I won't ask you to stop hating me. I deserve it. All of it. But please..."

He stepped forward, just a little. "Don't leave."

Theo looked at Cassie again. Her expression didn't shift.

So he turned back to Sirius,

Sirius swallowed hard, "This is your house, after all. Stay. Both of you." He gave Theo the smalles nod. "If Dumbledore's right, you're both on the Death Eaters' list. It's not safe out there. And you don't have to be alone."

He hesitated. "You have people who care about you. Remus. Kreacher"

"Me."

Cassie's expression flickered—but she still didn't respond. but Theo gave Sirius a single nod. Not quite forgiveness. But maybe the absence of rage.

And Sirius walked away.
***

Theo just looked at her.

Cassie sighed, head tilting back."I don't know about you, but I'm about five seconds away from fainting. Standing sucks"

Theo gave a short, breathless laugh. "Yeah. Same. Let's get the hell out of here."

He gave her a quick once-over.
"You're okay, right?"

"Yep," Cassie said flatly.

Theo raised a brow.

She met his gaze. "What? Oh—you want the truth?"

"Obviously."

Cassie exhaled through her nose. "Then no. Not really, Theo." Her voice was tired "But I will be. You're back. You're here with me."

A beat.

"That counts for something."

Theo sighed softly and reached out, catching her hand and pulling her in—arms curling around her .Cassie let herself be held, head tipping against his chest.

"You're fine, right?" she asked, voice muffled.

He looked down at her, quiet for a moment. "I've got my favorite storm back in my arms again," he murmured. "Yeah. I will be."

Cassie let out a soft breath and pulled back just enough to take his hand again. "Alright. Let's head back. Try not to fall over each other or faint on the way."

Theo gave a small grin. "No promises love. My rib just healed."

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

They had barely stepped through the front door of Grimmauld Place when a blur shot across the hallway.

"Mistress! You are alive—Mistress is alright!" Kreacher threw his arms around Cassie's waist 

Cassie blinked, startled. "Of course I am, Kreacher," she said, forcing a smile as she patted his back. "You didn't think I'd let a bunch of inbreds in cloaks get the better of me, did you?"

"Mistress always triumphs," Kreacher sniffed proudly, pulling back to squint up at her. "Kreacher is ready to serve in any way Mistress requires."

"Good," Cassie murmured, leaning down to say something in his ear.

"Yes, Mistress. At once." Kreacher gave a sharp nod and scuttled off.

"Oh, and Kreacher, darling," she called behind him "where are Mortem and Nyx?"

"Mistress's pets are downstairs—with the blood traitors' pet," he said eyes narrowing. "But Mistress need not worry—Kreacher shall bring them up immediately."

"Thanks, love," 

Theo glanced at her, bemused. "What did you tell him?"

"Nothing much," she said. "Just to get a room ready for us and send up some food."

"A room?" Theo echoed. "Singular?"

She glanced sideways at him, dry. "I can call him back if you want—"

"Hey." He held up both hands, deadpan. "Do I look like I'm complaining?"

Cassie rolled her eyes but the corner of her mouth twitched. She started toward the stairs—only to freeze when a voice called out behind her. 

"Cassiopeia."

She stiffened, spine snapping straight. Her jaw clenched. 

Potter.

She turned slowly, eyes narrowing.

Harry stood there like he'd walked into the wrong hallway and didn't know how to leave. Hermione hovered behind him, wringing her hands, and Ron was clearly pretending he wasn't there.

"Uh—" Harry cleared his throat, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm... sorry. For what happened. I didn't know—"

Cassie cut him off with a flat look. "Well. I'm glad you consider us worthy of your sympathy, Potter."

Harry winced.

"I mean, really," she went on "must be exhausting being the center of the universe. Must've taken all your strength to look up long enough to realize someone else got hurt."

Hermione opened her mouth, clearly ready to step in, but Theo's hand came to rest lightly on Cassie's arm.  Harry looked at Theo for a second—really looked. Saw the healing slashes across his cheek, the bruises he didn't bother hiding.

"You too," Harry said. "I'm... sorry."

Theo didn't respond. Just stared at him, impassive, like he was deciding whether or not Harry was worth replying to.

Eventually, Cassie turned her back to them. But just before stepping onto the stairs, she stopped and glanced over her shoulder.

"You want to help, Potter?" She said "Go learn how to duel."

Harry opened his mouth.

Cassie cut him off. "And if you pull that Department of Mysteries shit again—relying on Expelliarmus while murderers aim to kill—you won't last two days." She spat. 

"As much as I'd love to see you bleeding out, I'd rather not watch the resistance crumble because its golden boy couldn't digest hurting the people who slaughtered thousands."

And with that, she turned and climbed the stairs,  Theo followed, muttering under his breath, "That went well."

Cassie didn't turn. "He's lucky I didn't hex him."

 "Truly merciful of you Darling"

Behind them, the door creaked shut again

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

Mortem let out a shrill screech from the corner of the room the moment Cassie stepped inside.

She blinked—then a rare smile ghosted across her face. "Hi to you too," she murmured, crossing the floor as the owl flapped her wings angrily in her cage. The moment Cassie unlatched the door, Mortem hopped out onto her shoulder with a disapproving nip to her ear.

From the opposite wall, Nyx hissed lpressing against the glass of her enclosure Cassie reached out and touched the side. "I'm okay,"

The room itself was lit in that hollow way Grimmauld always felt. On the bed sat two steaming plates of food and a neatly folded change of clothes. She didn't have to ask to know it was Kreacher's doing.

Theo looked around, then sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Now that's a welcome."

Cassie snorted. "I trained him well."

Theo sat on the edge of the bed and winced "I might've missed out on something, though," 

She turned to look at him, brows raised.

"You know. I was so focused on escaping alive, I didn't really pack."

Cassie huffed. "That's it? We'll go shopping or rob a muggle—whichever's easier. Till then, just—" She stopped. Her throat worked once. "Wear Regulus's. Kreacher probably kept them already in the cupboard."

Theo's expression flickered at the name. But he nodded once. "I'll check."

They didn't talk about it

Instead, they sat down to eat. Theo tried not to wince when he moved, but Cassie noticed. Of course she did.

"You're still hurting ?" 

He stabbed a piece of roast with more force than necessary. "I'm starving."

"That's not an answer."

"No, but it's a good distraction," he muttered, chewing despite the tension in his jaw. His ribs ached with every breath, but he wasn't going to say anything. He could breathe. He could eat. And Cassie was alive, He was alive and actually here.

Cassie watched him for a moment—then slowly picked at her own plate. The first bite was difficult. Her body didn't feel hungry but she didn't want him to see it. She kept chewing anyway.

It wasn't a feast. But it felt like one after everything.

Cassie didn't finish her plate, but she tried, and that was more than yesterday. The second she set her spoon down, she grabbed a towel and stood. "I call dibs on the shower." 

Theo groaned dramatically, flopping back on the bed and wincing "You're cruel."

"Surprised it took you this long to realize."

"Ughh. But don't use all the hot water or I'll hex you."

"You'll try," she shot back
**

When she emerged fifteen minutes later, hair dripping and face flushed—the shadows under her eyes hadn't faded. Not entirely. And her face was still pale . But she didn't look like a corpse anymore. Just... a very pissed-off banshee in a clean t-shirt and shorts.

Theo hadn't moved. He was sprawled across the bed watching her with the barest flicker of amusement through hooded eyes

Cassie toweled her hair dry and arched a brow. "You planning to die in that bed?"

"Thinking about it," Theo muttered.

She tossed the towel at him. "You're covered in blood. Some of it isn't even yours."

"Battle trophy."

"Gross," she said flatly, walking past him. "You almost died. Twice. Go. Wash off whatever spell residue is still stuck to you. You're walking around like your ribs are held together with spite and gum."

Theo blinked, then looked up at her — half amused, half reluctant. "Are you fussing?"

"I'm telling you to go wash your damn self before you spoil the sheets. Not the same."

Still, when she turned away, he rose without arguing. As he passed her in the doorway, he paused — just a second too long.  "You know," he said smug "if you wanted me naked and wet, you could've just said so."

Cassie didn't even flinch just flipped him off  "I'll hex your ribs back into your lungs."

Theo grinned and disappeared into the bathroom with a limp.

She stood still in the middle of the room, her expression flickering for a moment as she picked up the dishes and moved them to the side. For the first time in days, her heart didn't feel like it was splintering under its own weight.

Just bruised.
**************************

Theo stepped out of the bathroom still damp, wearing one of Regulus's old black t-shirts,and shorts Water glistened in his collarbones and soaked the ends of his hair. His ribs ached like hell and he hadn't dared glance at the mirror too long.

Cassie was already in bed back against the headboard. Her hair was damp, face pale, but she looked almost alive again. Almost. She was staring at the ceiling 

Theo sighed, wordless, and tossed the towel to the side before crawling into bed next to her.

They didn't speak at first.

Just breathed the same heavy air.

"You planning to keep glaring at the ceiling till it surrenders?" Theo muttered.

Cassie didn't look at him. "It's thinking about it."

His lips twitched. He tilted his head against the headboard, let their shoulders brush.

She finally turned to him, voice low. "We're not strong enough."

Theo blinked, slow. "You survived a six-on-two ambush. My ribs held together with spells and rage. And we're still breathing."

"That's not strength. That's luck. That's spite." She exhaled sharply. "We need to be better."

Theo looked at her fully now  eyes flickering across her face. "How."

"We have to start practicing the Unforgivables."

"We already know spells that can kill."

"Yeah, we do. But an Avada's cleaner. Faster. Less drain on your magic core."

He narrowed his eyes. "That's... a very specific detail to know."

She hesitated.

"What?" 

She looked down at her wrist "You know those—veins? The nosebleeds?"

Theo narrowed his eyes. "The ones you swore had stopped?"

"Yeah. Well. I lied." She met his gaze this time . "They're worse now. During the duel, I lost control and there was this burst—magic just... exploded. And then, when he—" Her voice cracked. "When Regulus died, I lost control again. My upper torso veins went black. I couldn't stop it. I didn't even feel the burn until after."

Theo stared at her 

"So," she said, voice deliberately light, "we're adding 'try not to let Cassie implode like a bomb' to our to-do list."

Theo let out a breath. "Great. So our team's made up of a chronically cursed girl with a god complex and a guy with a sociopath for a father."

She snorted  "Dream team."

"I mean, at least we look good doing it."

That earned him a laugh "That we do, But I think the first step is sleep. I haven't properly closed my eyes in two days."

Theo made a soft, amused sound. "Sleep sounds illegal."

She grinned—barely—but it counted. "After that, I'll carve the untraceable rune into your wand."

He smirked. "That's the hottest threat you've ever made."

Cassie leaned over, pressed apeck to his lips— And then she sank down under the sheets beside him. He followed, arm draping over her waist instinctively.

They didn't move when Sirius peeked around the door frame two hours later, gaze softening at the sight of them. They didn't stir even as voices rose outside

Cassie, for the first time in days, looked almost peaceful.

Not whole. Not healed.

But breathing, and not alone.

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

Outside in the hallway

The door creaked shut behind them. Sirius didn't speak at first. Just stood there, jaw clenched, eyes flickering like he wanted to punch something

Remus leaned against the wall, arms folded. "They're asleep," he said . "Finally."

"She's sixteen," Sirius muttered, running a hand through his hair. "Sixteen, Moony. And she's in worse shape than half the bloody Order."

Remus looked at him carefully. "What happened"

"I'm furious," Sirius snapped. "But not at her."

"She almost died, Remus," Sirius snapped, voice low "And he knew. That bastard knew. Dumbledore knew she was in danger. He knew she was bleeding in front of her house , and he still—Merlin, he still showed up like it was just another Thursday!"

Remus kept his voice even. "I know, Padfoot. Believe me, I know. But you can't just abandon the Order."

"Watch me."

Remus stepped in front of him. "You think this is what Regulus would've wanted? You think Cassie would want—?"

"Don't," Sirius growled, "Don't talk to me about what Regulus wanted."

"He died saving her." Remus snapped

That stopped him.

"I know," he bit out. "I know, alright? I watched her drag his corpse through this house. I watched her scream herself hoarse trying to bring him back. And where was Dumbledore?" He slammed his hand against the wall. "Where the fuck was he when she needed someone—anyone?"

"I know-

"And he still had the balls to show up like some messiah," Sirius hissed. "Offer her a spot in his little resistance."

"I know you're angry," Remus said  "And you should be. I don't trust Dumbledore the way I used to either. But think about it—Regulus asked you to keep her alive. And keeping her close to the only real resistance we have might be one of the few ways we can.

" Think logically, Padfoot. He's not perfect, but we might not have a better option—"

"I'm not asking for perfect," Sirius snapped. "I'm asking for human. For someone who gives a damn when one of ours dies."

"He does care."

"Then why does he always act like it's part of the plan?" Sirius hissed, eyes burning. "Like Regulus dying —it's all some noble sacrifice on the road to victory."

"Because he doesn't want to admit he didn't think it through," Remus snapped. 

"That's what I've figured, over the years. Dumbledore's biggest flaw—he doesn't know how to admit he's wrong. So he hides it behind the greater good. He has a plan- But protecting himself is the center of it."

Silence.

Just Sirius breathing hard. 

"I don't care, Moony," he finally said shaking his head. "I can't help him anymore. I won't."

"So what do we do then, Sirius?"

Sirius leaned against the wall  "She's out there," he murmured. "Fighting on her own terms."

"Why the hell can't we?"

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

AHH-

I WAS PRETTY CONFUSED- LIKE- HOW WOULD CASS- REACT TO THEODORE

BUT I THINK IDID A PRETTY OK JOB-  ON THE FLOW

That both of them just had really traumatic experiences-  so i think- them just going back to normal isnt really accurate- but they are just glad to have each other alive- cos they had spent half their time worrying if the other one was alive-

so they are trying to just go back- but its not gonna just slide back right.

Aaand- i think both of them really needed that trauma dump-

ALSO- UGH I HATE DUMBLDORE- GLAD HE HAS STARTED TO DIE-

=== I ended up missing my college today cos my alarm didnt ring- and guess what? my professor decided to finish 5 massive topics

so i guess ill end staying up to study them-

anywyas

till next ttime 

mxriddle