Theo's eyes cracked open to damp stone and flickering torchlight. His neck ached where it had lolled forward, and when he tried to lift his arms, iron clanked hard against the pull of his wrists. Shackles.

His first thought wasn't himself. It was Cassie.

Her head lolled against the chair beside him, curls spilling into her face, leather jacket crooked at her shoulder. Too still. Too quiet.

Theo's pulse spiked. "Cassie," he rasped under his breath, testing the chains. They bit into his skin. Nothing. She didn't move.

A shuffle of boots across stone. Theo's head snapped up.

From the dark at the edge of the chamber, a figure stepped forward- not Death Eater robes, but muggle clothes: black jeans, heavy boots, a long unnecessary coat that brushed the floor. The mask was worse. Not a smooth porcelain, not theatrical—this one was wrong. Too lifelike. A pale, grinning face- skin like material stretched too tight over bone, the mouth twisted up in a carved grin, and two hollow eye sockets where there should've been eyes. An Acolyte?

Theo's jaw twitched. Whoever wore that mask tilted their head like they were admiring a display in a shop window. First at Theo. Then, slowly at Cassie.

"Ah," the voice came muffled, distorted through the mask. "You're awake."

Theo's voice dropped into a growl. "Don't look at her."

That earned him a chuckle. "Oh, she was awake before you." His tone shifting to something lazy "Mouthy little thing. So we put her back to sleep."

Theo's chains groaned under his strain. "If you touched her—" 

"What will you do?" the masked man cut in "Rattle your chains at me? Snarl like a dog? " He cocked-  holding up a gloved hand in mock surrender. " Relax. You're cuffed. She's cuffed. I'm not stupid." He tilted his head, the mask's carved grin making the moevement uncanny. "A bit more of that gas, and down she went again."

He crouched, getting close enough that Theo caught a faint scar beneath the mask's jawline. "But it's good to see your... instincts are still intact. Protective. Loyal. That's what your master prizes, isn't it? Loyalty."

Theo bared his teeth. "I don't have a master."

"Oh, but you do," the Acolyte said, voice lazy. "And you are loyal. And loyalty makes you predictable."

Theo's mouth curled in mock sympathy. "Predictable's better than being a coward - rat who hides his face because his mum didn't love him enough. Or because the world's too tired of staring at whatever ugly accident you've got under there."

 The Acolyte's hand twitched on his wand. For a moment, Theo thought he'd strike—but instead the man straightened with a grunt, stepping in a slow circle around him.

"So," he said lightly, "are you going to tell me what you and your little princess were doing sniffing around the city?"

Theo's jaw set. He didn't answer.

"I'll take that as a no." The Acolyte came closer, boots scraping the floor. "Let's make it simple. Names. Locations. You give me those, and maybe I won't break your fingers one by one."

Theo smirked without looking up. "You'll have to come closer to break them. Which means I can spit in your face—and I will."

The man's voice didnt waver - infuriatingly calm "Why are you hhere?"

Theo met his gaze through the empty eyeholes. "Because someone's got to clean the streets of filth like you. Guess it's not self-cleaning."

The wand twitched in the man's grip. "What were you and the girl doing near the church?"

"Sightseeing. Your mother was busy, so we thought we'd Catch the rats instead And look we caught one-"

The Acolyte's head tilted- jaw clenching beneath the mask-  He leaned forward "Where's your base?"

Theo's answer was to spit—hitting the mask just below the carved grin. "Right up your ass where your brain's been hiding."

The man gave a low laugh, wiping the spit "Charming."

"You haven't seen charming yet," Theo said, leaning forward against the chains. "But stick around, and I'll carve you a smile to match that mask."

The Acolyte let out a breath, as though amused. "You'll talk, Boy. They all do. Sooner or later, the body betrays the mind."

Theo's voice was flat. "Not mine."

"You think you're untouchable boy?"

"I think you're boring," Theo said. "If you're going to threaten me, at least get creative. Tell me you'll feed me to dogs, or string me up by my guts. Make it art, man."

The Acolyte's knuckles flexed on his wand—then slowly, deliberately, he leveled it at Theo's chest.

Theo raised a brow, grin sharp. "Finally ready to do something? I was worried you were all play."

The man's teeth bared in a grin beneath the mask. "Oh, I am."

And then, without warning, the wand swung from Theo to Cassie—coming to rest against her limp forehead.

The change in Theo was instant.
The cocky smirk vanished, lips peeling back in a snarl The cuffs screeched as he lunged forward, muscles straining hard enough to make the cuffs bite deep into his wrists. "Don't you dare" he growled

"Ah," the Acolyte drawled - amused- pressing the wand harder to her temple, "the crack in the armor."

Theo's chest heaved. His brain spun through lies, half‑truths, manipulaytive games Cassie would've played with ease if she were awake. But she wasn't. And Theo couldn't lie worth a damn when it came to her life

"Talk Tobias" the man said, the wand unmoving. "Why are you here?"

Theo's chair screeched as he lurched forward against the restraints "If you so much as touch her, I'll make sure you don't just die—you'll rot while you're still breathing. I'll take your tongue first, so you can't beg. Then your fingers, one by one, until you forget which hand held the wand. I'll keep you alive long enough to hear her laugh while I do it."

The Acolyte didn't flinch . If anything, h sounded pleased. "Better," he said softly. "Keep talking like that—just answer what I'm asking. Or your little girlfriend here dies."

He pressed the wand harder to Cassie's temple.

Theo's chains rattled as he surged against them "I'd Like to see you try-" His voice was ice now, "She's worse than me. Worse than all of you put together. You think anything breaks her? Wait until she smiles—really smiles—at the thought of skinning you alive. That's who you've cuffed. That's who you've just put a wand to."

For the first time, the Acolyte's head tilted, studying Cassie. Her head hung forward, curls hiding most of her face. His gaze lingered a beat longer than necessary.

Theo leaned back into his chair, His wrists were raw and red"Go on. Wake her up. See how long you last."

Silence stretched.

Then the wand lowered. A low gruff laugh slipped from behind the mask. "Oh I will- Maybe later. I'd rather hear her scream myself."

Theo's jaw tightened, a muscle ticking.

The Acolyte stepped back toward the door. "I'll give you some time to think, Tobias. She'll be awake soon enough."

The door shut behind him with a dull thud

Alone now, Theo's fingers clenched the cold cuffs, every muscle coiling/ The metal bit deep, but he pulled, tested—nothing gave.

His gaze flicked to Cassie's still form, slumped like a shadow in the chair.

Minutes stretched, heavy and suffocating, until a slight movement caught his eye—a twitch of her fingers

"Cassie?" 

No response.

He shifted, grimacing as the chains bit deeper, testing again with more force.

Seconds later, a slow, ragged breath escaped her lips.

Her eyes fluttered open.  A groan escaped her as her head lolled, curls sticking to her cheek. For a second Theo thought she'd slump back—but then she blinked at him, bleary, lips twitching into the faintest smirk.

"Well," she rasped, voice scratchy, "looks like we finally got that sleep we wanted"

Theo let out a sharp breath- a half laugh  "Yeah," he said dryly, "perfect ambience—shame about the mattress." He rattled the cuffs "A little stiff. Next time I'll find us a bed. Less mildew. No chains."

She smirked testing the cuffs. "Speak for yourself." The cuffs jingled as she stretched deliberately"This has its charm."

He shifted the chair closer leaning forward "The charm wears off when I think about someone else putting them on you."

"That's because you're possessive." Her eyes glittered. "I like that about you."

Theo's voice dropped "possessive doesn't begin to cover it."

Cassie's smile went feline. "Then don't cover it. Show me."

Theo shook his head, a laugh escaping. "You do realize we're captured. Possibly about to be tortured."

She tilted her head, "Mmm, torture's a lot sexier when You say it"

Theo groaned, half exasperated, half amused. "You're fucking with my head—are you seriously going to make me want you now? When we should be planning our damn escape, not fantasizing about kissing before they slit our throats?"

She gave him a sly grin, eyes flicking to the cuffs that bound them. "Ah, you're right. As much as I like seeing you chained up..." She trailed off, then tugged at the cuffs, testing the weight. "They're not even strong chains." Her fingers slid along the iron. We could pull free if we really wanted. Which begs the question—why make it this easy?"

Theo's mouth curved, sharp and humorless. "Maybe they like watching their prey wiggle."

"Or maybe," Cassie said sweetly, "they're underestimating us again. And you know how much I love proving people wrong."

Theo's eyes flicked to hers, "You do, darling. You do."

Their fingers brushed again "Let's make sure they remember why."

Cassie's lips twitched "After we break these chains."

A rough, tired voice cut through dripping with disdain. "Merlin, you two are insufferable."

Cassie and Theo froze, eyes snapping to the door instinctively.

The broad-shouldered figure from before stepped in, mask still on, shadowed and solid. Behind him, another figure emerged—taller, leaner, with a gruff voice .

"Give them half a chance and they'll—" the tall one began.

"—make out on your corpse?" Cassie finished sweetly without bothering to look up. She cast a sideways glance at Theo. "Darling, hear that? They've been watching."

Theo's mouth curved  "Can't blame them Mon cœur, you're quite the spectacle."

The lean one's eyes flickered with disdain, voice dripping sarcasm. "Spectacle's right."

Somethingtugged  at Cassie's memory. She leaned, her shoulder brushing Theo's, and muttered in his ear, voice low so only he could hear. "Alright. New plan. If they manage to make me angry enough, maybe I can get that... you know. The outburst. Magic flare, blow the cuffs. Think you can handle making me mad?"

Theo's lips tugged. "Please. I've been practicing for years."

"Good." She straightened, flashing a feral grin at the two Acolytes. "Then we're sorted."

Theo leaned back in his chair, deceptively lazy. "In the meantime, how about you boys do us a favor and take off those masks? It's very hard to take someone seriously when they look like a failed art project."

Cassie hummed, eyes raking the mask. 

" Go on then. Take them off. Let's see which of you is the disappointment your mothers cried about." Theo drawled

Cassie hummed as if amused  "Yes, unmask. Unless you're worried I'll laugh. Which I probably will."

The taller one's head tilted. "You two talk too much."

"Aw," Cassie cooed. "Was that supposed to be threatening? Try again, darling. I like my enemies with bite."

Theo's smile was slow, dangerous. "And I like mine with a pulse I can stop."

Her grin sharpened as she added, "Go on then. Show me which of you is uglier."

The two figures exchanged a quick glance, unamused and unimpressed. Neither rose to the bait. Instead, they looked at each other like exasperated parents watching two children putting on a show, then turned their eyes back to the cuffed couple.

Cassie's brow lifted, as if taking their silence as a personal challenge. She shifted slightly, tilting her head, before turning back to Theo "You know what's funny about masks? They make everyone look the same. Bit dull, really. If you're going to kidnap me, at least have the decency to be interesting."

Theo scoffed under his breath "They're not interesting. They're placeholders. Faceless idiots in cheap costumes."

Cassie tilted her head, watching the figures pace now  "Mm, placeholders with very questionable fashion sense. Honestly, sweethear, who designed those? brown lumps? It's giving... scarecrow chic."

The first  masked one bristled, shoulders tightening.

Theo smirked, catching it instantly. "Oh, struck a nerve. Don't tell me you chose that mask yourself."

Cassie made a mock gasp. "You did, didn't you? Oh, tragic. He thought it was intimidating, Theo."

Theo grinned  "It's adorable, really. Like a child with finger paint and too much glue."

Cassie ]stifled a laugh. "Stop. You'll hurt his feelings."

The second masked figure stepped closer, 

Theo eyed him up and down. "And you—don't think you're spared. You look like a medieval kettle."

Cassie lost it, laugh echoing through the room. "Yes! I knew it was bothering me. Thank you, Theo. You've nailed it. Kettle‑core chic."

The first figure growled low. "You think this is a joke?"

Cassie leaned back lazily, crossing her legs "Oh sweetheart, everything's a joke until someone bleeds."

Theo's eyes gleamed as he added, "We're just trying to figure out whether you're more 'failed Death Eater' or 'tragic village play actor.'"

The taller one's hand clenched tightly around his wand, knuckles whitening

But it was the first one who spoke "What changes when you see who we really are? You're still not walking out of here."

A dry chuckle escaped the taller one  ""But you have to admit, it's easier to talk without these damn masks you make us wear."

The first one shrugged, completely unbothered, fingers curling around the edge of his mask as he peeled it off

Cassie froze.

Theo's smirk slipped.

Elias's familiar grin gleamed at them

"Surprise."

Cassie's stomach dropped out. She didn't move. Didn't blink. Only shifted her eyes sideways, catching Theo's stare. That silent exchange was enough—his look said what the actual fuck, hers said don't you dare be as rattled as I am.

The second figure chuckled low, muffled through the mask before peeling it off. Marvin's face emerged, smug and sharp, as if he'd been waiting for this moment all along.

Cassie's throat went dry.

Theo exhaled once, hard, nostrils flaring.

Their chains clinked as they both just strained—staring sideways, at each other—We—what the fuck. So fucking stupid-

Elias's grin widened at their stunned faces. "Oh, look at you. Idiots. Absolute idiots."

Marvin threw his head back, laughing. "Oh, you should see your faces. Absolute picture. Like a couple of first‑years who just realized they've been fed a trick wand."

Elias arched a brow. "What did you expect? You walk into our streets, stir up smoke, and think we wouldn't notice? Amateurs."

Marvin jabbed a thumb toward them, still grinning. "Look at them, El. Completely gobsmacked. Told you would be worth the whole show."

Theo muttered, barely audible, "You've got to be kidding me."

Cassie, still staring, finally exhaled a single disbelieving laugh, sharp and humorless. "Oh, that is delicious. You—" her eyes flicked to Elias, "with your clumsy 'oops I bumped into you' act," then to Marvin, "and you, pretending you couldn't be arsed to even look at us. All that time... puppeteering us like a bad joke."

The two acolytes only laughed harder, like they'd just won the best prank of the year.

Cassie leaned back in her chair, cuffs rattling as she stretched her arms . Her eyes cut to Elias glittering sharp. "Oh, just wait until I get out of these. I'll gut you in front of that little shop of yours," she said sweetly,

Theo smirked looking at her. "Messy, love. Blood's terrible for business. Better to burn the place down—no clean‑up."

Cassie's grin widened "See, He's got the right idea. Efficient."

Marvin only laughed, throwing himself into a chair opposite them, legs sprawled "There it is. The little psychopath routine. I wondered when that would come out."

 He leaned forward, grin wolfish. "Y'know how I knew? You two talked too loud. Twice. Mentioned the words 'Death Eaters' right there in the pub." He jabbed his finger at them, shaking his head. "That was all I needed. Practically walked yourselves into our hands."

Cassie's head tipped, lashes lowering, lips pressing She hated that he was right.

Elias, on the other hand, wasn't even pretending to be bothered. "We're not gonna kill you," he said flatly. "If we wanted to, it would've been done already. You know that, don't you?"

His gaze flicked to Cassie, who met it with a sharp tilt of her head.

"And you're not going to kill us too," Marvin added with a smirk. "We're caught in the middle of your little war, aren't we? Who' was it between, then? Dumbledore's Order of—what was that bird you mentioned?" Marvin asked Elias.

"Phoenix," Elias replied, voice dry. "And the Dark Lord."

"Yes" Marvin spat " I mean- we were told Voldemort might send someone sniffing around. Didn't think it would be children "

Theo barked out a laugh at that, sharp and bitter. "Wait. You think we're working for Voldy?"

"Why else would you drop 'Death Eaters' in the middle of a crowded room?" Elias asked gruffly, tone almost disappointed

Cassie's grin widened, teeth flashing  "Oh, honey. No. We were searching for them. And we wouldn't even have known you two were hiding here if you hadn't pulled that ridiculous little smoke‑bomb trick."

Marvin's mouth twitched, like he wanted to smirk but was holding it back

Theo leaned forward, cuffs "So thanks for that, by the way. Really narrowed down the suspect list."

Cassie's eyes glittered "Oookay, let me get this straight—" she drawled. "If you actually thought we were Death Eaters, why the hell would you cuff us so lightly? I can literally break these if I breathe too hard."

Elias's jaw tensed. "No, you can't."

Cassie tilted her head "I just haven't tried hard enough. Yet." She leaned forward a fraction, eyes burning holes "Why would you—unless..." Her grin widened  "Ohhh. Don't tell me. Are you actually considering throwing your lot in with that half‑blood, wannabe, snake‑faced lord?"

Marvin's laugh was dry, humorless, cuttin her off. "Better a snake than a dog collar from either side."

Theo let out a sharp, mirthless snort. "That's adorable. Except—you know—his collars tend to strangle."

Elias's gaze flicked between them, hard as stone.  "So... if you don't work for Voldemort," he said slowly, "then you must work for Dumbledore."

There was a pause—then Cassie and Theo both burst out laughing. Not polite chuckles, but sharplaughter

Theo leaned forward, chains rattling, grin wolfish. "Dumbledore? Her?" He jerked his chin at Cassie. "Mate, if you knew half the things she's said about him, you'd realize how funny that sounds."

Cassie bared her teeth, dark amusement curling her mouth. "I'd rather carve out my own heart than work for that manipulative bitch."

"That's true," Theo agreed dryly  "She'd slit his throat before she took his orders."

Elias and Marvin exchanged a glance. Marvin's expression—though-hidden—shifted in something between confusion and intrigue. "You really expect us to believe that?" Marvin asked. "That you're not tied to him? You're children. You're not here on your own."

"Children," Cassie repeated, voice silky "That's cute. You think Dumbledore sent us? Please. He doesn't even like me."

Elias snorted. "Right. Why wouldn't he like a couple of useful pawns?"

"Oh, he tried," Cassie said with a grin, leaning back like she was recounting her favorite story. "But I accused him of hiding behind 'the greater good'—you know, the thing he does, using pretty words to excuse a pile of corpses? Manipulating kids like chess pieces.I wonder why he  Didn't take too kindly when I rejected his special little invitation to join his boy band."

Theo laughed. "You should've seen his face. Like a grandfather whose favorite grandchild just told him to piss off."

Marvin blinked once, his usual stone face cracking into visible confusion. Elias exchanged a sharp glance with him.

"...So who do you—" Elias began, but stopped, shaking his head. "Why would you kids come searching for us? That's not just reckless, it's suicide."

Cassie's smirk was all teeth. "Oh, honey," she drawled "suicide would've been staying home."

Theo's lips curved faintly "We came because no matter what side you choose, someone's going to bleed. And we'd like to make sure it's not us."

Elias's jaw tightened, but something flickered in his eyes—discomfort, curiosity, something else

Cassie leaned forwardeyes locking on Elias's with razor focus. "There has to be a reason you haven't ended us yet. What is it Elias ? Curiosity? Doubt? Maybe even... hesitation?" She tilted her head, "Or maybe you're waiting to see if we're worth the trouble. Worth something more than just another casualty."

Theo's gaze sharpened, "Because let's be honest—this whole war, it's a mess. Voldemort's no savior, and Dumbledore? He's just as ruthless in his own way. You trust either of them, and you're already dead."

Marvin shifted, voice rough "You're playing a dangerous game,kids"

Cassie smirked "Danger is the only language that matters now. Everyone's scrambling for power. No one's clean."

Theo added  "And you're stuck between two monsters, wondering which will eat you last."

Elias's eyes flicked between them brows raised "You think we want this? To be caught in the middle of your little chaos?"

Cassie tilted her head "Don't lie Elias. You're tired. You're scared. You've seen wars fall on both sides, haven't you? And you also know this was is going to catch up with you sooner or later."

Theo pressed "We're offering a choice—stop being pawns. Take control. Turn their own tricks against them." Theo's eyes flicked coldly to Marvin "Cause Honestly? with the way Dumbledore's been running things lately, it's a wonder any of you are still standing. Or maybe that's just how slow some people are at catching up."

Marvin's eyes snapped wide His wand jerked up sharply, "Watch it, Tobias."

Elias didn't join Marvin's roar. Instead, his brow rose - gaze locked on Cassie like she held the last piece of a puzzle he hadn't figured out yet. His eyes never wavered

"Maybe," he started, "there is something worth listening to."

Marvin's eyes blazedhis voice snapping sharply. "El—You can't be serious."

Elias raised a hand, cutting him off. "What harm can a talk do, Marvin?"

Cassie's smile unfurled slowly- victory-  like a chessmaster who's just forced the king into check. Her eyes glittered with amusement, "So," she purred "let's talk."

Before tElias could answer,, Theo's voice cut in, crisp and mocking, ""And if it's a talk you want, it's usually considered polite to uncuff your guests first."

Cassie didn't even glance at him. "Darling, you're still cuffed?" She stretched her wrists casually, the cuff falling slack onto the floor with a clink. Her grin widened. "I freed myself five minutes ago."

Theo blinked at her, then at his still-bound wrists. "You could've mentioned that sooner."

Marvin lurched forward at once, but Cassie only lifted her hand, the silver ring on her finger snapping open with a twist. A narrow dagger slid out—small, useless for a duel, but sharp enough to matter. "This," Cassie drawled "is small. You might think it's useless."

The blade traced a slow arc in the air "But it's devastatingly good at finding eyes."

Marvin froze- wand raised, seething.

Cassie leaned back in her chair, dagger poised, gaze flicking to Elias. "We aren't here to fight. You said that yourself. So why not do this the civilized way, hmm?"

Elias's lip curled faintly. "Civilized way?."

"Yes," Cassie said brightly, "A proper talk. Though you'll have to give us our wands back for that."

"Like we would," Marvin snapped.

Theo's chuckle cut the tension."What's the matter? Afraid?"

Cassie tilted her head, curls slipping over one eye. "That's what it looks like, doesn't it? Even if we tried something reckless, do you really think we'd be stupid enough to attempt overpowering you two here, in your own little nest? We value our lives far too much."

She paused, eyes sliding to Theo, voice shifting into something like amusement. "Well—I value my life. He's protective, but I keep him in line."

Theo gave her a sideways look, lips twitching.

Cassie's gaze locked on Elias again. "We've done our research. We know who you are. We know you've memorized every dueling pattern of Grindelwald. That makes you dangerous."

For the first time, Elias's brows rose. impressed. He didn't deny it.

Cassie smiled. "Which makes us very, very stupid to even think about crossing you. Don't insult us by pretending we don't understand that- I'm many things—but stupid isn't one of them."

Elias's eyes flicked to Theo, assessing the boy before settling back on Cassie—calculating, intrigued.

He exchanged a look with Marvin, who grumbled something under his breath

"Uncuff them."

Marvin's head whipped toward him. "What—"

"You heard me." Elias's gaze didn't leave Cassie, whose grin widened as she stretched,

"I mean him," Elias clarified, tilting his chin toward Theo, but His gaze slid back to Cassie, who was already standing, wrists loose, rubbing the faint red marks with all the leisure of someone stretching after a nap.

Marvin muttered a curse under his breath, but stalked forward, yanking at Theo's cuffs. The moment they clattered loose, Theo stood

He didn't say thank you. He just stood there as if daring them to regret it.

"Shall we head to your actual hideout for the chat?" Cassie asked sweetly, already plucking her wand back from Marvin's reluctant grip. She twirled it between her fingers "This place is cute, but you don't honestly expect us to believe this is it."

Elias's brows lifted. "What makes you think it isn't?"

Cassie tilted her head, curls spilling forward as her eyes raked over the shabby room. "Oh, I don't know. Maybe the lack of other members. The fact there's no space to hold captives, torture them, or—Merlin forbid—practice anything. And certainly no privacy. Too close to Muggle establishments to commit any real ritual or strategy session without being noticed."

She smirked, tapping her wand idly against her thigh. "If this is your hideout, you're amateurs. And you don't strike me as amateurs."

Elias's lips twitched—approval, faint but there. "Clever girl."

Cassie's grin sharpened. "I try."

Marvin scoffed, folding his arms. "Or you're fishing."

Theo scoffed "If she were fishing mate, you'd already be gutted."

Marvin's face was twisted, red creeping up his neck. "You think you're clever. But you're still in our area, with our wards. Don't get too comfortable."

Cassie tilted her head, eyes glittering. "Comfortable? Sweetheart, this is me uncomfortable. Imagine if I actually felt at home."

Theo snorted and leaned closer to Marvin. "She's not bluffing. You saw her cuffs, didn't you? Five minutes in, and she was already bored enough to free herself."

Marvin's jaw clenched, fingers flexing like he wanted to hex Theo right there. "You little—"

"Marvin," Elias cut in- He hadn't moved from where he stood but it made Marvin falter.

Cassie smirked at the interruption. "See? He gets it." She gestured lazily toward Elias with her wand, like she was saluting him. "He's the brains. You're just the guard dog that bites too soon."

Marvin's face flushed, but before he could retort, Elias pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. "Enough of this," he growled, "Honestly stop acting like kids-"

He gestured sharply. "Come. If you're going to talk, we do it properly. No more of drama or tricks."

Cassie shot Theo a triumphant glance. "Well darling, it looks like we've been promoted from captive entertainment to guests. Let's not disappoint."

Theo stretched, cracking his neck. "Finally, some manners."

They followed him out, Marvin muttering curses under his breath. Cassie stuck close to Theo, leaning toward him with a stage whisper. "Look at Marvin-He's jealous. It's adorable."

Theo smirked faintly. "It's pathetic."

Marvin spun half around, only for Elias's voice to cut him off without turning back. "Marvin." Just his name, clipped. Marvin ground his teeth and kept walking.

The corridor narrowed, stone walls pressing closer, until Elias stopped before what looked like a dead‑end wall. A flick of his wand and the stone split open, groaning apart to reveal a staircase plunging into darkness.

Theo muttered, "Of course it's underground."

Cassie twirled her wand, grinning. "What is it with you lot and your basements? Afraid of the sun?"

Marvin hissed, "Shut your mouth—"

"Make me," Cassie shot back instantly

Before Marvin could snap again, Elias descended the stairs, voice steady. "They are the kids here Marvin- Remember that."

The stairwell opened into a openmoutehd chamber, the air damp and heavy with smoke. Dozens of faces turned toward them — some older, lines etched deep from war; some very young, wide‑eyed but hardened; all masked until Elias's gesture had them lowering their hoods. Murmurs rippled.

"Children?" someone scoffed.
"They brought them here?" another muttered.
"This is a joke—"
"They're Death Eaters, or worse- Dumbledore's men-"

A younger man with ink smeared on his sleeves stepped forward wand pointed straight at the couple "Elias, are you insane? Bringing strangers down here?"

Murmurs escalated. Hands twitched toward wands, eyes narrowing with suspicion and barely contained fury.

"Not a word," Elias said immedietly "No one makes a move until I say so."

The murmurs subdued 

Cassie let the silence stretch, then tilted her head, curls spilling forward as if she were only curious. "Funny," she said, "You all sit here, hanging on his word like he's the Dark Lord himself. Tell me—why? Why would any of you take orders from him?"

A ripple went through the room—just the faintest shift of glances, like the surface of water disturbed by a stone.

Theo whistled low under his breath. "She's got a point. Either Elias here is your grand messiah... or you lot are just sheep waiting to be told where to stand."

Marvin bristled immediately. "Shut your bloody mouths."

But Cassie only smiled, lazy "Touchy. That sounded like nerves, Marvin. Almost like you're afraid they might start wondering the same thing." Her gaze slid deliberately over the crowd. "Is he really your leader? Or just loud enough that you all let him play at being one?"

That earned her a murmur—faint, uncertain—somewhere in the back. A girl's voice,murmured "Yeah, Elias—why should we listen to you?"

All eyes snapped back to Elias.

His jaw tightened, shoulders squaring with the kind of presence that made the murmurs still again. "Because I've kept you alive this long."

For a moment, no one answer.

Cassie arched a brow, smile curling wider, savoring the tiny fracture she'd pried open. "Alive," she echoed softly. "That's all? That's the best he can offer you?"

Theo leaned closer, his voice pitched just loud enough to carry. "If you ask me, that's not leadership. That's babysitting."

A sharp laugh broke from someone before being smothered. Marvin's hand twitched toward his wand, but Elias's raised palm froze him where he stood.

"Not. Another. Word," Elias bit out. His eyes were on Cassie now, dark and warning—but she only looked back, all defiance.

"Oh, come on, Elias. Don't get all cross on me now. We were just starting to bond." She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "I was just wondering—what do you have that the others don't?"

Her finger flicked toward a bulky man standing near the back, muscles coiled and ready. "Personally, I'd bet that one could take you out in a fight."

Murmurs rose again- unrest bubbling dangerously close to the surface. Elias's eyes darted nervously—anger flickering there for the first time. Why was he losing control of the room? He shouldn't. She was just a girl—an insolent -

Without warning, his wand snapped upward, aimed square at Cassie's heart. The crowd fell into a sudden silence.

Cassie didn't even blink. She leaned back on her heels, lips curving into a slow, knowing smile.
"Ah." She drawled, eyes locked on the tip of his wand. "So you do have a temper after all. I was starting to worry you might be boring."

Elias's jaw clenched,  "Listen carefully, Cassandra. You asked for a talk, and I'm giving you one. But push your luck, try to be clever again—I will kill you where you stand. Don't forget: you're alive only because I let you be."

Cassie arched a brow,  "Is that a threat? Because honestly, I was hoping for something a bit more... creative. This sounds like"

Before she could finish, Elias flicked his wand "Flagello."

The curse cracked through the air like a whip. Pain tore through Cassie's chest, searing every nerve, forcing her to stagger back into Theo. Her body arched against the invisible lash, a strangled sound ripping from her throat before she clamped it down with sheer will.

Theo caught her by the shoulders, fury erupting across his face- wand raising. "You son of a—"

"Don't," Elias warned, wand still raised towards Cassie "One more step, and she doesn't get back up."

Cassie's breathing was ragged, but her smile—Merlin, her smile was sharper than ever,Like she got exactly what she wanted  "There it is," she rasped, eyes gleaming. "The temper. I was starting to think you'd lost it."

Theo's grip on her tightened. He half‑stepped forward anyway, "You touch her again—"

"She provoked me," Elias cut in coldly, wand still trained on Cassie. His gaze swept the room, daring anyone to speak. No one did. "You think she's clever. All she does is play games she can't win. And if she tries again, I'll make sure she doesn't get up."

Silence.

Cassie coughed, straightened in Theo's hold, and looked Elias dead in the eye. The corner of her mouth curled, defiant even through the pain. "You'll have to do better than that if you want me to bleed."

The room exhaled all at once Elias's wand stayed level, but there was a flicker in his jaw—because she hadn't broken, and everyone had seen it. 

He wasn't just facing a threat to his authority. No. This was personal. Losing to a girl—to her—was unthinkable. In his mind, Elias played the scene on repeat, He saw her not as a prisoner, but as a challenge—one he had to break.

Cassie's voice cut through "You're all bark and no bite, Elias. Funny how the one who calls the shots is the one shaking the most."

That was the last thread holding Elias's restraint.

With a sharp flick of his wand, a curse shot forward—Cassie's body jerked violently, a fresh slash across her arm blood splattered against the cold stone floor.

Theo snarled, muscles coiling lunging forward—but Marvin's iron grip yanked him back roughly

"Usually," Cassie snorted through clenched teeth, clutching her bleeding arm, "it takes a man at least two drinks before he tries to make me bleed."

The room murmured again, He cursed her and she didn't fall. She's still standing. Didn't even scream.

Theo's jaw clenched shaking off marvins grip, voice barely more than a desperate whisper against her hair. "Shut up, Cassie. Please."

Her eyes flicked sideways, glittering with wicked amusement. "What's the point darling if there isn't a bit of pain?"

"No. No way Cass. I'm taking the next hit. Whatever he throws."

Cassie twisted sharply to face him, :"Are you saying you're stronger than me?"

"That's not what I said," Theo murmured close to her ear  exasperated

"Merlin's saggy balls," Marvin groaned, throwing up his hands, face pinched with irritation. "Can you two not whisper? I'd almost rather gag you. And with what I've overheard at the pub..." He wrinkled his nose in disgust. "Let's just say I can only imagine the worst."

That earned a sharp bark of laughter from Cassie "Don't worry, Marvin. The worst is still coming."

Elias's wand stayed unmoving, "Listen, Cassandra. You wanted a talk. I'm giving you one. Why run your mouth and force me to hurt you?"

Cassie's laugh hit a higher pitch, "You still think we're Cassandra and Tobias?" She spat the name. "Ew. Those sound like rejected Muggle baby names. At least have the creativity to insult us properly."

Theo shot her a pointed look—To which she responded by raising her eyebrows -the look uunmistakable: Time to pull out the bloodline card.

Elias's jaw flexed. "Then who are you?" he asked, lowering his wand, composure snapping back into place even as his eyes twitchin with the knowledge that he had let her get under his skin.

Cassie stretched her arms lazily, as if they weren't standing in a room full of armed strangers. "We're gonna need a seat for this."

A muscle jumped in Elias's cheek, but he flicked his wand. Two chairs scraped forward. Cassie dropped into one with a smirk; Theo followed his eyes never leaving Elias.

"Well," Cassie said, settling back. "Could've included some pillows, but I guess we'll take what we get."

Elias's brow arched. "Names?"

"Impatient, aren't we?" Theo drawled.

Cassie leaned back, folding her arm. "What's wrong, Elias? Afraid the suspense might kill you?"

A few acolytes snorted; Marvin's lips twitched like he was trying not to. Elias ignored them, gaze locked on the pair in front of him.

"Names," he repeated, voice clipped.

Cassie's smirk widened. "Oh, you're going to love this part—"

She paused, savoring the moment, eyes flicking to Theo. Their silent exchange was all You ready? and Hell yes.

Cassie looked back at Elias, and her smirk widening "Cassiopeia Arcturus Black."

The reaction was immediate.

The room erupted in a rustle of movement—robes shifting, chairs scraping, a half-dozen wands snapping up to aim at them. Murmurs turned to whispers. Black. 

Theo's mouth curled as if he'd been waiting for this exact music. He spoke over the commotion, smooth and unhurried: "Theodore Nott."

If the first name had drawn blood, the second poured salt in it. A few of the younger acolytes shifted uneasily. Two older ones outright snarled. Marvin swore under his breath but still raised his wand pointing at their backs

Across from them, Elias's hand twitched—like every instinct screamed to raise his wand too—but he forced it to stay at his side. Only his jaw muscle betrayed him, ticking once, hard.

Cassie's gaze slid to Theo, the corner of her mouth lifting. "Ah, looks like we're not that popular, darling."

Theo made a show of pouting, like a scolded prince. "I can't imagine why, love." His voice was silk. "I've always been told I'm very good company."

Cassie hummed like she was considering it. "Mm. Good company in private, maybe. But in public?" Her eyes darted to the raised wands surrounding them. "We tend to make people... twitchy."

Theo's answering grin was lazy,  "Well, mon cœur, your presence is exquisite torture. I can hardly blame them for trembling."

That earned him a sharp glance from Marvin. "Merlin's bones—do you two flirt through everything?"

Cassie didn't look away from Theo. "Yep- Especially now."

"Enough," Elias's voice snapped

Both Cassie and Theo turned to him, their movements slow—like they were taking their time just to remind him that his command meant nothing.

"So you lied," Elias said, brow arched. "You do work for Voldemort after all."

Theo snorted, "I thought you were smarter than that. We told you we don't- which means we dont"

Elias didn't reply but a younger acolyte hissed "Black?" half‑rising from his seat. "You expect us to believe—"

"—that a Black would come crawling down here?" another scoffed, venom in his tone. "The House of snakes and cowards?"

"Voldemort's lapdogs," someone else muttered.

The murmurs tangled into a mess of hostility, suspicion, A few voices were lower, uncertain, muttering like maybe they were considering it.

Cassie only tilted her chin, "Oh, please. If I served Voldemort, you'd all be ash by now. Do I look like the type to beg for scraps at the feet of a half‑blood snake with a nose problem?"

The crowd stirred at her contempt, a few startled snickers bubbling up despite themselves.

Theo stepped in "And if she served Dumbledore, we wouldn't be here at all. He doesn't let his little soldiers think. He points, they die." His eyes skimmed the room, lingering on the twitchy ones, the young ones. "You know it. You wouldn't be hiding underground if you believed he'd fight for you. He fights for his glory. Not you."

"Bold words for a boy whose father licks Voldemort's boots," spat one of the older Acolytes, 

Theo's jaw flexed, but he only smiled— "My father licks anyone's boots if it keeps his skin intact. Do not mistake me for him."

That, at least, earned silence.

Elias had been quiet the whole while, arms folded, eyes burning with a sort of interest. helifted his hand. Instantly, the room stilled. It was subtle, but the way they obeyed marked him as the closest thing to a leader.

He studied Cassie like she was a puzzle piece sliding into place. "So. A Black and a Nott." His lip curled faintly. "And not on either side."

Cassie leaned forward, resting her forearms on her knees,  "We said we share your ideology. Not theirs. Voldemort wants slaves. Dumbledore wants martyrs. Grindelwald wanted vision. And you? You've been left with scraps. Neither side gives a damn if you live or burn."

Theo's voice joined hers seamlessly "But imagine if you didn't bend to either. If you carved your own space. Played them against each other until they tore themselves apart."

Some of the Acolytes shifted. A few frowned, skeptical. One in the back muttered, "Suicidal." Another, younger, whispered, "Or clever."

Cassie's grin sharpened. "Clever, darling. Always clever. Grindelwald didn't chain himself to anyone. He made the world bend. That's how you honor him. Not by hiding here like frightened children waiting for a master to pick you up."

The air shifted. Elias hadn't moved, but his eyes had narrowed, focused, weighing every syllable.

Finally, he spoke,  "You make a good show. But talk is easy." He leaned forward slightly. "Why come here? Why risk yourselves to find us? If not for Voldemort. If not for Dumbledore. Then for what?"

Theo's jaw clenched, but Cassie smiled sweetly, almost girlish, which somehow made it worse. "Because we don't kneel either."

"You don't kneel?" a boy scoffed from the left, barely twenty, "Your families kneel for you. Blacks, Notts—your bloodlines are everything Grindelwald stood against."

Cassie's head tilted,. "Is that so? Funny. I don't recall Grindelwald preaching about bloodlines. He cared about vision. Willpower. The strength to bend the world. Do you think my father gave me that?" A laugh "He abandoned me. I carved myself into existence."

The boy faltered, words dying on his tongue.

Another voice cut through — sharp, female, older. "And yet you still carry his name. Black. The stench of it clings to you."

Theo's smirk was there. "Names mean nothing. But it does give a certain power- And we wear itr like a crown. Don't mistake a title for loyalty."

"You expect us to trust you?" a stocky man near the back spat. "You could be spies. You could be here to drag us back to your precious lords."

Cassie laughed — a wild, too‑loud sound that made the hairs rise on the back of necks. "If I were a spy, darling, you'd already be on fire." 

She leaned back, "We're here because neither of those men deserve to win. Voldemort is a tyrant who fears death more than he worships power. Dumbledore—" she sneered, "—is a manipulative bitch who hides behind twinkling eyes and lets children bleed for his so‑called greater good. Grindelwald, at least, didn't pretend. He told you to stand, to take, to demand."

Murmurs again, a ripple through the crowd.

Theo took it " "Exactly Grindelwald didn't kneel to anyone. He made people kneel to him. And now you're sitting here murmuring about which tyrant to cling to."

"Easy for you to say," one of the masked Acolytes snapped. "You weren't alive when he moved nations. You didn't see what he could've built if not for—"

"If not for Dumbledore," Theo cut in smoothly "Yes, we've heard the hymn. You think he'd want you cowering here waiting to be picked like carrion?" His lip curled. "You dishonor the man you idolize."

The room bristled, voices rising, but Elias only lifted a hand, and the arguments dimmed to mutters again. His eyes flicked between them "And your solution? Join the children with daggers up their sleeves?"

Theo drawled"Our solution is to outlive them."

That pulled the room into a hush, even if it was only for a moment.

"You talk survival like it's strategy," one of the masked Acolytes sneered. "We talk revolution. Grindelwald wanted more than playing through shadows."

Cassie leaned forward, her wand twirling idly. "And where did that get him? In a box. While you rot here waiting for someone else to finish the story he never could."

A ripple of discomfort, anger

"Truth hurts, doesn't it?" Theo smirked

The older ones bristled, but Elias didn't. He leaned back against the table, watching Cassie the way a chess master watches an opponent reveal her opening moves. Finally, he said, "You two are reckless. Arrogant. And still...you've got teeth. Not talk. Teeth." His eyes narrowed. "That makes you dangerous. Dangerous is useful."

Cassie tilted her head, a smile curling. "So you do understand."

Elias didn't return it. "Don't mistake intrigue for trust, girl. The others don't buy your pretty speeches. They see pawns. I see a blade sharp enough to cut me if I hold it wrong."

Theo's lips twitched, dry amusement "Then hold it right."

"What exactly do you want from us? " Marvin spat

Theo answered without hesitation. "Allies.""He let the word hang,  "The kind of alliance that ensures whichever side wins—or loses—we stay untouched. And when the board flips, we're the ones holding the king."

Cassie's drawl slid in after him, "And if you're half as clever as your posters claim, you'll see what that means. We're not here to beg for a seat in your little circle. We're giving you a chance not to be slaughtered like livestock when Voldemort comes sniffing."
Her eyes glittered. "And—more importantly—a shot at winning this war."

A scoff from the corner. "And you're the shepherds now?"

Cassie's grin was razor‑thin. "Oh no sweetheart. I'm the wolf. I'm simply giving you the option of choosing which teeth you'd rather be eaten by."

The murmurs started again, unsettled. Marvin shifted where he stood, looking at Elias who only tilted his head, watching Cassie with that cool, curious stare.

"You think Voldemort will come for us," he said. "What makes you so certain?"

Theo's voice was low, flat "Because he already has. We've got three of his men chained in our basement. Right now."

The room stiffened. Someone cursed under their breath.

Cassie leaned forward, elbows on the table, smirk curling like smoke. "You can sneer all you like. But Voldemort sent his dogs. We muzzled them. .If you think you're off his radar, you're stupider than I hoped."

One of the older men growled, "You could be lying."

Theo shrugged, unconcerned. "We could. But if we were, why would we be here wasting breath on you? We could've delivered your heads gift‑wrapped to either side by now. We chose not to."

Marvin muttered, "Too cocky for kids," but didn't meet his eyes.

Elias, though—Elias watchedlike he was the only one here not rattled. Finally, he exhaled. "Three Death Eaters." He repeated it like a test.
Theo nodded once. "Still chained. Still alive. We can show you."

That got the reaction Cassie wanted: the hum of unsettled voices, people glancing at Elias, waiting for him to decide what they should think.

Cassie rose from her chair, stretching like a bored cat. "You think we're bluffing? Fine. Come and see for yourselves. Walk into our safehouse, look into their bleeding faces, and decide then whether you want to waste time doubting us."

Silence. Then—every head turned to Elias.

"All right," he said at last. "We'll come—"

"We?" Cassie cut in, eyebrow arched. "No, no, darling. If anyone's coming, it's you. Alone."
Her gaze slid sideways. "Marvin, maybe. Because he looks like he'd cry if he wasn't included."

Marvin rolled his eyes, "Haha very funny Black"

Others however weren't convinced - Half the room eexchanged uneasy whispers—

"Too dangerous."
"Could be a trap."
"What if they're telling the truth?"

Elias ignored them, straightening with finality. "We can handle a few kids." He shot Marvin a look . Marvin's jaw worked, but he nodded once.

Cassie and Theo shared a quick glance—silent move passing between them before Cassie's smirk returned. "Then let's go," she said walking towards the narrow exit . 

Theo followed her lead, hand resting lightly on his wand— just... ready. Alert.

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

They didn't take the straight path.
Cassie made sure of that—leading them through half-lit alleys, over narrow bridges slick with rain, doubling back just often enough to make it clear she was letting them follow.

Theo, walking just behind her, seemed unbothered by the cold. He glanced back at Elias and Marvin only once, but it was with the kind of smile that made you wonder whether he was picturing your funeral flowers.

By the time Cassie stopped, they were in front of the safehouse She pushed open the door 

"After you," she purred, stepping aside with an exaggerated flourish.

Elias didn't hesitate. Marvin did, just long enough for Theo to notice and grin.

Inside, it smelled faintly of cofee and something sharper—iron- blood, maybe. The furniture was sparse, the walls papered in peeling damask

 "You wanted proof? You're about to get it." Cassie said opening the gate to the last room. In the room, litby a sickly lamplight, three Death Eaters lay limp in chains—the thick ironlinks from Borgin & Burkes biting into their arms, throats, and wrists

Elias didn't step forward. He stood in the gate, expression smooth, eyes slow-moving as they took in the scene like a man checking for flaws in a blade.

"Dead?" Marvin asked, voice clipped.

"Nah," Cassie drawled. "They just get really loud."

Marvin muttered, "Look who's talking."

Cassie's brow arched, "Careful, Marvin. You'll make me blush." She gestured at Theo without looking; he flicked his wand in a ppracticed motion.

The twitchy one jerked awake with a strangled gasp, his gaze snapping straight to Cassie.

"You filthy Black whore—" he immedietly spat, voice cracking, "—the Dark Lord will—"

Cassie sighed, bored. "And there it is." She pointed her wand "Exito Mortis"

Thhe man screamed, every muscle convulsing under the curse, the sound bouncing the walls. She held it just long enough for his voice to break, then with another flick, silence dropped over all three like a shroud.

Elias didn't move. Didn't blink. But Cassie saw the micro-shift—the fraction tighter grip on his sleeve, the way his gaze lingered on the still-twitching man a ssecond too long before returning to her. Not shock. Calculations.

Theo's lips curved in faint amusement. "Not impressed?"

Elias's mouth was a thin, unreadable line. "I'm still deciding."

Cassie's smirk deepened. Liar, she thought Watching him curl his lip surevying the setup "Well," Elias drawled finally, voice thinner than usual, "I was wondering why you two were playing tourist instead of vanishing into the night." His gaze flicked from the broken men to Cassie's grin. "Now I know."

Theo raised a brow. "Problem?"

Elias huffed a short laugh, though his eyes never left thebodies. "No. Not a problem." He tilted his head, intrigued. "Just...not what I expected to find in the backroom of a rented muggle house." 

Cassie smirked, spinning her wand idly betweenher fingers. "We like to redecorate. She gestured toward the hallway. "Come on. Unless you'd rather stay and hear them scream again."

They stepped out, the door's iron lock clicking shut behind them. The hallway spilled into the living room—sofa, cheap curtains, a single lamp buzzing faintly.

Elias and Marvin took the couch, Elias still scanning the space like it might sprout more surprises. Theo and Cassie dropped into the mismatched armchairs opposite them

Elias leaned back, steepling his fingers. "Three Death Eaters in chains. That's something"

"It's not justsomething—it's a move." Cassie said, She reached into her pocket and pulled a folded piece of parchment, laying it delicately on the coffee table. 

Elias took it, brow arching. His eyes skimmed the handwriting—. My Lord, we have found the Acolytes. They seem aligned with your cause, We await further instruction...

Cassie leaned back in the chair like a queen awaiting applause. "All I need now," she purred, "is an owl. One flight, and Voldemort believes his envoys succeeded."

Theo added, "And by the time he realizes they didn't, we'll already have our claws in deeper than his."

Elias looked up slowly from the letter. That lazy amusement was back, but it was threaded with something else now—respect. Interest. Dangerous calculation.

"You two," he murmured, folding the letter carefully, "are not what I expected to stumble across in this sleepy little town." His gaze cut to Cassie, then to Theo. "Not at all."

"You could've just slit their throats," Marvin said, chin flicking toward room. "Would've been cleaner. Safer. But instead you're... forging letters. Setting traps. Why?"

Cassie smiled,  "Because death is final. Lies echo." She gestured lazily at thedoor. "If Voldemort thinks his pets are alive and thriving, he stops sniffing around here. At least temporarily- and If he thinks they failed—" she shrugged. "He comes himself."

Theo's voice cut in "And trust me, you don't want him here."

Elias's mouth curved—not mocking this time, but thoughtful. He let the smile show as he leaned back, boots crossing at the ankle. " "Alright. You have my attention. So—terms?"

Cassie's brow arched. "I thought that's what we were already doing."

He ignored the bait. " what if your little trap fails? What if Voldemort comes anyway?"

Cassie rummaged in a bag near her and pulled out a small slab of black stone, her wand already moving over it in acharm. She set it on the table between them. "Then you let me know, and I'll get reinforcements immediately. That's the thing about having me as an ally, Elias—" she tapped the stone—"If we are allies=, I won't let you die. And once we agree, you don't let us die either."

Elias studied her, the faintest flicker of respect in his eyes.

"Oh," Cassie added lightly, "just a heads up—your location's burned. Voldemort already knows it. I'd switch your hideout before he sends more dogs sniffing."

Something unreadable passed over Elias's face. "That's... considerate."

"Consider it insurance," Cassie said.

He gave a slow nod, as though filing her away under useful. Then his gaze slid toward the shut door. "What will you do with them?"

Cassie didn't answer. Theo just shrugged. "Kill them-They're of no use now. Too risky to leave alive. You yourself can correspond with Voldemort, posing as them. Keep sending letters to the Malfoy Manor . Spin whatever tale you need to keep him away from your doorstep."

Elias's eyes swept over them before he reached for the folded letter on the table. Without looking at it, he handed it to Marvin—who tried, and failed, to appear uninterested.

"You both talk like a general," Elias said, rising to his feet . Marvin following immediet;y "Like you've seen war."

Cassie's smirk was small as she opened the door for them. "If there's one thing I've learned, Elias—trauma's a better teacher than birthdays."

"And she never skips class." Theo purred from the side

Marvin groaned, "Do you two rehearse this?" but stepped toward the door first

Elias followed at an unhurried pace, eyes still on Cassie like he was cataloguing a dangerous animal—one he might try and put on a leash, or one that might bite off his hand. Cassie tilted her head, gaze meeting his without a blink. Just acknowledgment .Not friends. Not allies. Predators, each recognizing the other's place in the food chain.

Then he stepped out, and the door shut behind them.

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

The latch clicked, and Cassie let the door fall shut behind Elias and Marvin. She didn't get two steps before Theo's fingers closed around her wrist—and yanked her toward him.

She stumbled into the solid heat of his chest, his hands settling at her waist . His grin was boyish and wicked all at once. "Cass," he breathed, almost laughing, "do you realize what we just did? We got a decades-old cult of murderous lunatics to agree to work with us." 

Cassie smirked "We nudged them into it. Big difference. I don't trust them—not fully. Pressure from Voldemort or their own group and they'll hand us over before you can blink."

Theo's groaned "Come on, Cass. Take the win. We didn't just survive—we made them bend."

She tilted her head, mock-sweet. "You know I'm not built for easy victories darling"

He chuckled, about to answer—when a sharp knock rattled the wood behind her.

They sprang apart. Cassie's wand was in her hand before the second knock landed. She yanked the door open.

Marvin stood there, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else. "I didn't want to come back, but—Elias insisted. Token of thanks for telling us- whatever."

Cassie's brows drew together. "What token?"

Theo appeared over her shoulder. "Yeah, what?"

Marvin's gaze flicked to him. "Not exactly a gift. I think your silencing charm shattered. Muggles heard a  man screaming. They're calling the muggle cops."

Cassie's eyes widened. "Fuck-

"So," Marvin continued, deadpan, "finish your... whatever you're doing here, and scram Black, you've got ten minutes max."

Cassie let out a slow breath. "Well, Marvin—never thought I'd say this, but you've finally told me something worth knowing."

He rolled his eyes, already stepping away. "Didn't want to. He made me." Marvin jerked a thumb toward the mouth of a far alley, where Cassie could just make out a shadow—Elias, leaning against the wall, watching.

Cassie shut the door with a sharp bang in Marvin's face.

Theo groaned eyes raking over her. "UGh... talk about it. I was all in for the fun you promised me after the mission."

Cassie sighed . "And you'll get it. We won't find any fun in this miserable little town." She flicked her wand, the mess of their gear whirling through the air into the trunk before shrinking down to a pocket-sized cube.Which she picked up and shovedit in her pocket

Theo toyed with an empty cup. "So, where do we go?"

"Muggle London," Cassie said, then tipped her head toward the other room. "But before that—let's finish them."

"Ah, dessert before dinner." Theo said muttering a portkey charm on teh cup and set it down, following her  in the last room "Who gets the first bite?"

"I don't care," Cassie drawled, "but he's mine." She pointed at the twitchy one the one who was there the night Regulus died. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. "You can have the other two."

Theo's brow quirked. "Two? Feeling generous, Black?"

"Oh, I am." Cassie's voice went low, almost a purr. "This relationship won't work if you can't keep up with my kill count.I'll still be ahead, of course... but I'll let you chase me."

"Careful, darling. I love the chase."  Theo drawled back

A flick of his wand woke the Death Eaters with groans and rattling chains.

Cassie went first. "Mors Vexare."

The twitchy one convulsed, his spine bending in ways it shouldn't, skin twisting over as each bone Twisting the wrong way Cassie didn't look away, instead a sort of satisfaction bloomed in her chest hearing his screams

For the first time since regulus died. She felt like she had done something. Something to avenge him. A start. But it was there. She wasnt sitting in the protectionz of grimmauld anymor like a coward. She was fighting. Against who she didn't know. But she was. For regulus- for theo.
The death eater screamed till  Hooks of invisible force wrenched his ribs outward with cruelty . His scream was cut short by a final, wet crack before his head lolled forward.

Theo's grin widened. "You're making me jealous."

Cassie tilted her head. "Then top it"  she said stepping back with a little sigh, crossing her arms. "Come on, darling. Make it a show for me."

"Oh, gladly." He stepped toward the other two, twirling his wand between his fingers. "Let's see..." His voice was almost conversational. "Fractus Anima."

The chains holding his targets began to constrict, links sliding over skin with a hiss of tightening steel. Their chests compressed, each breath shorter than the last, eyes bulging in panic. He didn't rush it—he watched. Waited. One final twist of his wrist, and the chains snapped with a sound like a broken neck, both bodies going slack at once.

Cassie's eyes glinted, stepping close enough for her breath to brush his cheek. " "Mmm. Not bad."

Theo looked down at her, still grinning. "Not bad? You wound me."

Cassie smirked. "Not yet, love. But give me time."

Theo wiped a faint smudge from her cheek with his thumb. "You know... we really do work well together."

Cassie's eyes glinted. " I always told you - Murder's better than marriage. At least this way we never get bored."

They left the room without looking back, At the gate, Cassie flicked her wand over her shoulder without looking back.

"Incendio Perpetua."

Fire roared to life, swallowing the bodies in a blaze that painted the walls in orange. She shut the door, the smell of burning flesh following them only for a second before the flames claimed it all.

"Mmm," she sighed, eyes half-lidded as she looked at Theo. "Gods, I do love that smell. Now—let's get you that fun I prom—"

The sharp wail of police sirens cut her off, echoing closer by the second.

Theo's grin spread was slow. "Yeah... about time." He slid his hand to her waist,  "Let's leave before your fan club gets here."

She smirked, tucking her wand into her sleeve. "Let's."
************************************************************

Bonus part!!!!- MUGGLE LONDON (ps i like this better than the abovr\e actual chapter i wrote)

The portkey spat them out in a sudden whirl , boots crunching onto the long grass of an abandoned hill just outside the city. The skyline of Muggle London glittered in the distance, the last streaks of sunset melting into dark blue.

Cassie exhaled, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off the tension and pulled her two-way mirror from her leather jacket.. "Uncle Moony?"

Remus's eyes appeared, relief flooding his features. Behind him, Sirius's voice barked, panicked and sharp: "Is that them? Are they finally calling?!"

Remus shot a look over his shoulder. "Yes, Sirius. Calm down." Then, to Cassie and Theo,"We were preparing to come with reinforcements. You hadn't called for a day—"

In the background, Sirius was still ranting: "A whole day! I was already halfway out the door, wand in—"

Theo rolled his eyes. "That would've blown our cover beautifully."

"We're fine," Cassie said smoothly, closing the mirror before Sirius could shove his way into view. "Mission's under control. We'll be back when we're ready."

"Are you su-

Theo leaned toward the mirror wcutting him off. "We're alive. Stay put." With that, he snapped the mirror shut and Cassie slid it back into her jacket.

For the first time since morning, the tension eased between them, replaced by a shared, quiet thrill.

"Finally," Theo said, looking toward the distant city lights. "Somewhere with decent food and no rotting corpses."

Cassie's lips quirked. "And maybe drinks. We've earned it."

They started down the hill, boots brushing through the grass, the chaos of the city growing louder with every step. Evening was folding in, streetlamps flickering to life like the city itself was waking for the night.

Theo glanced sideways at her, hands in his pockets, that familiar glint in his eyes. "Feels almost civilized."

Cassie smiled without looking at him. "For now."

They hit the high street—couples laughing too loud, a busker strumming badly, the scent of fried foodinthe air. Muggles hurried past them, eyes skimming over the pair without really seeing.

"What's the first thing we do?" Theo asked, scanning the shopfronts with curiosity.

"I don't know about you," Cassie said, "but I'd like to get out of these day-old clothes... into something more comfortable."

Theo's brow arched, slow . "Comfortable? " he repeated, wiggling his brows.

Cassie smacked his arm lightly. "Get your mind out of the gutter, Nott. Look at that shop—" she pointed to a small boutique with blacked-out windows and mannequins wearing questionable amounts of clothing— "we're getting something from there. And yes, you are too. I'm not walking around with someone dressed like a fugitive."

He smirked. "Darling, I was going for 'enigmatic drifter.'"

"More like 'man who lives behind a dumpster.' Move."

Cassie pushed the door open with the swagger of someone who could burn the whole place down if she wasn't feeling the tops.

The shop girl looked up from the counter and blinked. "...You two in a band?"

Cassie grinned. "Something like that."

They raided the place. Black leather. Silver chains. Smudged eyeliner. Platform boots. Theo stood still while she pulled half the rack off and shoved things into his arms.

"What am I even wearing?" he asked dryly, holding up the oversized jacket she'd picked.

"Muggle war armor."

He rolled his eyes but didn't fight it.

When they stepped out twenty minutes later, the transformation was - obvious- but- them

Cassie wore a black cropped top  with her Cassiopeia pendant in her neck , a fitted leather biker jacket over it. Her shorts were high-cut with silver D-rings and straps hugging her thighs, long heeled platform boots making her almost Theo's height—almost.

She scowled at him, noticing the difference. "Still too tall," she muttered.

Theo, lounging against a mirror,  eyes darkening as he took her in—like he was memorizing everyevery inch she owned with that careless dangerous ease. His mouth twitched "I'll gladly kneel if it'll makes you feel better, love."

He emerged from his own fitting with an oversized black leather jacket, a fitted black tee clinging to his toned form, and loose dark-wash jeans hanging low on his hips. 

Cassie leaned against the counter, arms crossed, head tilted just enough to let her curls spill forward. Her lip caught between her teeth, she gave him the kind of once-over that could've undressed him right there.

"You," she said, slow and deliberate, "look like you sell something illegal behind a strip club."

Theo's eyes flicked over her face, one brow lifting in that maddening way of his. "You're drooling."

Cassie let out a snort, pushing off the counter. "You're imagining things."
She fished a random wad of Muggle cash from her pocket and slapped it down in front of the shop lady with far more flair than necessary. The woman blinked, clearly unsure what to make of the amount, then smiled like she'd just been tipped into early retirement.

She grinned and shoved a little velvet pouch at Cassie.

"Complimentary," she said. "For the couple."

Cassie peeked inside. Four, maybe five chunky rings glittered "Oh, these are definitely happening," she grinned, dumping them into Theo's hands.

They slid them onto their fingers right there walking out of that sto onto the wind-whipped pavement of the lit street. The Sky had darkened even more- Almost night like

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

Ten minutes later, they were tipsy on corner-shop beer, sitting side by side like delinquents with wind-tousled hair and eyeliner smudged 

Cassie had one boot resting against the cold brick wall, the other leg draped lazily over Theo's thigh like she owned him. Theo didn't even flinch. He passed her the bottle with a casualness that twisted her stomach in all the wrong ways.

"You know what we should do?" she asked, voice low, eyes tracing the orange-stained sky that flickered with the last light of day.

Theo took a slow sip, swallowed, and deadpanned, "Commit another crime?"

"No." Cassie leaned in closer, her smile dark and gleaming. "Tattoos."

"What"

"Muggles have them. They're permanent. A mark. You bleed a little, and then it stays. Forever."

He looked vaguely horrified. "That sounds unsanitary."

"That's the exciting part."

"Do they stab you?"

"Yes."

Pause. "You're serious."

Cassie stood, wobbling slightly in her boots. "Come on, Theo. Be impulsive with me."

"Cassie—"

"Do I look like I want to hear reason?"

"No. You look like you just won a fight and now want to commemorate it by being stabbed again."

"Exactly."

He exhaled slowly. "It's going to hurt."

Cassie yanked him to his feet. "That's the best part."

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

The tattoo shop was called Blood & Ink.

Of course it was.

It reeked of metal, smoke. The walls were papered in sheets of skulls, serpents, runes, and wings. The guy behind the counter looked like he hadn't slept in four days and might stab them for fun.

He looked up. "Walk-ins?"

Cassie flashed a grin. "Matching runes. Right here." She tapped her collarbone.

The guy blinked giving them a once over "Right. Goth couple- trauma bonding. Booth three."

They flipped through a book of old Nordic bindrunes while waiting. Cassie's fingers stopped on one page—a twisted mark that looked like a blade coiled around a knot.

"What does that mean?" Theo asked

"That you dont get to die without me"

He looked at her. "Oh we are gonna regret this"

"Are we" Cassie countered taking a long sip from the bottle

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

Theo definitely did

It hurt.

Not like curses. Not like Cruciatus or fractured ribs.

But human pain. Ink biting into skin. Skin bruising beneath the blade. And Cassie loved it.

Her mark was jagged and dark and hers—etched right across the bone where her heart might've once been soft.

Theo sat across the room, shirtless now, pale skin pulled tight over muscle, jaw clenched. The needle hit bone and he didn't make a sound.

The artist pulled away finally, wiped the blood.

Cassie stood, walked over, and looked down at him.

The rune on his chest mirrored hers perfectly. Two parts of the same blade.

Cassie smiled, turning back toward the counter. "Finally got that mark to show you're mine, didn't you?" she said, tossing down the payment.

Theo pulled his tee back on, eyes locking with hers "You didn't need to mark me, mon amour. I was already yours."

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

They stumbled out of the tattoo shop high on pain and another bottle of beer they had downed

Cassie was buzzing. Not magically. his was blood-rush, thrill-choked, post-ink euphoria, and the bottle of beer in her hand made everything just a little more bearable

She rolled her head back, grinned up at the London sky "Right. Time for the pub."

Theo, half-drunk and ink-stung, blinked. "What, now?"

She turned, striding backwards in her boots, hair wild, smirk wilder. "You think I got dressed like this to go home?"

He ran a hand down his face. "Fun. Finally."

Cassie reached for him, grabbed the front of his jacket, and pulled him toward her so close he could smell the ink still drying on her skin.

"Let's go ruin someone's night."

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

(PS - In no way do I support or encourage smoking or drinking. Please do not indulge in it—smoking is extremely injurious to health.)

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

The pub wasn't the kind that had menus. Or bathrooms that locked. Or working lightbulbs.

It was underground. Literally. Down a narrow, crumbling staircase that led to a fogged-over door with a sign that said Dante's in a smeared red font that looked suspiciously like blood.

Inside was heat. Smoke. Red lights.

Music thumped through the floor 

The air smelled like whiskey, leather, and cigarettes. A group of punks in plaid jackets screamed lyrics in a corner. A girl in glitter eyeliner was crying into her cocktail Someone lit something on fire.

Cassie loved it.

She dragged Theo in by the hand, immediately headed for the bar, pushed between bodies like she belonged to the place—and she did. Every head turned. Of course they did. Cassie in all leather and thigh straps and eyes like sin wasn't ignorable.

Theo followed, jacket falling off one shoulder, tattoo still fresh on his collarbone,

Cassie ordered the first round. Something purple and burning. Shots, of course. Two each.

Theo raised a brow. "Trying to kill me?"

"I'm trying to see what happens when your inhibitions die."

She drank both of hers like water.

He followed.

Two more rounds passed. 

The room spun, light tilting, voices warping.

Cassie pulled a cigarette from a crumpled pack near by, striking a match with a sharp snap. The flame flickered, catching her smirk, the corners of her mouth dark with lipstick.

She drew the smoke deep, lips curling around the cigarette then exhaled slow, Theo's gaze lingered on her—on the way her jaw clenched when the nicotine hit, on the reckless tilt of her head as the smoke trailed from parted lips. 

Without breaking eye contact, he reached out, fingers brushing the cigarette from between her lips with a careless grace. He lifted it to his own mouth, lips parting to take the smoke in, slow and deliberate.

Cassie's eyes fluttered closed for a moment, the corner of her mouth tugging into a smirk.

Theo's tongue flicked out, wetting his lips as he exhaled, smoke trailing out with the same deliberate slowness, When he handed the cigarette back, Cassie took it with a teasing smirk  the lipstick stain on the filter smudging further.

Her fingers brushed his hand

The room spun a little more, their breaths mingling in the haze of smoke and whiskey.

Theo's gaze stayed locked on her—dark, unblinking, hungry.

"Dangerous habit," he murmured gesturing the smoke

Cassie's grin sharpened "So am I. But you like it."

"Addicted, more like."

"Are you now?" Cassie drawled, her hand drifting lazily toward a random shot sitting on the table. She grabbed it, gulping it down in one smooth motion, wincing just a little at the burn.

She swung down off the stool, wobbling slightly but steadying herself with one hand hooked on Theo's jacket. "Time to show it, Nott," she said, tugging him toward the dance floor.

And then the night really began.

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

The dance floor was sticky, dark, and perfect—a chaotic mess of sweat, smoke, and bodies pressed so close it was like drowning in warmth.

Cassie moved through it. chaos in leather and thigh straps,. Her hair tossed in wild curls, catching the scarlet lights, the flash of her thigh holster beneath her shorts. She didn't just dance. She demanded.

Her fingers hooked into Theo's belt loop, dragging him mercilessly through the thick haze of heat and sound.

Theo went willingly, his breath hitching as every inch of his skin begged for more. Gods, he was trying not to touch her. He really was. But Cassie wasn't playing fair.

She pressed her back hard against his chest, grinding lightly. One arm looped tight around his neck, the other tracing long, teasing patterns along his thigh—

Theo's defenses crumbled. The battle was lost with a kind of control he didn't know he had.

"I thought this was dancing," he growled low in her ear, voice rough with the buzz of whiskey

Cassie glanced back over her shoulder, eyes glittering  Her smile was sharp, wicked—like she was daring him to keep up.

"It is," she muttered. "You're just underestimating how much fun I can have."

He said nothing, breath caught and tangled in the music, in her.

She twisted to face him, arms locking behind his neck like a snare, pulling him closer until the heat from her mouth was a breath away. Her fingers slipped beneath the hem of his shirt, fingers touch the tattoo—the mark she'd watched him bleed for.

Theo sucked in a sharp breath, "Cassie."

"Mmhmm?" she murmured, tilting her head

"You're going to kill me."

"Eventually," she said, lips brushing his but not meeting

Theo groaned low, hands shooting to grip her waist, trying to pull her close—but she slipped away like smoke, dancing deliberately out of his reach. Her body swayed, hips rolling with the music as she drifted across the sticky floor, teasing him, leading him.

He followed, breath catching, edging closer to the far wall where figures lessened and it was more dark.

They never stopped moving. Never stopped dancing.

Cassie's touch grew more reckless in her drunken haze—fingers trailing slow, deliberate lines down Theo's chest, brushing over his jaw, teasing the skin just beneath his shirt. Her hands slipped around his neck, nails scratching light crescents, lips grazing the shell of his ear 

Theo's jaw clenched tight. His hands twitched at his sides, desperate for something to grip, desperate to close the distance.

"You're so tense Mon coeur" Cassie teased, tilting her head as the dim red light caught the sharp edges of her grin. "Something bothering you?" 

Theo's eyes burned darker than anything else the room. "You know exactly what you're doing."

Cassie smirked "I always know what I'm doing." Her hand ghosting up to his throat, palm warm against cool skin, fingers curling just enough to remind him who owned the night.

"Gods, you're driving me insane."

She leaned back slightly against the rough brick, one booted foot propping up against the wall

"You gonna do something about it, then-" she dared

Before the words had fully settled, Theo moved. One hand slammed against the wall beside her head with a sharp crack, the other curled around her waist, yanking her close so fast her back hit the brick with a thud.

Cassie's breath hitched for a split second—then steadied, unflinching, eyes gleaming 

"Well, well," she purred. "About time"

Theo's voice dropped "Still teasing?"

"Always," she muttered, fingers hooking the front of his jeans, tugging just enough to make his breath stutter. "I like seeing how far you'll go."

Their foreheads pressed together, lips barely apart—breath mingling, 

"I'm done waiting," Theo growled.

Cassie smirked unbothered. "Then what are you waiting fo—"

He crushed his lips to hers.

He kissed her.

Hard.

It wasn't gentle. It wasn't clean. It wasn't the first kiss people wrote songs about — it was the kind of kiss that ruined other people.Cassie gasped into it, caught off guard for once in her goddamn life — and then responded.

Her hands were in his hair instantly, nails raking across his scalp. His hands gripped her hips so tight she'd prolly have bruises. She didn't care. She arched into it.

They were still pressed to the wall, but it felt like the world was spinning.

Theo's mouth was fire — desperate, hungry, furious. It was days of longing and every near-death. It was war. It was want.

Cassie bit his bottom lip —He groaned. "Fuck," he whispered against her mouth. "Cass."

Her hand slid up his tee

"Now you get it," she whispered back "Now you're catching up."

He kissed her again.

And this time, she let him win.

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

After the pub had run out of tequila to give them,

Cassie and Theo stumbled into the alley behind it, their lips swollen, clothes wrinkled, still breathless from a kiss that had absolutely no business being that good. Her lipstick was smudged halfway across his cheek. His shirt was bunched like she'd clawed it, which — well. She had. neither of them seemed remotely concerned A half-empty bottle swung loosely in one of their hands.

Cassie clung to his arm, stumbling a little in her massive platform boots. "M'gonna kill whoever owns these shoes."

Theo, deadpan but slurring, mumbled, "Pretty sure you own those shoes darling"

"They attacked me, Thee."

He looked down at her, flushed and wrecked and smirking. "Poor you."

She shoved him against the brick wall with a laugh, her fingers tracinghis chest. "Shut up. You liked the view."

Theo groaned, dragging her closer by the waist. "Still do."

Their lips crashed together again, messy and hungry—but just as Theo leaned in deeper, Cassie suddenly pulled back" Gonna hex you if you don't touch me properly." She slurred

"Drunk threats. Sexy," Theo muttered, hands now under her jacket, palms pressed against bare skin. "You always this bossy after tequila?"

"Only when I want to ruin someone."

Then—

Thunk.

Something sharp embedded itself in the brick inches from Theo's head.

Both of them froze.

Cassie blinked. "...Did London just throw a knife at us?"

They turned — slowly, unevenly — to face the alley behind them. A figure stepped from the shadows- voice was low, rasping- too theatrical "Oh, I'm gonna enjoy this."

Cassie turned, slow. Adjusted her jacket like she wasn't seconds away from cursing someone into ash.

A man stepped from the alley's mouth — tall, lean, leather trench coat, muggle boots, three more knives strapped visibly to his thigh Face pale. Greasy hair. Eyes very murdery.

"You're—" Theo began.

"Don't say it," the man interrupted, knife twirling in his hand. "I hate when they guess."

"Serial killer?" Cassie offered, grinning. "Is it serial killer?"

"Goddamnit," the man muttered.

Theo deadpanned, "So it's serial killer."

"Couples only," the killer hissed, voice pitchy and dramatic. "You fit the type."

Cassie snorted. "Let me guess. Ex-wife left you. Therapy was expensive. Now you're working through your abandonment issues with murder."

"Shut your mouth," the man spat, knife twitching in his hand.

Theo took a step closer, Cassie tucked behind him protectively "Nah, let her talk. She's good at reading people."

Cassie tilted her head, feigning interest. "Mmh. Projection. Resentment. Self‑esteem issues. You're basically a walking therapy pamphlet."

"Therapy pamphlet with a knife," Theo muttered, eyeing the blade.

The man sneered steppng closer, slashing the air. "Keep laughing, and I'll gut you both."

"Oh, sweetheart," Cassie purred, her wand slipping into her hand  "that's the worst idea you've had tonight."

A sharp flick—the knife spun out of his grip Cassie catching it with her free hand

The man froze, staring. "What—what the fuck was that?!"

"Magic," Cassie purred

Theo drawled  "And unlucky for you, you just pissed off a Black."

Man Pulled out another knife - Swinging it wildly . Theo's hand snapped around the man's wrist, twisting until the blade clattered to the ground. Cassie was already there, His knife in her hand

The man's eyes went wide. "What the fuck are you—"

Theo slammed him against the wall 

Cassie pressed the blade under his chin, smirking. "You wanted a couple to destroy? Congratulations, you picked the wrong one."

The man stammered, bravado cracking. "You—you can't just—"

"Oh, darling," Cassie purred. "We can do anything."

The man's bravado faltered struggling against theo's grip  "You're—you're insane."

"Correct," Cassie said cheerfully. "Now. Before we kill you—one last question."

Theo leaned in "How would you rate our therapeutic service tonight? One through ten."

The man stared

Cassie bared her teeth. "No pressure. But anything under eight gets... painful."

Theo laughed drunk 

Cassie glanced at Theo,"What do you think, love? Neck or chest?"

Theo's lips curled slowly, "Neck. Faster. Cleaner. And, uh, we're kind of in the middle of something."

"That we are," Cassie said smoothly, dagger flashing as the blade slit across the killer's throat with a wet, final sound. Blood sprayed, warm as she moved her face away, eyes lidded

The body crumpled silently.

Cassie stood over it, handing Theo the knife- He didnt' blink just wiped the blade clean against the killer's jacket before handing it back to hher "Your trophy darling "

Cassie chuckled before flipping her hair back "We really should head back to Grimmauld before we end up murdering half the town," she groaned, looping her arm through Theo's and dragging him along.

Theo staggered, a drunken grin "What's the rush? We could give the whole city free therapy."

Cassie muttered, slipping the dagger into her boot. "Mm. I charge too much."

She turned to him, plucked a crumpled tissue, and pressed it against his mouth, wiping the lipstick smeared across his lips—which only seemed to make it worse. Then she dabbed at her own lips with the same tissue.

"There. Evidence destroyed."

Theo smirked, leaning in close. "Or just redistributed."

Cassie shoved his shoulder, laughing. "You're impossible."

"Correct." He pinched her chin"But I'm your impossible."

Cassie rolled her eyes, swaying slightly with the bottle still in hand. She raised it like a wand, muttering the portkey charm under her breath. The glass glowed faintly in the dim light.

Theo blinked, eyebrows raising. "You really want to portkey drunk?"

"Please," she scoffed, grinning . "They won't even notice. Nobody at Grimmauld's awake at this hour."

Theo barked a laugh. "Oh, true that. We're great actors anyway."

"Best," Cassie said smugly, shoving the bottle between them. "Hold on tight, lover boy."

Without hesitation, he curled his fingers over hers.

"Wouldn't dream of letting go."

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

Grimmaulds 

The portkey slammed them into Grimmauld's hallway with a crack. Cassie staggered forward, heels skidding on the dusty floorboards, Theo only barely catching her before they both collapsed into the umbrella stand.

"Shhh—quiet," Cassie hissed through laughter, finger pressed to her lips, wobbling as she tried to stand upright. "We're stealthy."

Theo, equally drunk, adjusted his jacket like he was about to walk into a meeting. "We are so stealthy. Professional infiltrators. Nobody saw us kill anyone"

Cassie snorted, biting down on her laugh. "Don't say kill so loudly, you idiot."

"Sorry," Theo whispered in the loudest whisper possible. "Nobody saw us therapize anyone."

That was when a light flicked on at the end of the hall.

Sirius stood there, half-asleep, hair wild, a mug in hand. He squinted at the two of them leaning all over each other, Cassie's leather jacket hung off one shoulder, hair wild and Theo;s. shirt was rumpled, half-untucked, and his neck bore marks —he tried not to lookat , but they were impossible to miss. Both of them wore those unmistakable smirks, lips swollen and flushed—definitely not sober.

"Oh, for Merlin's sake," he muttered. "Are you drunk?"

Cassie gasped. "How dare you."

"You're slurring."

"I'm being dramatic."

"You smell like whiskey."

"That's just my new perfume," Cassie said, waving vaguely at her throat. "It's called Death By Vice."

Theo straightened up, blinking far too innocently. "Exacrly!" He spread his arms "We are models of restraint."

Cassie elbowed him in the ribs,"Stop overacting" She muttered then beamed at Sirius with far too much cheer. "Anyways, father who hates me- Fancy seeing you up. Isn't it past your bedtime?"

Sirius groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

Remus appeared next, yawning, adjusting his sweater. His eyes fell on them, then to the half-empty vodka bottle still clutched in Cassie's hand. "Oh no," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Please tell me you didn't apparate like that."

"Portkey!" Cassie corrected brightly, waving the glowing bottle. "Much safer."

Theo leaned in, "Shecharmed a bottle of vodka, Lupin- Isn't she genius"

The silence stretched uncomfortably long.

Remus broke it first, his lips twitching like he was fighting a smile. "Merlin's beard... this reminds me a lot of a certain someone." His eyes flicked sideways, right at Sirius.

Sirius scowled, jaw tight, mug raised like a shield. "Don't you dare."

But Remus' grin widened, wolfish and knowing. "No, really. The exact same cocky tilt of the head. The exact same 'I'm not drunk, you're drunk' expression. Tell me that's not your mirror image."

Cassie gasped, dramatically offended. "Excuse me, I am original material."

Theo leaned into her, whispering—except his whisper carried straight down the hall—"Don't listen to the oldies , Mon Coeur. You're terrifyingly unique. Nobody slaughters like you."

Remus' eyebrows shot up. Sirius choked on his drink.

"What?" Sirius barked.

Cassie waved him off like swatting a fly. "Nothing, nothing, just talking about the mission."

Theo, deadpan, added, "Body disposal methods. Very intellectual discussion."

Remus made a strangled sound halfway between a laugh and a sigh. Sirius just looked at him, eyes wide, and hissed, "You see? You see what I mean?"

"Mhmm," Remus said, grin still tugging. "The resemblance is uncanny."

Cassie and Theo, blissfully unbothered, had already turned their backs to them and were muttering to each other heading towards the stairs

"So—" Cassie whispered, tugging Theo closer by his shirt. "Do we count the serial killer in our tally? He was technically a kill."

Theo tilted his head thoughtfully, drunk seriousness in his eyes. "Mmm. Half-credit. He doesn't wear robes. Or chant about Dark Lords."

Cassie wrinkled her nose, pouted like a spoiled queen. "Fine. But the dagger work was exquisite. That should count as bonus points."

Theo leaned closer, lips brushing the shell of her ear,"Always, love. You know your style alone gets full marks."

Sirius groaned into his cup like he was about to drown himself in it. "Moony, for Merlin's sake, stop smiling."

"I can't," Remus admitted, still watching Cassie—then back at Sirius

Cassie snorted, swaying again. Theo caught her with practiced ease, guiding her toward the staircase.

Remus watched them go, bemused.

Sirius just stared.

"She reminds me so much of you," Remus said under his breath.

"Shut up."

"Same grin."

"Shut up."

"Same homicidal sparkle."

"Moony."

They heard Cassie from halfway up the stairs:

"—don't forget to bleach the doorstep Moony-Ithink I got blood over it!"

And Theo: "Did I get blood on my shirt? Again?"

Remus grinned. "You think they'll tell us what really happened?"

Sirius exhaled like he'd aged ten years. "No."

Then, from upstairs—

Cassie: "Hey, what happened to that full whiskey bottle?"

Theo: "You dropped it while murdering someone, remember?"

"Ah yes- good times"

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

HAHAHA AH THIS LAST PART WAS SO FUN TO WRITE MINUS THE PDA- I HATE WRITING IT- MAKES ME FEEL SO SINGLE (JK THEO CASSIE ARE LOVE)

AANANAND- SO I WAS CONFUSED WITH HOW SHUD IKEEP THE END RESULT WITH THE ACOLYTES ----ANDD- I WORKED AROUND A LOT OF OPTIONS- 

I WASNT REALLY SATISFIED ABT WHAT I WROTE TILL THE END BUT THEN I JUST GAVE UP SO YOU HVE TO BEAR WITH WHAT I HAVE WRITTEN LMFAO

BUT ANYWAYSS

Unlocked 2 new charecters in this fic- Elias and Marvin-

AAAND- NEXT CHAP-WIL BE NEXT WEEK OR NEXT TO NEXT DEPENDING ON IF I GET WIFI IN THE MIDDLE OF MY VACATION- IT WILL BE THELAST CHAP OF THE OUT OF HOGWARTS- AND MOSTLY WILL CONTINUE TILL THE TRAIN

AAANNDDD

TILL NEXT TIME 

MXRIDDLE