BLACK WATER

CHAPTER 6

=CHAPTER 6=

CASSIOPEIA POV:

"Do you ever wonder why we were given the chance to live another life? I mean, what make us so special compared to other people? Sure we suffered but doesn't everyone?"

"Even those who act like they're the happiest person alive hide their suffering behind a sunny smile. What is it that sets me— us apart from others?" I asked, folding Lucien letter back up after reading it with Luna.

"Acceptance." Luna replied, still reading her novel.

My eyes widen as I turned to her and asked uncertain.

"Acceptance?" I repeated.

Luna bookmarked her page and set her novel down. "Acceptance of Death."

"We do not fear death. We are not afraid to move on, unlike those who hold onto the past and refuse to move forward. What sets us apart– I suppose, is our willingness to seek for a future beyond death, despite the unknowns."

I walked over to her and hugged her, "I love you Luna, and I'm so proud that you're my sister. It might be selfish of me, but I'm glad that you agreed to follow me." I murmured against her shoulder.

Her hand stroked my hair, "I love you too Cassie and please don't ever change too much at least."

I settled next to her, "Do you think Lucien is doing alright in Ravenclaw?" I asked her.

Her blonde locks bounced as she nodded, "yeah, big brother is fine.

***

A play date.

A play date between two 8 year olds?! How come Luna didn't get roped into this? That's so unfair! I whined to myself because no one was even bothered to listen to my complaints.

My mum just looked at me endearingly with a hint of annoyance, not that I blamed her considering I was throwing a tantrum over a play date.

"It's not necessarily a play date. Just think of it as a social gathering to make connections. Be on your best behavior... won't you Cassiopeia?" She smiled.

I felt a shiver run down my back, she wasn't even threatening me with words or even at all but that sweet fake smile promised me a whole lot of pain if I denied her.

Forget mum being an angel, she was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

I sent a pleading look across the dining table to my papa who pretended he didn't see anything.

Traitor.

I internally grimaced and plastered an obedient smile, "Yes mum." I promised.

"Good." She briefly replied before turning towards Luna, I breathed out in relief.

"Luna—," mum called for her attention. Luna stiffened, "Yes mum?" She replied nervously.

Mum's eyes curved as her smile widen; all of us (papa, Luna, and I) watched with terrified eyes.

'Lucien you lucky bastard!' I screamed in my head.

THIRD POV:

Lucien who was walking to potions suddenly ceased his walking and sneezed. "You okay, Lucien?" His blonde housemate, Aiden asked in concern.

"I'm fine." He replied smoothly. They continued to walk to potions, was someone talking about him?

'Probably Cassie' he sighed.

/Meanwhile back to the terrified family/

"Your father has told me you are friends with that Malfoy boy, do be a dear and invite him for tea sometime."

Luna quickly nodded in agreement, "yes, mum."

Gabrielle watched her family with an amused look, "You dears are just like your father." She mused out loud.

"How so?" Her moon child asked.

Gabrielle giggled, "Dramatic— Every. One. Of. You"

Cepheus made an offended noise, "How could you say such a thing love! I thought you love my d—"

Cassie laughed, "I see what you're talking about mum." She covered her mouth as she shared a laugh with a giggling Luna.

Cepheus squawked.

***

CASSIOPEIA POV:

I smiled tightly at my "playmate" who smiled back just as fake.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Heiress Lestrange." The other girl exchanged.

'No you're not. I can clearly see you want to be anywhere but here.' My mind screamed.

"You as well, Miss Fawley." I smiled.

Cue two whole minutes of awkward silence.

"Would you....please have a seat." The brunette gestured towards a table in the garden.

I looked at the getup and inwardly sighed. We were going to have a tea party, and from the excessive frills and pink dress the other girl was wearing... it's going to be a long day.

Mum did tell me to make connections, you better give me a reward mum!

"So... Miss Fawley or can I call you Florence?" I asked. "Florence is fine if I can call you Cassiopeia in return?" I nodded my head at her request.

"What do you like to do for fun?" I asked pleasantly.

She looked hesitant at first but conceded to my question, "I like to paint and draw in my free time." She blushed while answering.

Well color me surprised, maybe I shouldn't have judged so quickly.

"Anything else?" I prodded for more answers.

"And reading, I like to read as well in my free time."

A girl after my own heart.

"That's fantastic, usually the girls I have play dates with would rather play dress up and play with dolls. Those are admirable hobbies." I grinned genuinely at her for once.

Florence smiled shyly, "To be honest I thought the same of you, that's why I had my house elf set up a tea party."

She made a face at the pink frilly dress she was wearing.

"Do you want to see my paintings?" She asked shyly avoiding eye contact.

I looked at the shy little girl endearingly, this was my fifth play date and so far my favorite one.

"Of course, please show me the way." I responded softly.

She gave me a bright smile and return, I didn't protest when she tugged my hand as she led us into her manor.

"Do you mind if I change first?"

"Go right ahead."

And that's how I met my first friend outside my family.

***
A/N: It's been quite a while since I've updated. So sorry about that. I do like this story but I'm quickly running out of ideas 😭 please help.