Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

52: Azkaban Breakout

The headline of the Daily Prophet sent a shiver down Cassiopeia's spine as she read it. It declared a mass breakout from Azkaban, with ten high-security prisoners on the loose. The article even suggested that the escape might have been orchestrated by Sirius Black, given his cousin Bellatrix Lestrange was among the escapees.

Cassiopeia couldn't help but feel a surge of anger at the false accusations. She tossed the newspaper away, garnering a few curious glances from the Slytherin table where she was having lunch.

"What?" Cassiopeia snapped at the people who had dared to look her way. Their gazes quickly retreated, and she turned her attention back to her meal. "These people don't know how to mind their own business."

She seethed with anger at the misinformation in the news and the fact that her aunt Bellatrix had managed to escape. Now, she might find her way to Voldemort. Would this jeopardize her chances of reuniting with Tom?

"Damn it," Cassiopeia cursed under her breath as her fork clattered noisily against her plate. A few more glances came her way, and she shot the onlookers a withering glare. They promptly averted their eyes.

"Why are you so angry, Cassie?" Finally, Draco spoke up, taking the newspaper he had been reading and placing it in front of Cassiopeia. She turned to him.

"Isn't it absu—"

"Watch your language, Cassie," Draco interrupted, dropping the newspaper and giving her a stern look. Cassiopeia took a deep breath, attempting to calm herself.

"Uncle Sirius would never assist in their escape. Why would he do that for his least favorite cousin?" she sighed, looking down.

"It's not Sirius, I'm sure of it," Draco stated, making Cassiopeia look at him. "It's the Dark Lord."

"Voldemort?" Cassiopeia gasped in disbelief. "How do you know? Is he—"

She cut herself off and lowered her voice, fearful of eavesdroppers. "Is he in the Manor?"

Draco nodded and sighed. "I saw him once, and it was revolting."

"Why?" Cassiopeia inquired, her curiosity piqued. She had no idea what he looked like. "Is he that terrible?"

Draco raised an eyebrow. Cassiopeia quickly realized her choice of words and how she had unintentionally implied something more.

"I mean, what does he look like? I know he's a malevolent person," she clarified, and Draco shook his head.

"He had no proper human appearance," Draco described, taking a bite from his sandwich.

"What?" Cassiopeia gasped loudly, drawing more unwanted attention. She turned to the nosy spectators. "Don't you have anything better to do than eavesdrop on others?"

"You're speaking too loudly, and it's annoying," a third-year girl retorted.

"Well, then go elsewhere," Cassiopeia snapped, her glare enough to send the girl scurrying. Draco, without a word, stood up and took her by the upper arm, leading her out of the Great Hall.

"What's gotten into you, Draco?" Cassiopeia asked once he released her arm. He led her to a less crowded corridor.

"What's happened to you since Christmas holidays? You're like a walking storm, clashing with everyone," Draco inquired, waving his arms in frustration.

Cassiopeia couldn't deny that he was right. She had been seething with anger ever since she'd heard those unsettling words from Sirius.

"She was obsessively in love with Voldemort," the phrase echoed in her mind, causing her to feel more and more uneasy.