Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

53: The Patronus Practice

"Make it a powerful memory, the happiest you can remember," Harry explained as he strolled around, observing everyone practicing. "Allow it to fill you up."

The atmosphere was charged with excitement as students delved into mastering the Patronus Charm. Casting such a powerful spell was an exhilarating experience.

"Try it, Cassie," Harry called, noticing she was observing others.

Cassiopeia closed her eyes and delved into her happiest memory. It was the moment when Tom's soul confessed his love for her, assuring her that she was the bright side of his life.

"Expecto Patronum," she incanted, and a radiant, silver unicorn emerged from her wand. The unicorn galloped gracefully around the room, filling her with awe and joy.

"Whoa, Cassie, excellent," Harry commended, his smile reflecting her achievement. He continued to provide guidance and instruction to the other students.

"A full-bodied Patronus is the most challenging to produce, but shield forms can be equally useful against a variety of opponents," Harry explained, making his rounds to check on each student's progress.

Cassiopeia observed her fellow students with enthusiasm. Hermione's Patronus was an otter, Ginny's took the form of a horse, and Luna's appeared as a hare. The room buzzed with excitement and accomplishment.

Suddenly, a loud thud echoed through the room, causing everyone to startle. Bewildered students looked around to identify the source of the sound.

A second vibration resonated through the room, heightening the tension. All eyes were on alert.

In the next moment, the enormous mirror that had been at the front of the room shattered into pieces with a resounding crash.

"What's going on?" Cassiopeia whispered, her eyes darting to Fred, who was standing beside her.

"I have no idea," he replied, shaking his head.

The students gathered in the center of the room, concern etched on their faces. Another hole appeared in the wall where the mirror had been.

Nigel approached the hole, attempting to peer through, but Harry intervened and quickly ushered him away. He inspected what Nigel had seen.

In a flash, Harry swiftly removed Nigel from the area, rushing back to the middle of the room just as the wall exploded, sending shards of stone flying.

Cassiopeia gasped as she beheld the wrathful figure of Umbridge standing there, accompanied by Filch, Crabbe, Goyle, and a few other Slytherins. To her astonishment, Draco dragged Cho, who whimpered, along with them.

For an instant, their eyes locked. Draco's brow furrowed at Cassiopeia, and she instinctively squeezed her eyes shut, unsure of how to explain her presence.

"Get them!" Umbridge yelled, her harsh command sending shockwaves through the room. The students found themselves in a precarious situation, with danger closing in.

———

"What were you doing with that pathetic Potter's fan club?" Draco seethed, his grip on Cassiopeia's wrist almost painful. He dragged her to the Common Room, his anger palpable.

"Draco, let me go," Cassiopeia pleaded as they entered the Common Room. He released her, and she rubbed her wrist, wincing at the red mark.

"Then that stupid Potter came to take you for that little fan club, yeah?" Draco accused her, his voice filled with frustration. "What the hell is going on with you?"

"I'm not an idiot to join that stupid Umbridge's useless squad for extra credits," Cassiopeia retorted, her voice sharp.

Draco took a step back, surprised by her sudden anger. Cassiopeia had always respected him, considering his seniority.

But she couldn't tolerate his derogatory words about innocent people.

"Do you think it's something to be proud of, joining some pathetic Gryffindors, Ravenclaws, and Hufflepuffs, huh?" Crabbe chimed in from behind, crossing his arms. Goyle stood next to him, smirking.

Cassiopeia turned to them, anger flaring. She pointed her wand at Crabbe.

"You stupid bastard, mind your own business and stay out of mine and Draco's affairs," she ranted, her voice stern.

Crabbe and Goyle's smirks vanished, and they seemed taken aback. But Draco's response left Cassiopeia in disbelief.

"They are telling the truth," he said.

Cassiopeia turned to him, her eyes wide. The person who had always been by her side was now taking the side of Crabbe and Goyle.

"Seriously, Draco?" Cassiopeia's voice quivered with disappointment as she lowered her wand. "You agree—"

"Yes, I do, Cassiopeia," Draco interrupted her, not allowing her to continue. "You should be ashamed of Slytherin for joining those brats."

Cassiopeia stared at him blankly, hiding the hurt she felt. She had never expected him to speak to her like that. She stood there in silence, holding back the emotions bubbling within.

This was why she had always been afraid to share her true feelings. Sometimes, Draco's reactions were like a muggle nuclear bomb, shattering her heart and leaving her feeling alone.

It was yet another reason why she no longer wanted to talk about Tom.

"Thank you, Draco," she remarked emotionlessly. "This is why I don't want to share anything I feel."

With those words, Cassiopeia stormed off to her dorm without another word, leaving Draco and his two companions behind.