Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

74: Slughorn's Christmas Party

Cassiopeia Black found herself at Professor Slughorn's Christmas party before the holidays, observing the students as they moved gracefully to the slow music with their partners. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the 1940s, with delightful meals, the presence of Slughorn's favorite students, and the enchanting melodies.

Cassiopeia took a sip of her red wine and sighed with contentment. "This is awesome, really," she remarked, her eyes scanning the room.

She had wished that Tom could have attended the event with her, and she longed for a dance with him. Instead, she had brought Draco as her companion, while Blaise had brought Pansy. Both Cassiopeia and Blaise were fortunate enough to be members of the Slug Club, granting them access to this exclusive gathering.

Draco, however, seemed less than enthusiastic about the festivities. "It's boring," he stated, mirroring Cassiopeia's gaze. She furrowed her brows at his comment.

"Don't look at me like that," he said defensively. "I just gave my opinion. It's ridiculous to see a potion teacher holding a Christmas party with delicious meals and also music to dance."

Cassiopeia shook her head in disappointment. "You don't have a taste. At least, start to enjoy yourself now. You're free from every terrible thing."

Draco shrugged and took a glass of wine, his demeanor reflecting the weight of his family's expectations and his father's pressures.

As they continued to observe the dancing students, Cassiopeia noticed a happy couple, two Hufflepuffs who were twirling and laughing. The girl's blush and the joyful expressions on their faces reminded her of her own dreams and desires.

"Honestly, I really like Slughorn's Christmas party," Braxton remarked to his sister as he watched the students enjoying themselves.

"Same here," she admitted, taking a sip of his wine.

"Did you see Tom?"

"How do I know about your boyfriend, Cass?"

"Are you really my brother?" Cassiopeia teased, rolling her eyes. "You should be concerned about your sister's boyfriend and where he disappears to, because she's worried."

"I'm looking forward to the day I can get rid of you," Braxton laughed, and Cassiopeia playfully hit his upper arm.

"Ouch! Don't do muggle things," he protested.

"Do you expect me to use the Cruciatus Curse on you, Brax?" Cassiopeia smirked, pretending to reach for her wand hidden in her knee-high boot.

"Don't be hideous, my dear sister," Braxton chuckled. "I know how clumsy you are; you'd forget your wand."

"It's unfair," Cassiopeia complained, feeling unsuccessful in scaring him. "You—"

"Excuse me," a familiar and polite voice interrupted her.

Cassiopeia's eyes lit up as she greeted, "Where the hell have you been?" She pulled herself off Braxton and hit the newcomer gently.

"Please let her know when you're going somewhere, Tom," Braxton chided in a lazy tone. "Otherwise, this little head annoys me to death."

"You're a rude brother," Cassiopeia lamented while Tom took her arm and led her to the center of the room. "Tom, let me scold him!"

"No!" Tom laughed as he playfully dragged her. "You owe me a dance, angel. Aren't you?"

Releasing her arm, he extended his hand to her. She quickly acquiesced, and they began to sway to the slow music.

"Are you my boyfriend or his?" Cassiopeia asked, raising an eyebrow playfully. "You never let me finish when I had something to scold him."