Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

98: Beginning of a Storm

Cassiopeia couldn't bear another round of arguments with Tom. They were preparing to return to Hogwarts for their seventh year, and the incident involving Draco had left a lingering cloud of suspicion in Tom's mind.

Frustrated, she ranted, "Tom, how many times should I prove to you there's nothing between me and Draco? He's like my brother."

Tom's anger flared, and he slammed a cupboard door with his boot. "Then why the hell did Nott talk like that, Cassie? He was telling the truth, you two dated, and you hid it."

Their relationship had turned into a cycle of arguments, making Cassiopeia question why she continued to endure it. Despite the pain, she loved him and couldn't bring herself to leave for Malfoy Manor.

"I'm done with this argument, Tom," she declared, grabbing her trunk and heading for the door. "I'm sick of your suspicion."

"I'm sick of your lies, Cassie," he barked.

With a sigh, Cassiopeia opened the door, revealing Kreacher. She quickly wiped away tears and greeted the house-elf.

"Hey, Kreacher," she said. "I'm going to leave."

"Is my mistress alright?" Kreacher asked with concern, and Cassiopeia nodded, forcing a smile.

"I'm always doing good, Kreacher," she assured him, gently holding his small hand. "We'll meet you soon."

Kreacher nodded, and Cassiopeia stood up. She made her way downstairs to meet her three friends.

"I'm going," she announced, not making eye contact, and then apparated to King's Cross Station before boarding the train.

Her emotions were a tumultuous mix of hurt, anger, and heartache. Regret gnawed at her for inviting Theodore, complicating their journey. She had only wanted to invite Astoria but couldn't leave Daphne alone.

As she pondered the mess her life had become, Cassiopeia occasionally felt light-headed from the weight of her thoughts. The complexity of her life was nothing she had ever imagined.

Lost in her thoughts, she walked into someone on the train. Apologizing, she rubbed her head and noticed the familiar green-eyed boy in front of her.

"Oh, Harry!" she exclaimed.

"Hey, you okay?" he asked with a smile. She nodded but forced a smile. "Seems like you were zoned out."

"No, I'm alright," she replied, though her mind was far from at ease. "I'm just looking for a compartment."

Harry glanced behind her, asking, "Where are your friends? Malfoy and the others."

"They'll arrive soon," she shrugged. "Can I stay with you today if you don't mind?"

Cassiopeia knew that spending time with Harry and his friends would offer a reprieve from the turmoil of her thoughts, letting her find solace during the journey to Hogwarts.

"Sure thing," Harry replied and noticed the worry in her eyes. "You alright?"

Cassiopeia nodded, though her smile was strained. "Yeah, I just need some space from them. Thank you."

Harry nodded and led her to their compartment. Inside, Ron and Hermione were already engaged in a conversation. Harry entered first, and Cassiopeia followed.

Ron, upon seeing her, frowned and examined her from head to toe. Hermione's expression mirrored Ron's, indicating they were not pleased with her presence. "What is she doing here? Shouldn't she stay with Malfoy?"

"Ron, be nice," Harry hissed at his friend, motioning for Cassiopeia to take a seat opposite them. She nodded and sat down by the window, gazing outside as the train began to move.