Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

106: Draco's Strange Behavior

It was lunch, and Cassiopeia was impatiently gorging on her food. Snape had delayed their Defense Against the Dark Arts class, leaving her with a growling stomach and quiet curses under her breath. Tom had gone directly to the library to read, leaving her alone with Draco.

Cassiopeia glanced at Draco, who was absentmindedly twirling his spoon in mashed potatoes, a rare sight. Normally, he never left an unfinished plate and didn't seem preoccupied while eating.

"Draco," she called out after swallowing a spoonful of her meal. "What's bothering you?"

"Nothing," he sighed, taking a spoonful of mashed potatoes and chewing slowly. His gaze was distant, as though he was lost in thought.

Cassiopeia rested her hand on his right hand, startling him. His usually pale skin had taken on an unusual white tint, and dark eye bags hinted at sleepless nights.

"Draco, what's the matter?" Cassiopeia pressed. "Tell me what's going on."

"Keep your distance from me," Draco warned, looking at her. "Tom doesn't like it when we're together."

"Nonsense," Cassiopeia rolled her eyes. "He knows we're close."

"Can you remember what I told you last Christmas?" Draco asked, furrowing his brows. "About Tom's plans and all?"

"Yeah," Cassiopeia nodded. "Did you find out anything?"

She was eager to know what was going on in Tom's mind, despite his unchanging behavior.

"No, I couldn't," Draco sighed, looking down at his plate. He dropped the spoon in the bowl and held Cassiopeia's hand tightly. "Don't let his plans ruin you."

"What do you mean, Draco?" Cassiopeia furrowed her brows, sensing that he was hiding something. "What do you know? Tell me."

"I know nothing, Cassie," he said through clenched teeth, gripping her hand. "I just want you to be safe. I feel like he's still seeking power."

"Draco, explain without riddles," Cassiopeia urged, feeling her anxiety rise. "Why do you say that?"

"Please, just do what I said," Draco fumed, pushing her hand away and storming out of the Great Hall, leaving her puzzled.

Cassiopeia saw that the Gryffindor trio was watching her. She quickly left her bench, forgoing her meal to follow Draco. She valued his well-being more than food.

"Cassie," Harry grabbed her wrist as she reached the entrance of the Hall. "You know, right?"

"Know what, Harry?" Cassiopeia stared at him, unsure of what he was talking about.

"Draco is a Death Eater," he blurted out, and she pulled her hand away. "Just like his father."

"He's not a Death Eater, Harry," Cassiopeia ranted, waving her hand dismissively. "Just because his father was one doesn't mean Draco is too."

Cassiopeia couldn't believe what Harry had just said. She admired his goodness, but at this moment, he was testing her patience.

"Was?" Harry raised his brow.

"Why? Voldemort's dead," Cassiopeia spat. "Stop suspecting my cousin without knowing anything about him."

She turned and swiftly left the Great Hall, increasing her pace. She had no idea where Draco had gone, and if Harry hadn't stopped her, she might have found him sooner.

Cassiopeia was relieved that she had removed Draco's Mark, ensuring no one had any evidence that he was a Death Eater. She ran her fingers through her loose hair, pondering where he could be. Suddenly, it struck her—the Astronomy Tower.