POISON ‣ Harry Potter

𝐢. libraries and pureblood parties

-

It was the beginning of August and the Malfoys were hosting a ball. Cassie sat in front of her dressing table as she put in her earrings. She was wearing a simple off-the-shoulder gown that reached her ankles. Her hair was combed neatly as it lay still against her back. Her signature bangs were combed neatly as well.

"Cassie, dear?"

The door creaked open as Narcissa peeked in. Cassie turned around while putting her other earring in. "Yes, mother?"

"The guests are about to arrive, we should be by the door to greet them,"

Cassie gave her mother a nod before standing up as she walked towards her door and into the hallway. Narcissa went downstairs and Cassie was about to do the same when she heard Draco's door open. She paused. She could feel Draco's stare that bore into her back. Without turning back, Cassie continued down the stairs, the clicking of her heels echoed throughout the cold manor.

---

The empty manor was filled within seconds as guests started to arrive one by one. The entire Malfoy family stood in front of the entrance to greet the guests.

"I heard the Edwards will be moving back to England?" Narcissa asked Lucius who nodded.

"Yes, in fact, they should be here any second,"

"Who are the Edwards?" Cassie couldn't help but ask.

Narcissa smiled at her. "I don't think you remember them but they were old friends who moved to America. They're moving back this year and I think they're bringing their son along,"

"Why would they move back?"

Narcissa paused for a moment and before she could reply, Lucius got impatient. "Stop asking so many questions, your only job is to smile and not embarrass the family name,"

"Lucius-" Narcissa started but was interrupted by the sound of a crack.

"Ah, Edwards," Lucius greeted, shaking hands with Mr. Edwards. "This should be the last of our guests, let's go inside,"

The rest of them stayed as Lucius and Mr. Edwards went into the manor. Narcissa hugged Mrs. Edwards as they caught up with each other. Cassie was too distracted by staring at her father and his group as they talked among hushed whispers.

"Cassie!"

Narcissa's voice brought her back to reality. "This is Mrs. Edwards and this is her son, Eric,"

It was then Cassie realized there was a boy her age standing next to her mother. She could have sworn he was not there before.

"Good afternoon, Mrs. Edwards," Cassie gave her a polite smile before nodding at Eric in acknowledgment.

"Victoria, this is my daughter, Cassiopeia, and my son, Draco," Narcissa introduced as she stared at her children fondly.

"Ah yes, I remember you two," Victoria smiled. "Everybody was so small back then,"

"Come let's go inside,"

---

Time had passed by in a blur. All Cassie could remember was avoiding people who wanted to talk. The guests were leaving slowly one by one but many of them still remained. Cassie quietly sneaked into the library without her mother noticing. It was probably the only peaceful place in the entire manor. Cassie walked into the library, the clicking of her heels echoing against the walls.

"Not a fan of pureblood parties?"

Cassie let out an audible gasp as she turned around swiftly and was met with a smirking Eric Edwards. "Merlin, you scared me,"

Eric chuckled. "Yes, I can tell. What are you doing here?"

Cassie frowned at him. "Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

"I guess you're not a fan of pureblood parties too,"

The two fell into an awkward silence after that. Eric took a book out from one of the shelves before speaking again. "What's up with you and your brother? Shouldn't twins be like joined by the hips or something?

Cassie scoffed at him. "That's none of your business,"

Eric shrugged as he nodded. "Fair enough,"

Cassie sat down on one of the seats and let out a tired sigh. Eric joined her as he sat across from her.

"Have you met him?" Eric asked before correcting himself. "Well, of course, you've met him but like have you spoken to him?"

Cassie frowned at him, confused. "Who are you talking about?"

"Harry Potter," Eric shrugged nonchalantly. "Who else?"

Cassie paused. "Oh, him,"

After her father had quite literally threatened her, Cassie forced herself to stop thinking about him. She never sent him letters as she promised, never thought about him either. This is the first time in a while she's heard his name being mentioned.

"So you do know him?" Eric smirked at her.

"Why would I know him?" Cassie responded without missing a beat. "He's got nothing to do with me,"

"Whatever, it's boring in here and you're boring too. I'm leaving, see you at school," With that said, Eric placed the book back as he strutted out of the library, leaving her in silence.

Did he say 'see you at school'? So now he's coming to Hogwarts? Great.

a/n

oh and this is the dress cassie wore. (credits to pinterest) i think i'll be referencing every dress cassie wears to a party or ball. i think cassie's style would be simple but elegant idk.

thank you for reading, i hope u enjoyedd. first chapter of act two!!