𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠

𝘌𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯

"𝐖hat do you mean?" Hermoine presses. "What's the point in swearing to secrecy if the legend is so well known in the wizarding world?"

"Only a part of the story is heard of throughout," the Grey Lady answers not unkindly, "Loron left out the-" thunder strikes and a heavy downpour of rain appears abruptly. It drowns out her voice as the rest of her words blend in with the chaos.

"It seems that the spell is still in place," Helena mutters to herself. She gives Harry, Ron, Hermoine a sad smile and speaks a little louder. "I cannot tell exactly what it is, but know that the curse is hereditary. Only she can tell you what it is."

"Then why couldn't Cassiopeia tell us this story herself?" Harry asked in desperation and frustration.

"That's the exchange. She is the only one who knows the curse, but only we can say the story, and find the cure. Words are a powerful thing, Harry Potter. Especially for wizards and witches," she reminds him.

"She told me that she liked potions," Hermoine recalls. "What if it's because they're nonverbal practices?"

"But there's still so much you're leaving out," Ron notices.

"The castle has many secrets," the Grey Lady answers vaguely. "Of course, there's one place that has everything you need, be it a question, an item, or a place."

"The Room of Requirement," Hermione mutters.

"Yes, clever child." By now, the sun is rising, and the storm is subsiding. "I suppose it's time for the conversation to end," the Grey Lady notes as she notices the light. "Good luck you three. I wish you all the best, for you and the poor child herself."

"Thank you," the trio responds. "Really." They turn away and begin walking to their common room, deep in thought. So many questions hang above their head, just out of reach.

Helena calls out one last time, "Harry Potter."

The boy turns around to see a worrying gaze. "Yes?"

"Love is a powerful thing. It can save a life, or ruin it beyond devastation. Tread carefully," the ghost warns him.

Potter looks at her in confusion, but nevertheless heeds her words. "I will." The Grey Lady smiles bittersweetly one last time and then disappears.

"I wonder what all that's about," Ron wonders. "Cassiopeia's actions just don't make sense. Why couldn't she have just told us her family issues instead of starting that little game of tag?"

Hermoine huffs. "She probably initially wrote to Harry in romantic interest until her curse flared up somehow. Maybe then she realized time was running out."

"Hmm."

"I'm wondering what Malfoy's got to do with this," Harry said. His eyebrows furrow slightly.

"I hope you're not saying that out of jealousy," Ron comments offhandedly.

"I am not!" Harry half-whispers defensively. "I'm just saying that he has no relation to the legend or the Sung family at all. Why would he involve himself in this and how?

"Well," Hermoine examines her wand, "the only way to know for sure is by asking." She smiles coyly. "But with Veritaserum, of course!"

 

 

 

 

 

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