Moonstruck | marauders era

xvii. Slug Club Christmas

     Snow was falling heavily from the sky and the white layer on the castle grounds became higher. The fireplaces inside were occupied by students seeking warmth, candles, torches and fairy lights were set and lit all around the halls and Cassie loved the castle like this. She enjoyed the summer, yes, the warmth of the sun and the days she could spend with her friends outside, laying in the grass and letting the sun tickle her face - but the time around Christmas brought a cheery atmosphere inside the castle, lights everywhere, people wearing Christmas hats or jumpers, wrapping gifts for their loved ones, the halls smelling like tea and self-baked cookies - it made Cassie feel cosy and at home.

It was close to the winter break and many students were packing already, her own suitcase was almost ready. Cassie sat next to it on the ground, leaning against the frame of her bed. Grace sat cross-legged on the mattress behind her as she braided little strands of her friend's hair. Grace's humming was the only noise in the dorm and Cassie enjoyed the silent moment before she had to go and join a Christmas party, socialising with not only other students but wizards and witches that made a name in the wizarding world that had been a part of the Slug Club during their years in Hogwarts. The soothing movements stopped as Grace pinned the two finished braided strands together at the back of Cassie's head.

"All done," she announced and Cassie turned on the ground to look at her friend.

"Thank you, Grace," Grace waved her off with a smile.

"In exchange, you have to tell me everything about how your date went when you're back!"

Cassie playfully rolled her eyes. Her friends haven't stopped teasing her for the last couple of days since Elias Braden had asked her to accompany him to the party.

"Oh shush, it's just a Christmas celebration. A lot of people are going to be there."

"Sure," Grace moved her upper body to reach for the soft, blue material resting on the bed behind her, examining it with a dreamy sigh before throwing it at Cassie.

"Get dressed, your date is waiting."

Cassie took slow but steady steps as she walked down the stairs into the common room. She wasn't used to shoes with a heel, even if it was a small one. She made it downstairs without a broken bone and a sigh left her lips. Grace had forced her to buy the silvery shoes, assuring her that they matched her marine-blue dress perfectly.

She tried as much as she could to ignore the curious looks from other students in the common room but one she couldn't ignore.

Noah caught her eyes from across the room, jumping out of the armchair by the fire which was almost immediately occupied again by a fifth-year student after he got up. Noah stopped in front of his sister with crossed arms and a raised eyebrow, a grin set on his lips.

"Merlin, Cass, who are you trying to seduce?"

"Shut up."

He laughed, letting his teasing guard down.

"I'm just teasing. You lookawesome, Cass." A little smile washed over her face at his words. "Have fun but don't do anythingI wouldn't do."

Cassie scoffed. "That leaves a lot of room, you know?" His fist playfully collided with her arm and she smacked it away with a laugh.

"Don't wait up," she mused with a grin, walking past his frame without another word and leaving the safety and warmth of the common room.

Elias and Cassie had agreed to meet in front of the great hall to continue the rest of their way to the party together. He was already in the hallway, dressed in beige dress robes, smiling brightly at Cassie as she arrived. A shy smile was set on her lips as he reached for her hand, guiding it towards his face to place a soft kiss on the back of her hand.