𝐼𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝐶𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑙𝑒 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑠

𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦

𝐈t was an unusually cold mansion, one that looks so perfect that it is hard to believe someone's ever lived in it. The inside is much colder as even the flames could not bring warmth to Cassiopeia, Harry, Draco, Ron, and Hermione when entered through the front door. The floor is made of a dark brown wood, almost black, and exactly five pairs of slippers awaited them right at the doorstep.

"How in Merlin's name-"

"They always know," Cassiopeia interrupts. She takes off her shoes and wears the slippers. The others follow her lead.

Before them is a grand staircase and a huge portrait hung on the center of the wall, right above a woman who looks no older than thirty gazing down at the teens at the top of the stairs. She is wearing a red hanbok, and her hair is styled into a braided bun that is traditional to Korea.

"Why are you here?" the woman asks. There isn't a shred of welcome in her tone and her eyes narrow.

"Erm, hello," Harry greets, unsure of what to do.

"Don't bother," Cass says defeatedly. "Mother's not the type of exchange useless greetings."

"That's your mum?!" Ron whisper-yells. "She doesn't look a day older than twenty-eight!"

"Ron!" Hermione scolds. "Focus! We're here for a reason!"

"But you have to agree with me," he insists.

"Oh, you-"

"Tsk."

Mrs. Sung clicks her tongue. She flicks her hand, and the teens are pulled in by an invisible force.

"Nonverbal magic," Hermione awed.

"Why are you home, Na-eun?" Mrs. Sung repeated.

"Na-eun?" Harry whispered?

"It's my Korean name," Cass briefly replied before answering her mom. "It's begun."

Hermione could've sworn the mistress' eyebrow twitched but her face was back to its porcelain expression before she could process it. The hanbok bristles as she takes a deep breath and says, "And what do you want me to do?"

"How-" Draco started, but Cassiopeia holds out her hand to warn him. Her looks at her for a moment, then backs down.

"We need access to our family history books," she answers.

Her mother scoffs. "It seems that Hogwarts hasn't taught you anything." She makes her way down the stairs. "Our ancestors have read those wretched books for centuries, all thinking the same thing. And every time, they find nothing. Those books are useless."

"But it's our only option," Cassiopeia insists.

Ron and Hermione glance between mother and daughter. Despite the tension in the air, it is undeniable that the two are very similar in mannerisms and looks. They share the same raised brow, fold of their arms, and that unrelenting gaze showing they won't back down.

Cassiopeia's mother stops in front of her daughter with a scrutinizing look as she analyzes her. After a few moments of awkward silence, she relents.

"Fine. Do whatever you want, but I wouldn't be hopeful." She turns around and signals the five to follow her.

"Thank you." Cassiopeia releases her arms and walks behind her mother.

"Well? What are you waiting for?" Hermione slaps Ron's shoulder and ushers him to move.

"Ow!"

He scurries forward and the rest walk alongside him into the depths of the Sung family estate.

 

 

 

 

 

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