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𝐓he appeal of the Cassiopeia manor is nothing short of magnificent. There were traditional elements and western influences all mixed into one home, some details separated in different annexes to contrast the other. It was as if each step led the group into an entirely different world. The paper paintings, grand chandelier, ornate walls, and priceless artifacts make the estate a timeless beauty. Harry thought the entrance to the estate was fancy, but nothing could prepare him for the doors to the library.
They were made of wood, and very detailed vines blooming books, rather than flowers, were spectacularly carved on the round frame.
"Come inside," Madame Sung calls to the children. They enter the grandiose halls of books, inhaling the scent of old ink and paper. It oddly reminded Harry of the Amortentia potion.
The woman led them deep into the library, until the room grew dark and the flickering flames were the only light source left.
"Sure is bright here," Ron mutters.
Hermione elbows him. "Oh, hush," she says.
Suddenly, Cassiopeia's mother stops moving. Harry almost bumps into her from behind, but Draco pulls him by the collar, his stink eye baring into his back. The kids all look ahead to see a worn out book held together by string in a glass case.
"Look all you want," Madame Sung tells them, "but you won't find anything useful." With a wave of her hand, the case disappears. She takes one final look at Cassiopeia before leaving the library. Her heels echo into silence.
"Why did she look at you like that?" Ron questions.
"Who knows," Cass answers absentmindedly. "I'll read this while you guys search the rest of the library. Who knows what we'll find."
"All these books?!" Ron shouts incredibly.
"They're organized alphabetically by title if that helps," the girl shrugs.
"That totally helps," Ron mutters. "Very much."
"I'll stay with you," Draco offers.
"No, I'll stay," Harry pipes up. Draco stares at him with his nose scrunched up in disgust. "You're the second-most familiar with this library. Ron and Hermione will need your help."
"They can manage. Without. Me." Draco grits his teeth. "You should stay with them. They're your little henchmen."
"We are not!" Ron and Hermione shout.
"Then what are you? Servants?"
Ron rushed forward but Harry and Hermione hold him back.
"Enough."
Cassiopeia looks at all of them.
"Everyone is going to search the library while I read this. That's final."
"All right." "Fine."
The group relaxes and splits off, leaving Cassiopeia alone with the ancient book. Her eyes linger at the cover written in old Korean, solemn and helpless.
