Wants of the Heart

Chapter 8

 I didn't write to my sister or friends for the rest of the summer, still not sure how to move on from the knowledge that I didn't get a choice in my parent's memory loss. August was spent with Theo. After Draco and I returned from our day trip, Father decided that I could be trusted enough to venture through Diagon Alley as long as Theo or Draco escorted me. My brother was, thankfully, happy to oblige and became my designated adventure partner. We even took secret trips into muggle London. The cinema almost blew Theo's mind.

After Draco and I returned to the manor, he and his parents finally departed for their own home. Father, Theo, and I were left alone with each other and the house elves. And my mind healer. Despite having all of my memories return, I have still had regular sessions with Healer Minnows. She has been teaching me how to cope and deal with the trauma of my kidnapping and return, almost like a muggle therapist. By the time September 1st arrives, I feel like an entirely new person. Not Rosie or Cassie, but both. Cassandra Rosalind Nott.

Draco has written to me almost daily, but I've never responded. He tells me about his day, how he misses me, hopes for our future, expectations for class this year. It's been a bit overwhelming, honestly. Knowing that I'll be seeing him on the platform today is nerve wracking. A month with just my father and brother has been freeing, but I have to admit that there is a hollow feeling in my chest that I didn't have before Draco left.

"Cassie! Hurry up or we'll be late!" I hear Theo call to me from downstairs. He's still just as impatient as he was when we were children.

"Young Mistress? Mipsy can bes bring anythings you forget. Young Master is being quite insistent that yous leave now." I turn away from the window to see my nanny elf standing beside my packed trunk. I give her a small smile.

"Thank you, Mipsy. You're the best." I walk closer to her. "Mind popping my trunk and I down to the floo room? As close to Theo as you can get, if possible." My smile sharpens into a grin.

"Of course, young Mistress!" It's only a second later that Mipsy takes my hand and I appear beside my twin, who lets out a rather feminine shriek as he jumps in fright.

I let out a loud laugh as I thank the elf, my brother glaring at me. "Mipsy always does your bidding." Theo pouts, glaring at me sullenly.

"Please, Theodore. Ren is just as loyal to you." I tease, taking the handle of my trunk as I refer to my brother's nanny elf. Ren could be more mischievous than Theo and I put together when she tried.

"Children, play nice." Father enters the room, his gaze immediately zeroing in on my luggage. "Cassandra, release that trunk at once, you know you're not supposed to do anything strenuous."

"Father, the mediwitch you had come said I was almost 100% better and I just needed to work on regaining the rest of my strength." I scowl at him, but release the handle.

"That's no reason for us to risk you backtracking in your progress just to lug around that trunk." I watch as he takes the luggage in my place. "Now, we best get going if we don't want to be late. Theodore, you first."

My brother gives Father a mock salute before disappearing through the floo. I walk forward to take his place, slightly nervous to floo travel. Until this summer, it's been very rare that I traverse by flames.

In moments, I find myself stumbling out of the fireplace on Platform 9 ¾. Strong arms catch me around the waist, keeping me from falling on my face.

"Careful, sweetheart. One might think you were already falling for me." I flush as I hear the smirk in Draco's voice as I straighten up, his arms still locked around me.

"Can you please release me?" I demand, putting my hands on his chest as I try to push away. The prat responds by pulling me even closer.

"Now why would I do such a thing? I haven't seen my mate in a month, I'm not ready to let her go yet." I find my head tucked underneath his chin, so close to him that my nose brushes his collar bone, cologne filling my senses. Draco takes a long inhale, as if trying to memorize my scent.