killer | harry potter (DISCONT.)

7. echoes of new words

Druella Black died on a foggy grey morning. Her favourite kind.

Her funeral, however, took place on a sunny day, which she would've hated. A fact that provided a small comfort to Cass.

It's not that Cassiopeia hated the woman, per se, she just didn't care for her. Druella had been catty and judgemental in life, and simply not a very nice person. But... Cass went to the funeral. Not only because Narcissa couldn't go herself, but also because Rye was very annoying about it.

So, here they were, at Druella's creepy, old house.

Cass had hoped the brim of the hat she wore would hide her from the—admittedly scarce—mourners in the place, but people were definitely sneaking not-so-sly glances at her. Though thankfully no one came up to her to ask about the investigation.

"Did you have to wear that? It's a funeral, Sugar," Orion whispered to Cass.

Cassiopeia frowned. "Wear what?"

Rye raised a brow, nodded vaguely at her sister's chest area.

Cassiopeia looked down at her outfit. She wore a black calf-length dress with a deep v-neck and a cape that covered her neck before opening up at the chest. "What? This counts as robes."

Orion rolled her eyes as if Cass was the most frustrating being on earth. "You know what I mean."

Cass did, but she wouldn't justify her fashion choices to her little sister. If she wanted to wear an inappropriate outfit that would give her (fake) grandmother a heart attack at said grandmother's funeral, she damn well would.

"Orion. Cassiopeia," a voice came from behind them.

It was their aunt Andromeda. Cass had only met her in person very briefly, so it was still startling how much she looked like Narcissa. Regal, and dark-eyed.

"It's nice of you to come," she said.

"Yes. Well... Mother isn't feeling well. We're here on her behalf," Cass said.

Andromeda accepted the explanation with a nod, before moving on.

Cass and Orion sat near the back, in silence as people spoke about Druella. She wasn't a very nice woman, but in times like these, people scrounged up stories that made her sound like she was at least not a completely horrid bitch.

When the hands on Cassiopeia's watch signalled that an hour had passed since their arrival, she stood up from her seat to go find Orion, who had gone in search of the most calorie-filled food in the place, so they could eat it as a final fuck you to Druella.

But before Cass could find her sister, she was intercepted by Aunt Andromeda.

"I was hoping I could speak to you, Cassiopeia."

Cass was unsure what this was about and she kind of didn't want to find out, but Andromeda was, by far, the only decent member of either Narcissa's or Lucius's family. So, she complied.

Andromeda led Cass to the empty kitchen, still as spotless and manicured as Druella had probably left it.

"This probably comes as no surprise to you... but I've heard of your recent troubles with the DMLE. And I know you're yet to be charged with a crime, but you will probably need legal representation. Good one, at that. And I wanted to offer... my help with any legal fees you might accrue."

Cass couldn't help being taken slightly aback. "Oh. Well, thank you, Aunt Andromeda, but... I have it handled."

Andromeda wasn't sold. "Child, I am very aware of your family's financial troubles. There's no need to save face with me."