Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
CASSIOPEIA SAT BY HERSELF AT THE SLYTHERIN TABLE. After a very long search conducted by Filch at the castle's gates, she found a spot in the Great Hall that put some space between herself and the other sixth years. She ignored the stares, scowls, and whispers she was getting from everyone. From the moment she walked in holding hands with Ron, everyone was looking at her.
It was already annoying her. She was used to people staring at her and whispering behind her back, but that was when she knew what people were saying. Saying to stay away from her, saying that she was a Dark wizard, saying that she was bad news. But now, she didn't know what they were saying about her.
Were they saying they felt bad for her? Were they saying that she was faking it? Were they saying that she didn't deserve Ron? Were they saying that she was still the mean, cold Slytherin she had always been?
She pushed away the thoughts as the Sorting Ceremony started. The faces of the little first years lit up every time they were sorted into their houses. She clapped every time one of them was placed into Slytherin. She thought back to when the Sorting Hat had placed her in Slytherin.
It was expected, of course, for Cassiopeia to be in Slytherin. The Coldwells had been in Slytherin for ages. She exemplified every trait a good Slytherin had. Ambition, resourcefulness, determination, cunning, clever. A true Slytherin.
Part of her wondered if she was still considered a true Slytherin. A true Slytherin wouldn't have turned their backs on their entire family. A true Slytherin wouldn't have taken the side of Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore. A true Slytherin wouldn't have chosen a blood traitor to love.
Chatter washed over the Great Hall and Cassiopeia looked up, expecting them to be looking at her again. However, everyone's attention was focused on the doorway instead. Harry had just walked in, holding a blood-soaked towel to his face. Next to him was Luna Lovegood, who had a bright smile on her face as if arriving late to the Welcoming Feast was nothing out of the ordinary.
Cassiopeia watched as Harry took a seat at the Gryffindor table by Ron, Hermione, and Ginny, who all started pestering him about where he had been. From beside her, Cassiopeia could hear Pansy Parkinson's obnoxious voice, "Look who just had to make a grand entrance. Couldn't let the spotlight be off of him for ten minutes." Crabbe and Goyle snorted loudly and Pansy cackled as she held onto Draco's arm. The blonde boy snarled at the sight of Harry.
Cassiopeia ignored them and sent a worried expression toward the Gryffindor table. Harry had been missing for hours and then he suddenly showed up covered in blood. If Cassiopeia didn't know him, she would've thought this was strange. However, showing up covered in blood was not too far out of the ordinary for the Boy Who Lived.
"Very best of evenings to you all," Dumbledore spoke from his place on the podium. Cassiopeia's attention was instantly pulled towards him and away from the Gryffindor table. "First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff. Horace Slughorn."
