Half-Blood Princess

Prologue

In the radiant glow of the June sun in 1978, Hogwarts was adorned with a golden hue, illuminating every stone of the castle. Cassandra Rice, affectionately called Cassie by those closest to her, navigated the time-worn passageways with confidence. Her seventh year unfolded like a tapestry of enchantments and concoctions, her refined lineage reflected in the fluid motion of her wand as she weaved complex spells. While most Slytherins esteemed pureblood lineage above everything else, Cassie's priorities were rooted in academic pursuits and nurturing meaningful relationships.

With each step, her long chocolate brown hair swayed like silk curtains, framing her face with a touch of elegance. Her piercing light blue eyes held a depth akin to the vast ocean, hinting at mysteries hidden beneath their serene surface. Among the ambitious Slytherins, Cassie stood out like a rare gemstone, cherished by the other houses for her compassionate heart and unwavering loyalty to the other houses as well and non-purebloods and those deemed by Slytherin house to be a blood traitors.

Despite the whispers that followed her every move within the stone walls of Hogwarts, Cassie remained true to herself. She shared a unique bond with Severus Snape, finding solace in their shared love for potion-making and late-night conversations under the starlit sky. To some, she was an enigma within Slytherin house, an anomaly whose kindness shone brighter than any dark magic. But to those who truly knew her, Cassie Rice was a beacon of light in a world cloaked in shadows and secrets.

Cassie wandered through the bustling crowd of students bidding farewell at the end of term, her eyes scanning for Severus. She had just left her friend group by the Black Lake to find him.

Finally, she spotted him beneath a sprawling oak tree, engrossed in a book. A gentle smile tugged at her lips as she approached him.

"Severus," she murmured, causing him to glance up, pushing aside a stray lock of his hair. "Cassie... everything alright?" he inquired, his tone laced with concern.

With a soft chuckle, Cassie nodded. "Just wanted to say goodbye. It's our last day here at Hogwarts before we embark on new adventures."

"Not all of us have secured grand destinies like you, Cassie. Some of us aren't as fortunate to have job offers waiting," Severus remarked solemnly, gesturing for her to join him on the grassy patch beside him. "Although Dumbledore has hinted at a teaching opportunity for me here once I acquire more experience. I'm aiming for Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"That is wonderful, Sev! You will be a great professor," she smiled at him, clearly very proud. "I am not sure if I should join the ministry. My father got me the position. At least he is allowing me to work instead of marry me off like he did my sister to that Parkinson creep."

"Isn't Mr. Parkinson your father's age."

Cassie's gaze lifted to the canopy of leaves above, their soft rustle accompanying her hushed words. "You know, that fellow never lets up on Victoria about having a baby. It's as if he views her solely as a vessel for childbirth. I almost wish she'd have a boy just to silence him."

Drawing nearer to him, her eyes sparkled with a yearning for adventure. "But as for me? I have no desire to be shackled by routine. I crave exploration, the thrill of discovering new horizons," she revealed, urgency lacing her voice. "We're young, and in these uncertain times shadowed by war, playing it safe is a luxury we can't afford. Life is too fleeting to be confined by the confines of an office," she murmured, her tone bold and resolute.

Severus tensed momentarily when she closed the distance between them but gradually relaxed. Her presence brought him comfort; after losing Lily's friendship, rediscovering companionship was a balm to his loneliness. "Cassie..."