Spellbound Souls

Chapter 2. An Unexpected Turn of Events

Cassandra

Our new room radiates a sense of grandeur, its beauty evident from the moment we step inside. Though its ambiance bears resemblance to our previous sleeping quarters, it is undeniably more spacious. We also have our own quaint living area within. Grace, ever considerate, has even arranged for an additional bed, ensuring none of us feels left out.

"This certainly is grand," Nerida marvels as her gaze sweeps across the room. While I had been content with our 'normal' lodgings, I can't deny the charm of this new space. It holds a different essence, a subtle shift from our previous abode.

As we ready ourselves for dinner, Grace bursts into our dormitory with an air of excitement. Her cheeks are flushed with a rosy tint, her hair slightly disheveled. A silent exchange of knowing glances between us leads to a collective bout of giggles. We are all aware of the activities now occupying Grace's agenda, and who could blame her? Her affection for Atticus is evident, and if I were in her position, I would likely do the same.

"Well, that was interesting," she remarks upon entering, her voice carrying a hint of mischief.

"Care to enlighten us?" Imelda teases, a playful glint in her eye.

"Perhaps later," Grace replies, a mischievous grin adorning her features. She crosses the room to her trunk, exchanging her attire for her robes. With practiced precision, she styles her hair, stealing glances at her reflection in the mirror. Catching my eye in the reflection, she flashes a smile before I quickly avert my gaze, feeling a pang of shyness.

Approaching me at my bedside, Grace leans in with an air of secrecy. "There will be a surprise for you at dinner," she whispers coyly, leaving me intrigued. Casting puzzled glances at Imelda and Nerida, they exchange shrugs before Grace, in a playful manner, adds, "You'll see," before skipping out of the room.

I straighten my posture and take a moment to compose myself, casting a critical eye over my appearance in the mirror. "Alright, let's go eat," I declare, leading the way as we exit the room.

Upon entering the Great Hall, I see the tables already packed with our fellow students, all busy engaging in conversation with their housemates about their summers. We take a left and walk towards the Slytherin table. I'm looking forward to seeing Ominis and I spot him sitting at the beginning of the table, speaking with Violet McDowell. Grace is at the far end of the table near the staff table. She has her legs on the other side of the bench so she can talk to Atticus, who sits the same but in the opposite direction. Don't think about him. Be happy for them. I regain my focus and walk towards Ominis and take a seat beside him. Imelda and Nerida take seats on the other side.

"Hello Ominis," I say to announce myself. Ominis straightens his posture and sits up.

"Cassandra! It is good to hear you," with a surprised tone Ominis turns his body to hug me. I lean in and hug him back.

"How was your summer?" I ask.

"Absolutely dreadful, I will not go into detail," he answers in a 'don't bother' tone. I know Ominis doesn't have the easiest relationship with his family. And now that Sebastian and Anne are both gone, he couldn't stay with the Sallows during the summer. That has been hard for him. We talked about it in our letters we sent to each other over the summer. He said it could be worse, but I think he has to say that a few times to himself to really believe it, to make the summers at his own house a little more bearable.

"How was yours?" he asks back. Knowing that Ominis could smell my bullocks from miles away, I sense there would be no use in lying. Only thing I'm regretting now is that I wasn't honest with the girls when they asked me that same question. And now they will hear my honest answer.

"Could be better, Ominis, but overall, just fine," I try to say in my most reassuring and convincing tone. Ominis doesn't react and he doesn't pry. I think he might actually accept my answer.

"Why didn't you tell us when we asked?" Imelda chimes in, with an annoyed expression on her face.

"I don't know, but I'm telling you now," I scoff. Shite. Not making a good mark here, real smooth lying to your friends, Cassandra.

I feel the tension getting thicker but luckily for me, I see Headmaster Black walk to the Owl Lectern and take his stand behind it. Very quickly, everyone's attention shifts to him, and everyone present in the Great Hall stops talking. Headmaster Black looks exactly the same as he did when I started here two years ago, right down to his annoyed expression.

"Ahem," he starts. "For all the seventh-year students, you will have to decide by the end of the month which elective courses you are going to follow. This will be mandatory if you want to pursue a career within the Ministry of Magic." A year ago, I didn't devote much thought to my future. I was still recovering from all the events of my fifth year. However, Professor Weasley saw potential in me to become an Auror. Considering my ability to wield ancient magic and the numerous encounters I've had with dark wizards and poachers, her encouragement convinced me to pursue the Auror training program.

The rest of the evening goes as dull as ever. We get new, frightened first years, some sorted into our house. More lectures from Headmaster Black and conversations about our future plans, things we want to do and be "when we grow up," nothing really special.

As everyone is busy chatting and eating, I am planning my next escape to the Room of Requirement. I have put my faith into Deek to look after the room and animals while I was not on school grounds. I'm positive it went fine. But sometimes an image of Deek being trampled by the Lord of the Shore flashes into my mind, and I can't help but worry and wonder if I made a mistake by giving him this task. I'm sure it's fine, I try to assure myself silently.

As the evening goes by and the night falls, the doors of the Great Hall fly open. Everyone goes quiet and focuses their gaze on the door. I can't see who or what is causing the sudden shift in attention, but the palpable tension in the air hints at something significant. I see students from other tables turn to each other with surprised facial expressions and whispers. Then I see what is causing all the commotion.