Spellbound Souls

Chapter 9. Unexpected Chaos

Sebastian

Cassandra and I are lounging on the grass just outside the greenhouse. She leans against the glass, engrossed in her book, while I rest my head on her lap. I can't see her face, but I can feel the warmth of the late summer sun on my skin, and the gentle breeze rustling through the leaves. Classes are over for the day, and it's still September, so the air is warm and inviting, the perfect backdrop for a quiet afternoon together.

"What are you reading?" I ask, my voice soft in the warm afternoon air.

            "Hmm?" Cassandra's response is absentminded as she turns a page. I chuckle.

            "What are you reading?" I repeat, a little louder this time. She closes the book and turns it so I can see the cover. 'A Study in Scarlet' it reads. I furrow my brow. I've never heard of it.

            "What's it about?" I ask, genuinely curious now.

            "It's a detective story," she explains, and I look at her blankly.

            "A what?" I ask, feeling a little foolish. Cassandra laughs and lays the book down on the grass.

            "I forgot you're not familiar with Muggle terms," she says with a smile. I sit up, intrigued and a little confused.

Curiosity piqued, I lean in closer, eager to learn more.

"What's a detective?" I ask, watching as Cassandra's eyes light up with amusement.

"Well," she begins, settling into an explanation, "a detective is someone who solves crimes and mysteries. They use logic and deductive reasoning to figure out whodunit. A little bit like Aurors, but without magic."

I nod slowly, trying to wrap my head around the concept.

"And this book," Cassandra continues, picking up 'A Study in Scarlet', "is about the most famous detective of them all: Sherlock Holmes."

"Sherlock Holmes?" I repeat, testing out the name on my tongue. It sounds strange and exotic, like something out of a fairy tale.

"Yes," Cassandra confirms with a smile. "He's a brilliant detective who solves all sorts of crimes with his friend, Dr. John Watson."

I listen intently as Cassandra launches into a brief summary of the plot, her enthusiasm contagious. By the time she's finished, I'm hooked.

"Can I read it when you're done?" I ask eagerly.

"Of course," Cassandra replies, her smile widening. "I think you'll really enjoy it."

And as I lean back against the warm glass of the greenhouse, the afternoon sun casting dappled shadows across the grass, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement. Who knew that a simple book could open up a whole new world of adventure and intrigue?

As Cassandra explains the concept of detectives and Sherlock Holmes, I find myself captivated by the idea of muggle mysteries and crime-solving. It's a world I never knew existed, and I can't help but feel curious about what else I've been missing out on.

"Are there other muggle things like detectives?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.

Cassandra nods, her eyes sparkling with amusement at my newfound interest. "Oh, definitely. There are all sorts of things in the muggle world that you've probably never heard of."

"Like what?" I press, eager to learn more.

Cassandra tilts her head, thinking for a moment before answering. "Well, there are things like the fire brigade."

"The fire brigade?" I repeat, intrigued. "What do they do?"

"They're a group of people who help put out fires," Cassandra explains. "They have special equipment and training to deal with all sorts of emergencies."

I nod, processing this new information. "That sounds... useful."

Cassandra smiles. "Very. They're heroes, really. They risk their lives to save others."

"Wow," I say, impressed. "I had no idea muggles had something like that."

"There's a lot you don't know about the muggle world," Cassandra says with a smile. "But that's why I'm here to teach you."

I grin back at her, grateful for her patience and willingness to share her knowledge with me.

As Cassandra asks what time it is, I reach into my pocket and pull out my pocket watch. I flip it open and check the time.

"It's almost dinner time," I reply, snapping the watch shut and slipping it back into my pocket.

Cassandra nods, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. "Thank you."

I smile back at her, grateful for the chance to spend the afternoon with her, learning about the Muggle world. As we gather our things and head back to the castle for dinner, I can't help but feel a sense of excitement for all the new things I have yet to discover.

***

We stroll to the Great Hall to have dinner. During our walk Cassandra is telling me about small Muggle things I never had heard of. I'm amazed by the creativity of non magical people. Where we just take out our wand, they have to use their intellect and wit.

As we enter the Great Hall, we're surprised to find the Slytherin table completely empty. Cassandra and I exchange puzzled looks, our concern growing by the second. Professor Ronen is approaching with fasten steps. He has a smile on his face and my curiosity is peeking.

"Mister Sallow, Miss Crimson, you are expected in the Slytherin common room. Follow me." He clicks his heels and strides to the door. Professor Ronen doesn't elaborate further.  Cassandra and I share a confused expression but we follow him without protest.

As Professor Ronen descends the stairs ahead of us, I grasp Cassandra's hand tightly. Her palms are sweaty, and her expression is unreadable. Silently, we trail behind him until we reach the entrance of the Slytherin common room. The door materialises, and Professor Ronen stretches his arm, gesturing for us to enter.

"Enjoy," he says with a sly grin.

Once again, Cassandra and I exchange confused looks before following Professor Ronen's instructions and stepping through the door. As it closes behind us, we stop in our tracks, standing still in the foyer and listening closely for any signs of commotion coming from down the stairs.

"What's happening?" Cassandra asks.

"Only one way to find out," I reply, still holding her hand as I lead her towards the stairs.

Entering the main room of the Slytherin house, we find everyone gathered in a large group, standing in front of the stairs. As we take the last step, they all shout in unison.

"Welcome back!"