𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

004

Another few days had passed, and the crisp autumn air had taken on an even sharper edge, signaling the approach of winter. The once vibrant leaves had fallen, leaving the trees bare as the sky turned a muted gray. Cassiopeia, more attuned to the weather's demands, walked down to the Great Hall with the boys, dressed warmly in a thick coat and her Slytherin scarf. The early morning chill didn't bite as fiercely this time, and she felt snug as they made their way through the castle's stone corridors.

"Soon we have Halloween," Draco said with a smirk as they approached the entrance to the Great Hall. He cast a glance at his friends, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "What have you guys planned?"

Mattheo snorted, his trademark smirk firmly in place. "Gonna dress up as a wizard," he teased, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "You know, keep it traditional."

Draco rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a grin. "Very original, Mattheo. Maybe we should all go as Dementors, scare the living daylights out of the first years."

Theo, who had been walking with his usual calm demeanour, glanced over at Draco with a thoughtful expression. "Or maybe we should do something a bit more subtle this year," he suggested. "Not everything has to be a grand spectacle."

Blaise nodded in agreement. "Theo's right. Sometimes the smallest pranks have the biggest impact. Besides, we don't want to get into trouble before the end of the term. We've had enough of that already."

Cassiopeia chuckled softly as she listened to their banter. She appreciated the light-hearted moments like these, where they could just be a group of friends enjoying each other's company without the usual pressures that came with being who they were.

"Whatever we decide, it's going to be memorable," she added, her tone warm and confident. "We always manage to make an impression."

Their conversation about Halloween continued as they entered the Great Hall, the warmth of the room immediately enveloping them. They settled at their usual spot at the Slytherin table, the chatter of students filling the air as everyone discussed their plans for the upcoming holiday.

After finishing dinner, the group made their way back to the Slytherin common room, the atmosphere still light with the remnants of their playful discussion. The familiar green and silver hues of their house greeted them as they walked through the entrance, and the flickering flames of the fireplace added a cozy warmth to the room.

As they approached their usual spot by the fire, they automatically fell into their seats. Theodore, Mattheo, and Draco claimed one sofa, leaning back into the plush cushions, while Cassiopeia and Blaise took the other. The arrangement was comfortable, familiar, and a reflection of how naturally they all fit together.

Cassiopeia glanced around at her friends, feeling a wave of contentment wash over her. These moments of quiet companionship were something she cherished—when they could simply relax and enjoy each other's presence without the weight of the outside world pressing down on them.

Mattheo stretched his arms across the back of the sofa, his eyes flickering with amusement. "So, Cassie, any thoughts on what you're going to do for Halloween? You always come up with the best ideas."

Cassiopeia smiled, leaning slightly against Blaise, who was already resting comfortably beside her. "I've got a few ideas," she replied, her voice thoughtful. "But I'm not giving anything away just yet. You'll have to wait and see."

Theo raised an eyebrow. "Keeping secrets from us, are you?"

Cassie grinned, a playful glint in her eyes. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm just waiting for the right moment to share."

Blaise, who had been quietly watching the exchange, reached over and gently tugged on a strand of Cassie's hair. "Whatever it is, I'm sure it'll be brilliant," he said, his voice full of quiet assurance.