𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

009

As the days shortened and the air grew cooler, the anticipation of Halloween infused every corner of Hogwarts with a sense of magic and mystery. The castle itself seemed to hum with excitement, as if it too awaited the arrival of the most enchanted night of the year.

It had been weeks since Cassiopeia and Blaise had returned from the cold halls of the Zabini manor, and now, with Halloween just around the corner, the somber memories of that time seemed to fade, replaced by the thrill of the upcoming festivities.

The anticipation for the event had been building steadily among the students, and with only two more days until the big night, Hogwarts was abuzz with excitement. Decorations were already up, with jack-o'-lanterns lining the corridors, and the Great Hall had been transformed into a dark, magical wonderland, complete with floating candles and enchanted cobwebs.

Everywhere Cassiopeia looked, her fellow students were deep in preparation for the festivities. Costumes were being crafted, plans were being made, and the air was filled with chatter about who would be dressed as what. Yet, despite all the excitement, Cassiopeia had remained tight-lipped about her own costume, much to the growing frustration of her friends.

They had been pestering her for days now, each one trying to pry the secret from her in their own way.

"Come on, Cassie, you can't keep us in the dark like this," Mattheo had said just the other night, his curiosity evident as he lounged beside her in the common room. "You've always got something clever up your sleeve. What's it going to be this year?"

Cassiopeia had just smiled mysteriously and shrugged. "You'll see," she replied, her tone light but offering no further hints.

Theodore had been no less persistent, catching her in the corridor between classes. "You're really not going to tell us, are you?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips. "You know we're going to find out anyway."

Cassiopeia had just laughed softly, shaking her head. "You'll find out when everyone else does," she teased, enjoying the way it kept them on their toes.

Even Blaise, with his usual cool demeanor, had attempted to coax the information out of her. "I don't see why you're keeping it such a secret," he had said one evening, his voice carrying a hint of amusement. "You know we're dying to know."

But Cassiopeia remained steadfast, not giving away a single clue. She enjoyed the game, the way it kept them guessing, and besides, she wanted her costume to be a surprise.

And now, finally, it was the day of Halloween. Cassiopeia stood in front of her mirror, her costume finally complete. She turned slightly, admiring the way the fabric flowed around her, catching the light just right. The outfit was a perfect mix of elegance and mystery, a reflection of both her own personality and the dark, magical atmosphere of the evening.

Drawing inspiration from the myth of Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, Cassiopeia's costume was a blend of elegance and shadow. The midnight-black dress shimmered like the surface of a still, dark lake under a moonless sky. The lace that adorned her neckline and sleeves was as intricate as the threads of fate, weaving a story of power and beauty. A crown of withered roses and silver thorns sat atop her head, a symbol of both life and death, perfectly encapsulating the duality of the goddess she embodied. As she caught her reflection in the mirror, she couldn't help but smile, knowing she had captured the essence of Persephone—both regal and haunting.

As she stood there, taking in her reflection, a small, satisfied smile played on her lips. She knew her friends would be surprised when they saw her, and she couldn't wait to reveal her costume to them. Tonight was going to be unforgettable.

Cassiopeia took one last glance in the mirror, adjusting the dark crown that rested on her head, before heading out of her room. As she descended the stairs to the Hufflepuff common room, she was immediately greeted by the warm, lively atmosphere that she had come to love so much. The room was filled with her fellow housemates, all dressed in various costumes, chatting excitedly about the upcoming Halloween feast and festivities.