𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

012

The next day dawned with the crisp, cold air of Christmas Eve. The house was already buzzing with activity as the family prepared for the big day ahead. The scent of fresh pine and cinnamon lingered in the air, mixing with the mouthwatering aroma of breakfast being served in the dining room.

Everyone had gathered early, eager to start the day with a hearty meal. The table was laden with an array of dishes—freshly baked pastries, scrambled eggs, sausages, and fruit—all arranged beautifully amidst festive decorations. The family members had quickly taken their places, exchanging cheerful morning greetings as they settled in for breakfast.

Everyone, that is, except for Cassiopeia.

Just as they were about to start, the door to the dining room creaked open, and Cassiopeia stumbled in, looking very much like she had just rolled out of bed. Her hair was slightly tousled, and her eyes were heavy with sleep. She rubbed at them, trying to wake herself up, and let out a soft yawn as she greeted everyone with a sleepy "Good morning."

Her entrance was met with a chorus of amused chuckles. James was the first to speak up, his grin wide and teasing. "Well, well, look who finally decided to join us," he said, winking at her. "Late night, Cassie?"

Sirius smirked, leaning back in his chair. "You're looking a bit worse for wear this morning, Cassie. Rough night?"

Even Regulus, who was usually more reserved, couldn't resist a slight smile at his daughter's disheveled state. "Didn't sleep well, Cassiopeia?" he asked, though his tone held more amusement than concern.

Cassiopeia mumbled something incoherent in response, too sleepy to come up with a witty retort. She made her way over to her usual spot at the table—right between Blaise, Theodore, and Mattheo—plopping down with a sigh as she tried to shake off the last remnants of sleep.

The boys had been quietly observing the exchange, their own amusement growing as they watched Cassiopeia struggle to wake up. Once the rest of the family returned to their conversations, they leaned in closer to her, each of them ready to join in on the teasing.

"Morning, sleepyhead," Mattheo whispered, his voice laced with playful mockery. "Did you have trouble finding your bed last night?"

Blaise chuckled softly beside her, reaching out to gently nudge her with his elbow. "You look like you could still use a few more hours of sleep, darling. Maybe we should have brought breakfast to your bed?"

Theodore smiled at her with a twinkle in his eye. "You know, Cassie, you might want to consider going to bed a little earlier tonight. Don't want to miss out on Christmas, do you?"

Cassiopeia groaned softly, her head dropping into her hands as she tried to wake herself up. "Why is everyone picking on me this morning?" she mumbled, though there was a hint of a smile on her lips.

The boys exchanged amused glances, clearly enjoying her predicament. "Because you make it too easy," Mattheo replied, his grin widening. "You're just too cute when you're all sleepy like this."

Blaise nodded in agreement, his tone more gentle but still teasing. "Exactly. We just can't help ourselves."

Theodore reached out to lightly tap her arm, his smile softening. "But don't worry, we'll make sure you're fully awake before the day really starts. We wouldn't want you to miss out on all the fun."

Cassiopeia finally lifted her head, giving them each a mock glare that was more playful than threatening. "You three are impossible," she said, though her tone was fond.

They laughed softly, clearly not bothered by her mock scolding. "That's why you love us," Mattheo teased, leaning back in his chair with a satisfied smirk.