𝐊𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐎𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

005

It was the day Blaise and Cassiopeia were set to leave for Paris, heading to the Zabini mansion. Cassiopeia had managed to get her parents' approval, though it hadn't been easy. Regulus, in particular, had been hesitant. He knew all too well the dangers and manipulations that often lurked within such family dynamics, having lived through similar experiences himself. But when they realized it was to help a friend in need, both Regulus and Azalea couldn't help but agree, though not without reservations.

Her discussion with Harry, however, had been a different story.

Throwback to her discussion with Harry

They were sitting together in the Gryffindor common room, the fire crackling softly in the hearth as they leaned back on the comfortable sofa. Harry's expression was a mixture of concern and disbelief.

"I still can't believe you're leaving with him," he said, his voice tinged with frustration. The idea of her going off with Blaise, even for just a few days, didn't sit well with him.

"Harry, he really needs someone with him," Cassiopeia tried to reason, her tone calm but firm. She understood his protectiveness, but this was something she felt she had to do.

Harry crossed his arms, his brow furrowed. "Can't he, like, take his other two boyfriends with him or something?" he muttered, referring to Theodore and Mattheo. It wasn't that he hated Blaise, or the others for that matter, but when it came to Cassiopeia, his protective instincts always kicked in full force.

Cassie smiled lightly, reaching out to place a reassuring hand on his arm. "Nothing will happen to me. I promise," she said softly, her eyes meeting his with sincerity.

Harry sighed, his expression softening slightly, but the worry in his eyes remained. "You better come back in one piece, Cass."

"I will," she assured him, giving his arm a gentle squeeze.

Back to the present

Cassiopeia and Blaise would only be staying at the Zabini mansion for a night or two, and since it was over the weekend and she had her parents' approval, the school didn't have any issue with her leaving. They'd be travelling by Floo Powder, so they packed light, each carrying just a small bag.

Now, they stood in front of the grand fireplace in the Slytherin common room, the emerald flames crackling softly as they prepared to depart. Cassie took a moment to say goodbye to each of her friends.

She hugged Mattheo tightly, feeling the warmth of his embrace. "Take care, princess. If anything happens, you message me," he told her, his voice serious. His hands rested securely on her waist, their grip firm as if he were reluctant to let her go.

"Of course," she replied with a reassuring smile before moving on to Theodore.

"Come here, cara mia," Theo murmured, pulling her to his chest and lifting her slightly off the ground as he hugged her tightly. His affection was clear in the way he held her, reluctant to let her face the journey without him by her side.

Finally, she approached Draco, who had been watching quietly from the side. She wrapped her arms around him, and he returned the hug with a rare softness, his usual aloof demeanour momentarily set aside.

While she was with Draco, the other three exchanged a few words, their voices low but intense.

"You better keep her safe," Mattheo said, his dark eyes locking onto Blaise's with an intensity that left no room for misinterpretation. "Not a scratch better be on her body."

Theodore, standing beside Mattheo, nodded in agreement, his gaze just as fierce. "We're trusting you with her, Blaise. Don't make us regret it."

Blaise clenched his jaw, his own eyes flashing with determination. "You don't have to fucking tell me," he replied, his voice low and firm. "I would never let her get hurt. You know that."