SNAKE - Regulus Black

Chapter two ~ Hogwarts

As Cassandra and Regulus approached the castle, the grandeur of Hogwarts loomed before them, its towering spires and ancient walls barely visible in the twilight. The warm glow from the windows contrasted sharply with the cold demeanor of the pair, amplifying their sense of detachment. The air crackled with the magic of the approaching school year, yet they remained unmoved, their focus unwavering. Cassandra's gaze was fixed on the entrance, her expression inscrutable, while Regulus's eyes flickered with a calculating intensity. The swirling mist of their auras seemed to merge with the encroaching night, heralding the arrival of two figures who would undoubtedly cast a long shadow over the school year.

Once inside the castle, Cassandra and Regulus exchanged a brief, knowing glance before heading towards the Great Hall. Their footsteps echoed softly on the stone floor, drawing wary glances from the few students milling about. As they entered the hall, the chattering of their peers fell to a hush, with heads turning to observe the newcomers. Cassandra took a seat at the Slytherin table, her posture regal and unyielding, while Regulus lingered by the entrance for a moment longer, surveying the room with a predatory calm. The sorting ceremony began, and as the students were sorted into their respective houses, Cassandra and Regulus leaned in to exchange hushed words, their conversation cloaked in secrecy. The dark aura surrounding them seemed to intensify, creating an invisible barrier that kept others at bay, hinting that their presence was not to be taken lightly.

As the sorting ceremony concluded and the plates on the tables magically filled with a sumptuous feast, the doors of the Great Hall swung open once more. The Marauders entered with their usual blend of confidence and mischief, their laughter and animated chatter cutting through the hum of the hall. James, with his trademark grin, led the way, followed closely by Sirius, whose roguish charm was evident in every step he took. Remus and Peter flanked them, their camaraderie palpable. Trailing behind them were Cassandra's siblings, Adrianna and Apollo, their presence adding a striking contrast to the Gryffindor group. Adrianna's bright eyes and Apollo's commanding demeanor drew attention as they made their way to the Gryffindor table, their arrival met with enthusiastic greetings. As the Marauders and Cassandra's siblings settled in, the dynamic of the hall shifted—Gryffindor energy buzzing around them while Cassandra and Regulus, sitting apart, observed the scene with barely concealed interest, their dark auras a stark juxtaposition to the vibrant Gryffindor spirit.

As Adrianna and Apollo took their places at the Gryffindor table, their eyes met Cassandra's from across the hall. A cold, palpable tension seemed to emanate between the siblings, a silent clash of wills that spoke volumes. Adrianna's glare was sharp and accusatory, while Apollo's expression was a mix of contempt and challenge. Cassandra's gaze was icy in response, her lips curling into a subtle, disdainful smile. Regulus, seated beside her, observed the exchange with a detached curiosity, his own dark eyes reflecting the tension. The air between the tables crackled with unspoken animosity, creating a stark divide that contrasted sharply with the warm, jovial atmosphere of the Gryffindor table. The standoff was brief but electric, hinting at the deep-seated conflicts that simmered beneath the surface of their strained family relationships.

Once the initial tension settled, Cassandra leaned in toward Regulus, her voice a low, deliberate murmur meant only for his ears. "They haven't changed much," she said, her tone laced with thinly veiled contempt as she glanced towards her siblings. Regulus's eyes followed her gaze before he responded, his voice equally soft but carrying an edge of amusement. "Nor have we," he replied, a faint smirk touching his lips. "It seems our presence here will stir things up more than we anticipated." Cassandra nodded, her eyes narrowing slightly as she took in the lively scene at the Gryffindor table. "Let them have their fun," she said, her voice barely audible over the clamor of the feast. "We'll make sure they remember why crossing us was a mistake." The two exchanged a final, conspiratorial look before returning their attention to the hall, their shared understanding setting the stage for the unfolding drama.

Regulus tilted his head slightly, studying Cassandra with a thoughtful look. "You know," he said quietly, "it might be wise to handle this with a bit more subtlety. Direct confrontations could lead to unpredictable results."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, a wry smile on her lips. "Subtlety?" she repeated. "When have we ever been known for our subtlety? Still, there's something to be said for being flexible in our approach." She glanced over at her siblings, who were deep in conversation, their laughter echoing through the hall.

Regulus nodded, his gaze returning to the Gryffindor table. "True. Let's see how things play out over the next few days. If they push us, we'll respond as needed. For now, keeping a low profile seems wise."

Cassandra's expression hardened slightly, but she agreed with a brief nod. "Agreed. We'll let them enjoy their false sense of security for now. When the time comes, they'll understand why crossing us was a mistake."

With that, they refocused on the bustling hall, the lively atmosphere around them contrasting sharply with their carefully laid plans.

As the feast began, Cassandra and Regulus were seated side by side at the Slytherin table, their proximity underscoring their united front. Cassandra engaged in quiet conversation with Andromeda, who sat next to her, while Narcissa and Blaise, along with Theodore, were further down the table, their voices a low murmur against the backdrop of the bustling hall. Regulus was positioned across from Matteo and Lorenzo, whose composed demeanor complemented his own.

Among the group of future Death Eaters, only Regulus was aware of Andromeda's private opposition to their cause. Despite the hushed discussions and strategic whispers that flowed among them, the tension of this hidden knowledge was not apparent to the others. The Slytherin table exuded a quiet, purposeful energy, sharply contrasting with the lively, carefree atmosphere at the Gryffindor table. Unbeknownst to the others, Regulus's hand rested subtly on Cassandra's leg, a gesture of intimacy and solidarity between them.

As the feast drew to a close and the plates were cleared, Regulus leaned in towards Cassandra, his lips close to her ear. His whispered words were barely audible above the ambient noise of the hall. "Meet me in the Restricted Section of the library after everyone's gone," he said, his tone deliberate and low.

Cassandra's eyes met his for a brief moment, a faint nod acknowledging his request. As the students began to disperse and the Great Hall slowly emptied, the promise of their secret meeting added a layer of intrigue to the evening. The two exchanged a final, subtle glance before turning their attention back to their surroundings, their plans set for later that night.