GAMES OF FATES (H.P/T.M.R)

Mind Over Matter

Cassopiea sat cross-legged on her bed, a stillness settling over her as she focused on her breathing. The faint hum of the night wrapped around her, inviting her to delve deeper into her own mind. She had practiced meditation diligently, allowing her Occlumency shields to lower, revealing the vulnerable layers beneath. Tonight was different—tonight, she would attempt astral projection for the first time.

As she let the familiar tingling sensation wash over her, a gentle pull tugged at her consciousness. The world around her blurred, fading into a soft haze. With a rush, she felt herself being drawn into the depths of her own mind, the shift disorienting yet thrilling.

Suddenly, she found herself in a room that felt both familiar and dreamlike. It was a sprawling, ethereal version of Grimmauld Place, the air heavy with the scent of old books and faintly lingering magic. The walls were adorned with portraits that whispered secrets when approached, their frames a kaleidoscope of color. Soft, golden light spilled from unseen sources, casting playful shadows that danced along the floor.

Cassopiea took a deep breath, reveling in the sensations. The air was cool yet comforting, like a warm embrace from the past. The echo of laughter seemed to resonate through the space, a reminder of moments shared, of friendships forged in the fires of chaos.

As she explored, something shimmering caught her eye. Turning, she gasped. There stood Marvolo, his expression a mix of shock and confusion, his dark eyes wide. The moment stretched, thick with unspoken words. She couldn’t help but burst into laughter, the sound ringing like bells through the surreal room.

“Blimey, where am I ?” he exclaimed, his surprise evident.

“Welcome to my mind phase,” she replied, a teasing edge in her tone. “Didn’t you get the memo? It’s an exclusive club.”

Their eyes locked, and suddenly the atmosphere shifted. The air thickened with tension, unsteady and electric. Neither of them seemed to know who moved first, but in an instant, she found herself cradled in his arms. The familiar weight of their last encounter hung between them, a reminder of the chaos they both navigated.

His lips curled into a slight smile, but there was something deeper in his gaze, a flicker of recognition that sent a shiver down her spine. “Right, because I’ve always dreamed of being trapped in the confines of your psyche.”

“Trapped? Oh, please. You should feel honored,” she shot back, stepping closer, the air thickening with unspoken words. “It’s not every day you get an all-access pass to my thoughts.”

“Lucky me,” he replied, sarcasm lacing his voice, but there was an undertone that hinted at something more. “So, what are you up to these days? Avoiding life as usual?”

“Just the usual teenage melodrama,” she shrugged, but her heart raced as she shifted the subject. “What about you? Still plotting world domination?”

Marvolo’s expression turned serious, and for a moment, the playful banter faded.“Not world domination, just a little escapade,”

Cassopiea’s eyes widened, concern flooding her expression. “You want those mad geezers out of prison? Are you crazy?”

“Well, darling, I am a Dark Lord,” he said, feigning innocence. “Being crazy is part of the job description.”

She giggled, shaking her head in disbelief. “Right, because nothing says ‘I’m responsible’ like breaking your friends out of jail.”

“Right, and that makes it perfectly reasonable,” she replied, rolling her eyes. “What’s your brilliant plan? A grand tea party?”

“More like a covert operation,” he said, his gaze sharpening. “But it’s not as simple as that. Did you know Neville’s parents were already incapacitated before the whole bellatrix and Rodolphus mess? They were being fed something, and just a few Crucios did the rest.”

“Shocking,” she said, her mind racing. “So someone else was pulling the strings?”

“Most likely Dumbledore. You and Neville were the only contenders for the prophecy,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“Prophecy?” she asked, confusion washing over her. “What are you talking about?”

“There’s a prophecy about you being the one to defeat me,” he said, a sardonic smile playing on his lips. “Sybill Trelawney let it slip during her interview.”

“Dumbledore never mentioned that,” she replied, annoyance creeping in.

“Exactly. Dumbledore never mentions anything important,” he said, leaning in slightly, his expression unreadable. “But I only know half of it.”

“What do you mean, half?” she demanded, crossing her arms defensively.

“Only we can retrieve the complete prophecy together,” he said, the challenge evident in his eyes.

“Fine, I’ll be back in November for the Diwali vacation,” she said, unwilling to back down.

“Aha! So you’re in India?” He looked genuinely intrigued.

“Why do you care?” she shot back, narrowing her eyes.

“Because you’re part of my—” he hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “—ongoing interests.”

“Right, how noble of you,” she replied sarcastically. “And what if I told you I’m in Sambhala Vidyashram?”

His eyes widened. “Sambhala? I can’t believe it. That’s the most difficult magical school to get into!”

Cassopia smirked. “You’re just upset you never got accepted.”

“Touché,” he admitted, though the corners of his mouth twitched upwards.

"Well, Only those with a clean soul can enter—not like yours, which is probably made of confetti.” she teased.

Their banter lingered in the air, a mix of sharp words and unspoken understanding. Marvolo took a step closer, the space between them charged with something deeper. “How’s the little one?” he asked, his tone softening slightly.

“He’s doing fine,” she replied, instinctively touching her bump.

“He?” Marvolo questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“Of course I know it’s a boy,” she said, feigning nonchalance. “Mother’s instinct.”

“Impressive,” he remarked, though his eyes held a hint of something more. “Just don’t let your instincts lead you into danger.”

“Danger? Coming from you?” she countered. “How rich.”

For a moment, the tension shifted, an unspoken connection lingering in the air. But then, as if remembering themselves, they both stepped back, the distance feeling heavier now.

“Looks like our time is up,” she said reluctantly, feeling the pull back to her reality.

“Until next time, then,” he replied, a faint smile ghosting his lips.

“Until next time,” she echoed, taking one last look at him before her surroundings began to blur.

As she transitioned back to the waking world, Cassopia couldn’t shake the complexity of their conversation—a reminder of the delicate balance they maintained, caught between tension and a bond that neither dared to fully acknowledge.

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Hey guys!

So did you all enjoy the chapters?

I would love if you could leave your honest reviews, because it is often that I find myself stuck, I would love to know if you have anything on your mind, even suggestions are accepted!

My biggest question is that is the relationship between Marvolo and Cassopiea moving too fast?

What all of you topics that you like be touched?