The Weight of Shadows

Chapter 6 - Secrets in the Shadows

Cassiopeia stirred from her sleep as the pale morning light filtered through the curtains of the Slytherin girls' dormitory. She blinked and stretched, the cool dungeon air waking her up fully. Across the room, Vespera was already sitting up, yawning, while Elara fussed with her hair in front of the mirror.

"Morning," Cassiopeia greeted them, sliding out of bed and slipping on her robes.

Elara turned from the mirror, her long blonde hair falling neatly over her shoulders. "Morning, Cassiopeia. Ready for round two?"

Cassiopeia smirked as she pulled her hair back, securing it tightly. "I've been ready since we got here. It's just a matter of going through the motions now."

Vespera, already dressed, grinned from her bed. "Of course, you've already read ahead in every subject. You're probably ready for your N.E.W.T.s."

Cassiopeia rolled her eyes but didn't deny it. She had always been the one to prepare far in advance, not because she wanted to show off, but because she couldn't stand the idea of being unprepared. Especially not with how much was expected of her.

"I'm just trying to stay ahead," she said modestly, grabbing her bag. "Let's head to breakfast before we're late."

As the three of them made their way through the winding corridors of the Slytherin dungeon, their footsteps echoed against the cold stone floors. The air felt slightly damp, but Cassiopeia didn't mind. She was used to the dark and cool spaces after all these years.

"So, what do you think today will be like?" Elara asked as they walked. "More introductions to the basics?"

"Probably," Vespera answered, "though I hope Professor Flitwick teaches us something more challenging in Charms today. The Lumos spell was nice, but... basic."

Cassiopeia remained silent, listening to her friends chat. She had already memorized the theory and techniques for most of the first-year spells over the summer. But she'd learned to keep that to herself. There was no sense in making others feel less capable. The last thing she wanted was attention for that.

As they reached the Great Hall, the long tables were buzzing with students of all years, each engaged in animated conversation. The enchanted ceiling reflected a bright, clear sky, a perfect contrast to the dim dungeons they had just left.

Cassiopeia took her seat beside her friends, serving herself some toast and eggs. The smell of fresh food filled the hall, and the chatter around her was comforting.

"Do you think we'll learn Levitation today in Charms?" Vespera asked, buttering her toast. "I've been practicing it over the summer, but I've never really gotten it to work."

Cassiopeia smiled slightly. "Levitation's all about focus and intent. The wand movement's easy once you've got those two down."

"You make it sound so simple," Elara laughed, shaking her head. "I bet you'll have it perfect on your first try."

Cassiopeia shrugged nonchalantly, focusing on her breakfast. She knew she could perform the spell, but it wasn't her way to boast.

Soon enough, they finished eating, and the three girls made their way to Charms class. Professor Flitwick greeted them with his usual cheery enthusiasm, standing on a stack of books to see over the desk. Cassiopeia slid into her seat, Vespera and Elara on either side of her.

"Good morning, class!" Professor Flitwick chimed, his voice filled with excitement. "Today, we will be focusing on the Levitation Charm. Can anyone tell me the incantation for this spell?"

Several hands shot up around the room, but Cassiopeia kept hers down. Let someone else answer this time. Sure enough, a Ravenclaw boy recited the spell, "Wingardium Leviosa."