SNAKE - Regulus Black

Chapter eight ~ Fracturing Allegiances

The next day, Cassandra kept to herself, hoping for a bit of reprieve from the tension swirling around her. She had barely sat down in the library when she felt a familiar presence, and moments later, a shadow loomed over her. She didn't need to look up to know who it was—Regulus. She kept her eyes fixed on her book, hoping he'd take the hint and leave her alone.

"Are you going to ignore me all day?" he asked, his voice low but demanding.

"Maybe I am," she shot back, finally meeting his gaze. "What's it to you?"

He crossed his arms, a spark of irritation flashing in his eyes. "It's to me that you're letting yourself get caught up in... distractions."

She let out a scoff, slamming her book shut. "Let me guess, this is about Remus again?"

He didn't respond, but the tightening of his jaw was answer enough. She rolled her eyes, pushing her chair back and standing up to face him. "Maybe I'm done taking orders from you, Regulus."

The silence between them was electric, both of them too stubborn to back down. For a moment, she wondered if he would say something that would push her past her breaking point, but instead, he looked away, the faintest trace of uncertainty on his face.

"Be careful, Cassandra," he said, his voice softening ever so slightly. "You don't know what you're getting yourself into."

She felt a pang of anger, mixed with something else she couldn't quite place. "Maybe I don't, but I'd rather make my own mistakes than let you decide for me."

Without another word, she brushed past him and left the library, her heart pounding. She barely made it to the corner when she nearly collided with Remus, who was just coming around the bend. He offered her a gentle smile, his expression warm and disarming.

"Rough morning?" he asked, noticing the look on her face.

"Something like that," she replied, trying to shake off the frustration. She wasn't sure why, but seeing him felt like a relief.

They ended up wandering the grounds together, Remus making her laugh with his stories about mischief around the castle. His company was refreshing—there was no tension, no games, just easy conversation that made her forget, if only for a moment, the tangled web of allegiances she was caught in.

As they walked back inside, Cassandra couldn't shake the feeling that Regulus's warning had been more than just jealousy. It was a threat she couldn't quite understand but felt pressing closer every day. And as Remus offered her a reassuring smile, she couldn't help but wonder if she was standing on the edge of something far more dangerous than she'd anticipated.

But that illusion of peace shattered one afternoon when she found herself alone in an empty corridor, heading to class. She had been lost in thought when she heard footsteps echoing behind her. Turning, she found herself face-to-face with Bellatrix Lestrange, Regulus's cousin, her dark eyes glittering with a dangerous intensity.

"Cassandra," Bellatrix purred, stepping closer, "I hear you've been spending time with some... unsavory company."

Cassandra stiffened, holding her ground even as a chill ran down her spine. "You shouldn't be here," she said, her voice tight. Everyone knew Bellatrix was no longer just a former student—she was married, and the rumors about her allegiance to the Dark Lord were no longer rumors but whispered truths.

Bellatrix's smile widened, her gaze sharp and unyielding. "Oh, don't worry yourself with where I am or where I shouldn't be." Her voice was a soft, dangerous purr. "Word travels fast in our circles, and not everyone appreciates your little dalliance with that Gryffindor."

Cassandra's heart hammered. She forced herself to keep her voice steady, masking her nerves. "Is this supposed to scare me?"

Bellatrix's smile became almost playful, but it lacked any warmth. "Just a reminder, St. Clair. Loyalty is everything. And some alliances can't be broken without consequences."

As Bellatrix's footsteps faded down the corridor, Cassandra let out a shaky breath, her thoughts racing.

That night, Cassandra's thoughts were a tangled mess. She understood Bellatrix's words, and in some ways, even agreed with them. Loyalty was everything. Following the Dark Lord's vision wasn't just a choice for her; it was the way to power, security, and, ultimately, the world she wanted to be part of. But that didn't mean she wanted anyone else deciding who she could or couldn't talk to.

Frustrated, she found herself searching for Regulus. She needed to understand his silence and why he'd let Bellatrix get involved. She found him by the lake, staring out over the water, lost in thought.

"You didn't need to send your cousin to threaten me," she said, her voice sharp as she approached. Regulus turned to her, a flicker of confusion in his eyes.

"I didn't send her," he replied, his tone quiet but firm. "But I know why she came to you."

"Then why didn't you stop her?" she demanded. "If you're so concerned about me, why let her get involved?"

He sighed, frustration building in his expression. "I know you share our views, Cassandra. I do. But you need to be careful. People are watching."

Cassandra crossed her arms, defiance rising. "I understand what's at stake, Regulus. I don't need you or Bellatrix acting like I'm some liability."

He stepped closer, his eyes darkening. "We can't afford weak links. Bellatrix needed to see that you're fully committed—and you do want her on your side, Cassandra. Believe me."

She held his gaze, torn between anger and a twisted sense of loyalty. "I am committed, but I won't be watched and ordered around like some child."

Regulus's expression softened, and for a moment, she saw something beyond his usual cool demeanor. "No one is questioning your loyalty, Cassandra. I just want to keep you safe, but that means keeping certain... appearances."

The tension between them hung heavy, neither willing to back down. Finally, Cassandra looked away, her voice softening. "Fine. But I make my own choices."

She turned and left him there, a spark of defiance still burning as she disappeared into the night.

🕸️

AUTHORS NOTE ;  bit of a shorter chapter !! Sorry!!! I'm extremely busy w/ school atm 💞