Dark Stars

CHAPTER 2

Cassiopeia's POV

"Cassiopeia Black,"

I hear my name being called as the two enormous oak doors swing open with a dramatic flair. Holding my head high, I stride confidently toward the front of the hall, each step accompanied by the sound of whispering onlookers. Their curious gazes make my heart race, but I keep my chin up—this is my moment. As I pass, I catch sight of Draco at the long Slytherin table, flashing me a charming smile that makes me feel a little bolder.

Taking my place on the stool, an old, weary hat is placed clumsily atop my head. Just when I think it might take its time assessing me, it bellows, "SLYTHERIN!" The smirk I can't help but wear proves I belong exactly where I'm meant to be. With a playful bounce in my step, I hop off the stool and slide into a seat beside Draco.

"CASSIOPEIA BLACK! HOW DARE YOU COME WITHOUT TELLING ME!" Pansy yells, throwing herself toward me in an enthusiastic hug that nearly knocks the wind out of me.

"Sorry?" I reply, laughing as I squeeze her back.

"You should be," she teases, a mischievous glint in her eye.

Our reunion is blissfully interrupted by Enzo, Theo, and Blaise, who come in for hugs of their own. It's good to be with friends again; we formed this bond at the Malfoy Yule Ball, the annual event where Draco first introduced me to his friend circle. Since that day, Pansy has become my best friend.

"Hi, human," Theo greets me, plopping down next to us.

"Hi, alien," I reply with an exaggerated sweetness, and we dissolve into laughter.

"Cass? When did you start going to Hogwarts?" Blaise asks, his brows furrowed in genuine curiosity.

"Since I got expelled, I guess," I shrug nonchalantly.

"How did that happen?" Blaise leans in, intrigued.

"I don't know, it just happened," I say, shrugging again for emphasis.

"Guys, shut up! The old motherfucker is speaking," Theo says.

The old man with silver hair and a long beard that brushed his knees, I assume that's Dumbledore starts to talk. "Welcome! Welcome to another year at Hogwarts," he began, his voice warm and inviting. "I'd like to say a few words before we all become too befuddled by our excellent feast. First, I'm pleased to welcome Professor R.J. Lupin, who's kindly consented to fill the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

I glanced at my friends. "So that's our teacher?"

"He looks broke," Pansy said, blunt as ever.

"For real," Blaise added, trying to suppress a laugh.

As Dumbledore continued, we fell silent again.

"Our Care of Magical Creatures teacher has decided to retire to spend more time with his remaining limbs. Fortunately, I'm delighted to announce that his place will be taken by none other than our own Rubeus Hagrid."

Draco's jaw dropped. "There's no way they're letting that filthy creature teach us."

"It'll be interesting to see how he'd teach," Theo leaned back in his chair, clearly amused.

"The guy hasn't even graduated Hogwarts! He got expelled, for goodness' sake. How can he teach?" Pansy chimed in.

"Filthy half-blood. Wait till Father hears about this," Draco muttered, his face darkening.

"Dray, stop being a daddy's child for a second, will you?" I rolled my eyes.

"Oh shut up, Cass," he snapped back.