𝑨𝒎𝒖𝒍𝒆𝒕 - ʜᴊᴘ x ᴏᴄ [𝐌𝐀𝐉𝐎𝐑 𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆&𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆]

𝟓𝟗

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

ɴᴏᴛᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ʙʟᴀᴄᴋ

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The Slytherin common room had settled into a low murmur after Cassie's Quidditch announcement, but the tension still lingered. Most took the news in stride-some with grudging acceptance, others with irritation.

And then there was Adrian Pucey.

"You know," he said, stretching lazily in his chair, "it's funny how you talk a big game, Black. But everyone knows you're just riding on Athena Gaunt's name."

Cassie stopped mid-step.

The room stilled.

Pucey's smirk widened. "I mean, come on. You think you get to waltz in here, act like you own the place, just because your mother was a legend?" His voice dripped with mockery. "Or is it the other side of the family you're banking on? You know-the Gaunt part?"

Cassie turned, slow and deliberate. Her smile remained, but her eyes were sharp.

"The hell is that supposed to mean?" she asked, voice calm-too calm.

Pucey gave a casual shrug. "Just saying, people talk."

"People talk," she echoed, stepping closer. "And yet, none of them ever seem to do anything interesting themselves."

Theo leaned back in his chair, watching with undisguised amusement, while Blaise, ever the observer, arched a brow but kept his thoughts to himself. The younger students hung on every word, eyes darting between Cassie and Pucey like they were witnessing the start of a duel.

Pucey didn't back down. "Maybe you should be careful, Black. Gaunt blood isn't exactly known for its sanity. Wouldn't want you cracking under pressure."

A slow, dangerous grin spread across Cassie's face.

"You worried, Pucey?" she asked smoothly. "Afraid my so-called unstable bloodline might cost you your spot on the team?"

A few snickers from the younger students.

Pucey's jaw tightened. "That's not what I-"

"Because if you are ," Cassie continued, voice light, "I'd suggest getting a good night's sleep before trials. Would be a shame if you let someone like me outplay you."

More snickers. Theo chuckled under his breath. Even Blaise chuckled.

A low, disdainful scoff echoed from the corner.

Everyone turned toward the portrait of Salazar Slytherin, who was watching Pucey with a look of pure contempt. His dark eyes flicked toward Cassie, appraising, before returning to Pucey with a sneer.