Another Hogwarts Mystery

Chapter 10 - The Headline

The rain pounded heavily against the window. Thick grey clouds hung over the mountains like a heavy curtain. Although the weather got rougher as the end of November approached, it could not damp Casandra's spirits. The last months with Snape were an absolute emotional rollercoaster— in a positive sense, of course. The two of them met almost every evening. At the beginning, they mostly met at his office, but they soon thought it would be safer to use their new hiding place near the library. Of course, they had a lot of sex during the last months, but it was not all about it. They spent their evenings reading and chatting. Casandra loved it when Snape and her had never-ending discussion about potions or when he read to her. Her favourite moment, however, was when she played the piano and Snape just sat there, listening to her. The old and dusty piano in the back of the room suited the cosy atmosphere. It was a safe place. Their safe place. It was too good to be true. Too romantic and perfect, Casandra thought. She had to remind herself that it was still just an affair. Although she did not want to think about it further, she caught herself thinking that she was actually in love with Snape. But what did Snape think about this topic? Was it just sex for him? Was she just an object of desire to him? Casandra shook her head in disbelief. No, she thought. Don't think about it. That is the problem with falling in love, she thought. It makes you vulnerable and insecure.

The storm transformed the castle into a sinister and cold place. The rain turned into snow, and soon the grounds were covered in a white, cotton-like coat. As Casandra entered the Great Hall for breakfast, her smile, however,  lightened up the whole place. Over the intervening months, she got used to people talking about her. Yet, this morning was different. To make matters worse and to her confusion, Beverly, Sabrina and Nick sat at the same table, and were apparently engaged in a deep conversation. "Good morning" said Casandra slightly puzzled. The three almost jumped at the same time. "Casandra! Darling!" shouted Beverly. She was extremely nervous and obviously tried to distract Casandra from something, as she tried to hide this mysterious something behind her back. "What is it? Why are you all so nervous?" "Nervous? We – we're not nervous" stammered Nick. "Stop it. All of you! If there is something wrong, tell me. Now!" barked Casandra. Slowly and with his face down, Nick grabbed the thing that Beverly hid behind her back and passed Casandra the issue of the Daily Prophet. Immediately, her heart skipped several beats. Her mouth fell open in shock and her eyes looked as if they were nearly plopping out.

The front page was covered with a large photo that depicted her parents. She recognised them at once. The photo pictured them standing in front of their huge mansion in the hills, flicking their wands arrogantly at the viewer. Her mother's black, curtain-like hair fell over her shoulder like a waterfall of ink. Her pale, bony face could almost pierce the paper, Casandra thought. Her father, however, looked as assertive as ever. His nearly white hair shone so brightly that it was almost blinding. Disgusting, Casandra thought. Her eyes wandered to the headline. As she read it, it almost knocked her over. She had to grab the table and sat down slowly. "Infamous Death Eater couple sighted in Hogsmeade" panted Casandra. She looked up, tears filled her eyes. "No," she whispered "it can't be. Why? Why would they be near Hogwarts? What are they doing here? They detest this place and area. They think it welcomes unworthy witches and wizards. In their eyes, it's a disgrace to the wizarding community." she sighed.

Sabrina looked at Casandra, obviously pitying her "Cassy, please. Please don't read—" "—she has to know what's going on!" snapped Beverly "Cassy, to cut a long story short, they say that your parents are after you." "After me?! Why would they?" "Cassy, the daily Prophet knows that your mother killed Benjamin. Apparently, the have an informant at the Ministry—" "—Ugh, guess who that might be" interrupted Casandra. "—Anyway, never mind that arse John being their informant, they say that your parents are looking for you. They want to kill you, too" "Kill me?!" Casandra shrieked in dismay "No, I mean, it sounds horrible but I'm not Benjamin. I've told you a thousand times that mother killed Ben because he disobeyed. He didn't want to fulfil You-Know-Who's task." Sighed Casandra. "Yeah, but Cassy, you've always been a thorn in their flesh. Remember when your mum found out that you've been sorted into Ravenclaw?" "Of course, I remember, Beverly. How could I ever forget that Howler? But, that's not a reason for killing me. Not even for my mother or father. I left after Benjamin's death. They know they're dead to me. I'm dead to them, too. I guess they're quite happy not having me as member of their family anymore." snapped Casandra. She felt her temper rising. Stop it, she thought. Stop it all, I don't want to hear anything else about my bloody parents.