Another Hogwarts Mystery

Chapter 22 - The Hearing

Casandra woke up early the next morning. Snape was still breathing quietly in his sleep. Since she couldn't get back to sleep, she got out of bed and dressed herself up. Her long seaweed-coloured cloak would be accurate, she thought. She got her big, black dragon skin gloves and her shining black court shoes out. Both were a gift from her grandmother for special occasions. Well, ensuring that your Death Eater parents are sent to Azkaban is such an occasion, she thought. Thinking of London, the Ministry and the hearing, made Casandra's pulse quicken. She had always disliked being in London, as she connected it with the thought of loads of questionings at the Ministry. The only likeable part about that was that she met John during one of those questionings. Well, it used to be the likeable part. Her mind was racing again. Calm down, she thought, it'll be fine. They'll be sent to Azkaban and you will never see them again—hopefully. Nobody will discover your relationship with Snape and — "You're up already" said a tired voice from behind, jolting her out of her thoughts.

Casandra turned around to see a very tired Snape in his greyish nightshirt standing in front of her, rubbing his eyes. "Wow. And you're already fully dressed. That's a lovely outfit" he added. "Thanks. It was a gift from my grandmother. I should wear it on special occasions, she said. Well, I guess this is one, isn't it?" said Casandra nervously, pointing at her gloves and shoes. "Indeed" stated Snape, giving her an ensuring smile. "All right, go to the Great Hall and have some breakfast. Miss Kettleburn will be there too, I guess. I'll be with you soon—" "-Severus" breathed Casandra, looking at him in a mixture of despair and anxiety. He rushed upon her, grabbing her by the shoulders. "Casandra don't worry. It'll be all right. I am there too! You don't have to do this on your own!" Casandra was about to respond but she couldn't think of anything to say. She took a deep breath and forced herself to smile. Anxiously, she said the words "I know" under her breath. Snape pressed his lips on hers and stroked her face gently. As they let go of each other, Snape gave her an ensuring smile again and brushed her forehead with a kiss. "See you in a bit" he whispered and turned on his heel to get dressed.

When Casandra arrived at the Great Hall, Sabrina was already sitting at the Ravenclaw table. She had a cup of tea and some porridge in front of her, although it seemed that she had barely touched it. "Morning" smiled Casandra, regarding her nervous friend. Sabrina looked up. Her expression was the one of a person who was about to relive a serious trauma. Although she was wearing a bright blue cloak, her whole aura was faded. "Morning" she answered, forcing herself to give Casandra a smile. "Nervous, right?" asked Casandra, sitting down next to her and Sabrina nodded in silence. She helped herself with some toast and coffee. Although she wasn't hungry at all, she forced herself to eat. She knew that she would need energy.

Shortly before 6am, Snape entered the Great Hall, wearing his usual 'I don't like students and don't want to communicate' face. Casandra understood that most of the students disliked him because they never saw the other side of him. They were all just too superficial. Sabrina jumped at the sight of Snape. Somehow, Casandra had the impression that he made Sabrina even more nervous. "Good morning. Shall we?" he asked, staring out of the window. Without a word, they made their way out of the castle and to Hogsmeade. Shortly in front of the three Broomsticks, they came to a halt. Snape turned around, making his long cloak float around him. "Ok. Take my arm and grab it tightly" he instructed, reaching his arms out to Casandra and Sabrina. The second they grabbed his arm, they disapparated with a loud crack. Casandra knew what it felt like to apparate. However, she still felt sick when they landed on an already busy street in London. Sabrina was worse though. The moment they let go of Snape, she ran into a corner and threw up. "Here, take it" commanded Snape coldly, reaching her a black, silk-like handkerchief. Aww his manners, thought Casandra, admiring him in silence. "Follow me" he instructed, turning left into a smaller street.