𝕭𝖆𝖙𝖙𝖑𝖊 𝕾𝖈𝖆𝖗𝖘 || Fred Weasley

59

Cassie paced back and forth, waiting for Dumbledore and the other professors to arrive. She knew it looked bad, especially with her being suspected by Potter. It was an accident, a terrible one at that.

The doors opened to the ward and a few professors came inside, Dumbledore at the front. Cassie wouldn't lie and say he wasn't frightening because, in fact, he was. His half-moon spectacles were perched low on his nose and he strode over with both hands behind his back looking sophisticated.

"What has happened?" he asked. He didn't bother looking at the two boys.

"I — Mr. Weasley was in need of an antidote for a love potion so Potter came to me," Cassie explained. "Ron's birthday is tomorrow. I figured a little toast. Ron sort of collapsed after and started shaking. Good thing Potter found a bezoar."

"A bezoar? Quick thinking."

"Lucky she had one in her office," Potter replied.

"He was poisoned... "

"You had never seen that bottle before?"

"No, I haven't," Cassie answered. "I figured someone sent it to me and the letter got lost. I found it among my shelf."

"Why would someone want to poison you?" McGonagall wondered.

"Well, I've flipped off my share of people at Hogwarts," Cassie said quietly.

"Perhaps someone could have snuck it in there to keep it safe," said Snape. "Maybe it was supposed to be sent to someone else. I worry, it is possible, it was meant for Dumbledore."

"Professor McGonagall, if you could escort Harry back to his dormitory," Dumbledore requested.

She nodded and she and Potter walked out of the ward. Dumbledore stared at Ron for a moment. "Cassie, please leave us."

Cassie did as he said. Dumbledore left soon after with Snape, going to send word to the Weasleys.

"Cassie hasn't decided yet," Snape said, breaking the silence. "However, she has put her trust in me."

"We can only guide her the right— "

"I fear she is far too deep," Snape told him. "She loves her family far too much."

"And what of Fred Weasley?" asked Dumbledore.

Snape sighed. "I'm not sure. She's been getting harder to read, Headmaster."

"Watch over her, Severus," Dumbledore said. "She knows very little."

"Do not underestimate her. She knows more than you think," said Snape. "She knows about the Horcruxes. The Dark Lord plans on giving her one to hide."

Dumbledore thought for a moment. "Protect her, Severus. She must stay alive for what is to come."

"What is to come?" asked Snape.

"As the prophecy had said — betrayal. Defeat and victory lie in her hands."

:::

Cassie walked into the Room of Requirement, meeting her brother on the way. Once the doors had closed, Cassie began to speak.

"Keeping that poison in there wasn't a smart move. You should have at least told me."

"Why? You don't need to know," Draco replied and gave her a look of disgust. "I can hardly trust you since you and that Weasley— "

"We've broken up," Cassie told him. Draco raised his eyebrows. "Really. It's over. I want you to trust me. I've gained most of everyone's trust. He wasn't needed anymore."