Whispers in the Corridor

☆☆☆

Cassiopeia's desperation grew more palpable with each passing day, the room of requirement echoing with the frustration of her futile attempts to repair the vanishing cabinet – a task Voldemort had specifically set for her and her brother. The pressure of keeping the truth hidden from those she cared about intensified, creating a relentless storm within her.

In the late hours, long after the castle had succumbed to silence and shadows, Cassiopeia found herself immersed in the vast knowledge housed within the library. She pored over books on dark magic, seeking a solution that could mend the vanishing cabinet and fulfill Voldemort's ominous orders without jeopardizing the relationships she had forged, particularly with Harry.

Unbeknownst to her, Harry sensed the turmoil that gripped Cassiopeia. Oblivious to the depth of her struggles, he accompanied her to the library, offering a silent presence beside her. As she buried herself in research, he patiently waited for an opportune moment to breach the walls she had erected.

As the days unfolded, the tension at Hogwarts reached its zenith. Voldemort's ominous presence loomed larger, and students grappled with the growing fear of an impending conflict. Cassiopeia, caught between the loyalty she felt toward her family and her deepening connection with Harry, found herself entangled in an impossible choice.

One evening, as darkness draped over the castle, Cassiopeia stood alone in the Astronomy Tower, her gaze fixated on the starry expanse. The weight of her decisions pressed heavily on her shoulders.

The path ahead, she understood, would be fraught with danger and betrayal. The secrets she guarded were intertwined with a destiny she couldn't escape.

The shadows of betrayal and loyalty converged, casting a veil of uncertainty over Hogwarts. The wizarding world hurtled towards an inevitable clash between light and darkness, and Cassiopeia found herself at the heart of this impending storm.

°°°

In the dimly lit bathroom of Hogwarts, where the silence was only broken by the occasional drip of water, Draco Malfoy found himself seeking solace in the presence of Moaning Myrtle. His usually composed demeanor shattered, replaced by the raw vulnerability that came with the weight of his family's expectations and the recent revelation about his father.

As Draco leaned against the cold, stone sink, his silver eyes mirrored the turmoil within. Silent tears streamed down his pale cheeks, each droplet a testament to the inner conflict that raged within him. He had always been taught to believe in the ideals of blood purity and the supremacy of Slytherin, but recent events had unraveled the facade of his convictions.

Moaning Myrtle, the ghostly inhabitant of the bathroom, floated near, her mournful wails a constant companion. "Oh, Draco, dear, what's troubling that handsome head of yours?" Her ethereal form circled him, her curiosity piqued by the unusual sight of Draco in distress.

Draco took a shaky breath before speaking, his voice barely above a whisper. "Everything, Myrtle. Everything is falling apart. Father's in Azkaban, the family's name is tarnished, and I don't even know what I believe in anymore."

Myrtle's translucent eyes gleamed with a spectral empathy. "Boys and their troubles. I've seen it all, you know. Heartbreak, betrayal, and the weight of the world on young shoulders."

Draco's fingers traced patterns on the worn countertop as he struggled to articulate the storm of emotions inside him. "I thought I knew what my family stood for, but now... now I'm not so sure. Cassiopeia, she's changed, and Potter... Potter makes her happy. It's like everything I believed was a lie."

Myrtle let out a sympathetic moan. "Love and loyalty can be messy, Draco. You can't control who your heart cares for. Even in death, I've learned that much."

Draco's gaze fixated on the rippling water in the old bathtub. "I don't even know who I am anymore. I've been living under this shadow of expectations, and now, with everything crumbling, I feel lost."

Myrtle floated closer, her ghostly hand reaching out to touch Draco's cheek. "You're not alone, Draco. Sometimes, the hardest part is admitting to yourself what you truly want, not what others want for you."

A bitter smile played on Draco's lips. "What if what I want tears my family apart? What if it goes against everything they stand for?"

Myrtle's eyes twinkled with a hint of wisdom. "Life is full of choices, dear. Sometimes you have to choose between what's expected and what's right for you. It won't be easy, but it's the only way to find your own path."

Draco let out a heavy sigh, a mixture of relief and trepidation. The bathroom seemed to echo with the weight of his unspoken burdens, and for a moment, he felt a strange connection with the ghostly presence that shared this quiet space.

As Draco wiped away his tears and stood up, Myrtle whispered, "You'll figure it out, Draco. Life has a way of surprising us. Just remember, you're not defined by the name you carry but by the choices you make."

With those haunting words lingering in the air, Draco Malfoy left the bathroom, the echoes of his inner struggles still resonating against the cold, stone walls of Hogwarts.

°°°

The next few days was pretty awkward for Cassiopeia, no matter how many times Harry says it was okay that she cried in front of him, it would always be embarrassing.

"I didn't even say congratulations to you that night," she said, trailing behind him as Harry helped Hermione place some books back on the shelves.

"Again, Cassiopeia, you don't have to say anything about it." He said  turning around.

"I promise you, I'm never like that---"

"You know, Cass, its okay to cry over those things." interrupted Hermione.

"You cried over Ron, did you not?" scoffed Cassiopeia.

Hermione scoffed as Harry shrugged. "He's at perfect liberty to kiss whomever he likes. I really couldn't care less. Was I under the impression that he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas party together? Yes. Of course, now, given the circumstances, I've had to make other arrangements."

"Have you?" asked Harry.

"Yes. Why?" Hermione's lifted a brow.

"Both of you should go to Slughorn's party together," said Cassiopeia, taking a book from Hermione's hand. "It's easier."

Hermione stopped, and Cassiopeia almost bumped into the bushy haired girl. "Why didn't I think of that?"

"So who are you taking?" the blonde asked, taking a book from Hermione's arm and placing it inside the shelf.

"Um... it's a surprise," Hermione cleared her throat, "besides, Harry can take you, Cass."

"I don't want to go." Cassiopeia pursed her lips, eyeing Harry who shrugged.

"She doesn't want to go." repeated Harry.

"Well you can't just pick anyone," said Hermione. "See that girl over there. That's Romilda Vane. Rumor has it she's trying to slip you a love potion."

"That girl?" Cassiopeia turned around to see a girl with curly raven hair scribbling on her notebook. "I'd like to see her try."

"Really...?" asked Harry, looking at the girl as well.

Hermione snapped her fingers, "Hey! She's only interested in you because she thinks you're the Chosen One."

"But I am the chosen one," smiled Harry.

Hermione smacked the parchment she held on Harry's head as Cassiopeia stepped on his foot very hard.

"Ouch!" He looked at Cassiopeia, "I was kidding! Of course I'll go with you, you're my girlfriend!"

"Am I?" asked Cassiopeia, rolling her eyes.

°°°

"I swear to god, Potter, I will kill you!"
Cassiopeia sneered as she left the dorm room wearing a dress.

The air in the Gryffindor common room buzzed with anticipation as Cassiopeia descended the staircase, her eyes locked on Harry, who was struggling to fasten his bowtie. 

"You're going to kill me? Is that how you treat your boyfriend?" Harry teased, finally managing to knot his bowtie successfully.

"He's got a point, Cass. Most girls would be thrilled to go with Harry Potter," Ron added, grinning.

Cassiopeia shot him a withering look. "Most girls don't have to deal with Harry Potter."

They made their way to Slughorn's party, the festive atmosphere of the Great Hall a stark contrast to the tension lingering in the wizarding world. As they entered, Cassiopeia couldn't help but notice Romilda Vane shooting Harry a hopeful glance. She rolled her eyes and tightened her grip on Harry's arm.

Throughout the evening, Cassiopeia and Harry danced, laughed, and even endured a conversation with Professor Slughorn about the potential achievements of young witches and wizards. Despite the lighthearted façade, Cassiopeia's mind lingered on the shadows she couldn't escape. She watched as Snape and Harry talk, and her eyebrows furrowed.

It was until she heard the familiar voice of her brother, grunting and shouting.

In the dimly lit corridor, the voice of Draco cut through the air, dripping with disdain. "Take your hands off me, you filthy squib!"

Slughorn's jovial expression crumbled into a frown as he turned toward the source of the disturbance, disappearing from Harry's view. Emerging from the hanging, Harry found Malfoy ensnared in Filch's rough grip.

"Professor Slughorn, sir! I’ve just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party," Filch reported.

Caught yet defiant, Malfoy shot a glance at Harry. "Okay, okay, I was gate-crashing. Happy?"

Snape's cold and imposing presence materialized. "I’ll escort him out," he declared. Draco's eyes shifted, acknowledging Snape, and he shrugged free from Filch's grasp.

"Certainly... Professor," Malfoy conceded.

And with that, Snape grabbed Draco and they made their way out the party. With furrowed eyebrows, Harry took Cassiopeia's hand. "Let's follow them." He said.

Cassiopeia shook her head, "I think its best that we should leave them be---"

"Just come on," whispered Harry. And he didn't listen to Cassiopeia's protest, he pulled her out of the party, trailing behind Snape and Draco unnoticed.

Moments later, in the secluded corridor, Draco's demeanor shifted to lazy insolence as he leaned against the wall, and Snape loomed beside him. "Maybe I did hex that Bell girl. Maybe I didn’t. What’s it to you?" Malfoy challenged.

Two silhouettes etched against the darkness, Snape and Dracl, engaged in a clandestine conversation.

"I swore to protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow --" Snape began, but Draco cut him off.

"I don’t need protection. I was chosen for this! Out of all others. Me! And I won’t fail him," Draco asserted.

Snape's voice, a low murmur, attempted to penetrate Draco's resolve. "You’re afraid, Draco. You attempt to conceal it, but it’s obvious. Let me assist you --" Snape offered.

"No! I was chosen. This is my moment." With that, Draco exited, leaving Snape alone in the corridor, shadows clinging to his retreating figure.

Harry and Cassiopeia listened, and she bit the insides of her cheeks. She knew what Snape meant with that, and she was glad he didn't bring Cassiopeia up into the conversation or else it would've became very difficult to cover up or lie about to Harry.

Harry frowned, and he meant eyes with Cassiopeia. "Do you have any idea what Snape meant by that---?"

"I have no idea," she whispered.

A/N: ITS BEEN A YEAR SINCE I UPDATED??!?!?! Crazy😭