Cassi found herself busy, assisting Professor Snape in his tasks in the potions classroom. He had received a special batch of mandrakes cultivated by Professor Sprout and needed to prepare Mandrake Restorative Draught potions to aid in the recovery efforts of the petrified students.
With care and precision, Cassi worked alongside Snape, following his instructions diligently. She handled the mandrakes with protective gloves and followed the delicate steps of the process, ensuring that each ingredient was added in the right measure.
In addition to helping Snape, Cassi also dedicated her time to assisting Madam Pomfrey in the care of the petrified students. Whenever possible, she volunteered to help with the treatment, bringing comfort and support to the affected students. She knew how important it was to be there for them during these difficult times.
Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the school was charged with tension. Security measures had been reinforced, with new rules being implemented. All students were required to return to their common rooms by 6 p.m., without exceptions.
Furthermore, each student would be escorted by a teacher at all times, from attending classes to returning to the dormitories. Minerva made it clear to everyone that unless the perpetrator of the attacks was captured, the school would be forced to close. These words hung in the air, increasing the pressure on everyone involved in the search for truth and the solution to this dark mystery.
Every passing day without a resolution brought a sense of urgency and the need to strive even harder to find the culprit and prevent the closure of the beloved school.
The young witch was focused in the library, studying spells alongside Pansy, when Minerva suddenly called her. A feeling of panic ran through her body, and she immediately knew that something terrible had happened.
Minerva hurriedly took Cassi to the infirmary, and as they approached, a tightness in Cassi's heart only grew. Upon entering the room, she saw Hermione petrified on one of the beds, her face expressing a look of freezing and immobility.
Tears welled up in Cassi's eyes, and she rushed to her friend's side, gently holding her hand. "Hermione," she whispered amidst the tears, feeling a mixture of sadness and despair.
Minerva, with a sad expression, said to Cassi. "I'm so sorry, my dear. This must be a great shock for you." The professor's voice revealed her own anguish in the situation.
Cassi looked at Minerva with teary eyes and a mixture of confusion and sadness. "Aunt Minnie, when did this happen? How? How could they let this happen?" she quickly poured out, her voice choked with tears. "Why didn't you tell me?" The feeling of injustice and powerlessness overwhelmed her.
Harry and Ron, feeling the weight of guilt on their shoulders, exchanged significant looks and then directed their gaze at Minerva.
"It was our fault," confessed Harry, his voice laden with regret and sadness.
"We thought it was you. We're so sorry, Cassi."
Ron, looking at his own feet and nervously moving his fingers, added, "We owe you an apology, Cassi. We shouldn't have accused you without even letting you explain."
The silence in the infirmary was almost tangible, only broken by Cassiopeia's restrained sobs. Minerva decided to leave, leaving them alone to talk. Before leaving, she gently squeezed her goddaughter's shoulder, conveying silent support.
Harry then showed a mirror to Cassi and explained that Hermione was found near the library, along with that object. He asked if it had any significance to her.
Cassi let out a tearful laugh, which made Harry and Ron raise their eyebrows, curious about her reaction. With tenderness in her smile, Cassi showed the paper that Hermione held in her motionless hands.
Carefully, she unwrapped the paper and read aloud the words written on it. "Of the many fearsome beasts that roam our land, none is more deadly than the basilisk. Capable of living for hundreds of years, instant death awaits anyone who meets the gaze of this giant serpent," Cassiopeia said with a choked voice.
Harry was shocked for a moment.
"That's why you and I can hear it, it's a snake," he commented, making a connection.
But Ron was confused.
"But if it kills by looking people in the eyes, why isn't anyone dead?" he asked, trying to understand.
Cassi explained, her voice filled with understanding. "Don't you see? Because no one has directly confronted it. Colin saw it through his camera, Justin must have seen the basilisk through Nearly Headless Nick. Nick, well, he's already dead. And Hermione... she had the mirror. I bet she was using it to look around corners in case the basilisk showed up. That brave lion-hearted girl," Cassi said, holding her friend's hand affectionately.
"But how has a basilisk been moving around? Such a large and dangerous snake. Someone would have seen it," Ron pondered, with a puzzled expression.
Cassi then showed a note made by Hermione. "Pipes, that's why it seems to come from the walls," she said, looking at Harry with deep understanding.
Harry made a quick decision. "I know where to look," he said, hastily leaving the room, with Ron following close behind.
Cassi called out to Harry, but he had already left, driven by the urgency to solve the mystery.
Ginny Weasley was taken, and Harry and Ron dragged the incompetent Lockhart to help with the rescue. Things were completely out of control.
While Harry and Ron ventured on the search for Ginny, Cassiopeia decided to take drastic action. She knew they would need help and went to find the headmaster of Hogwarts in one of the corridors.
Cassi urgently explained the situation to Dumbledore. She reported that Harry and Ron went in search of Ginny in the Chamber of Secrets and that the monster hidden in the chamber was a basilisk, emphasizing the need to act quickly to save their friends.
Dumbledore, with his wisdom and insight, understood the gravity of the situation. He knew it was time to take action to help the boys. Trusting Cassi, Dumbledore gave precise instructions to the girl.
"Go to my office and ask for help from my phoenix, Fawkes. She will know where to find me," Dumbledore said seriously. "And ask her to bring the Sorting Hat as well. They will be of great importance."
Cassi found Fawkes on her perch in Dumbledore's office. She informed the creature and handed over the Sorting Hat, which was promptly taken by the majestic bird.
Cassi left Dumbledore's office, knowing that she had done her part. Now, she trusted that Harry would succeed in time.
In the end, it was revealed that Tom Riddle tried to use Ginny Weasley as a sacrifice to bring himself back with a body. Fortunately, Harry managed to stop Riddle and save Ginny in time. This led to numerous apologies directed at Cassiopeia, especially from Ron.
She showed exceptional skill and dedication in the task of extracting Mandrake juice and preparing the Mandrake Restorative Draught. In collaboration with Madame Pomfrey, Cassi took care of the students, administering the restorative potions with care and patience. The healer repeatedly stated that Cassi had talent for the craft, which always brought a blush to the young witch's cheeks.
"You both realise, of course, that in the past few hours, you have broken perhaps a dozen school rules. And if it hadn't been for the quick thinking of Mrs Gaunt, the outcome would probably have been a tragedy," Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, sir," Harry and Ron said in unison.
"There's sufficient evidence to have you both expelled."
"Yes, sir."
"Therefore, it's only fitting that you three receive special awards for services to the school," Dumbledore smiled, causing the three of them to look at each other in shock.
"Thanks, sir," Ron said breathlessly.
"Now, Mr Wesley, if you would, have an owl deliver these release papers to Azkaban. I believe we want our gamekeeper back," Dumbledore handed the letter to Ron.
"I'll check if Hermione is awake already," Cassi said excitedly, also leaving the room.
As Cassi walked cheerfully through the corridors, she bumped into someone.
Narcissa Malfoy.
"We have to stop meeting like this, dear," Narcissa said with a laugh.
Cassi blushed furiously. "I'm sorry, Mrs Malfoy, I didn't see where I was going."
"It's alright, angel," Narcissa held Cassi's face, making her look into her eyes.
Cassi felt an electric current run through her body when Narcissa gently touched her face.
An intense tingling sensation took over her, momentarily leaving her breathless. Their gazes met, and something inexplicable seemed to happen between them.
Cassi's eyes were drawn to Narcissa's, getting lost in the intensity and captivating sparkle they emanated. In a fleeting moment, the world around them seemed to disappear, leaving only the two of them there, connected by a powerful magnetism.
The sudden call of Lucius Malfoy broke the enchantment of the moment, causing Cassi and Narcissa to quickly separate as if they had been caught in the act. A slight blush of embarrassment tinged both of their cheeks as they composed themselves.
Narcissa glanced quickly at Lucius, conveying a mixture of surprise and apprehension. She took a step back, distancing herself from Cassi, as she prepared to bid farewell. Their eyes briefly met, silently conveying a message that this encounter would not be easily forgotten.
"Sorry for the collision, dear," Narcissa murmured sincerely. "I hope to see you again soon."
Cassi, still somewhat dazed by the encounter and the unexpected interruption, nodded with a polite smile. "Until we meet again, Mrs. Malfoy. It was a pleasure to see you."
Narcissa cast one last meaningful look before turning around and walking away alongside Lucius. Their hurried footsteps echoed through the corridor, leaving Cassi alone with her thoughts. That brief encounter had left an indelible mark on her mind, awakening a growing curiosity about the mysterious woman.
During the lively dinner, everyone was filled with enthusiasm and energy. The presence of the ghost, Sir Nicholas, was a cause for joy, and warm greetings echoed throughout the hall.
As the greetings continued, a particular moment caught Cassi's attention. Sir Nicholas stopped in front of Hermione, and a glow of recognition illuminated both of their eyes.
Hermione was fully recovered, and Cassi's heart filled with happiness at seeing her friend in good health again. Ignoring Draco's disapproving glances, Cassi quickly stood up, alerting Harry to Hermione's presence.
"Harry, it's Hermione!" she called out, with evident joy in her voice. Broad smiles appeared on the faces of Ron and Harry, who shared the same excitement as Cassi.
Hermione ran down the corridor toward Cassi, jumping into a warm embrace that quickly extended to Harry as well. Emotion
The emotion overflowed in the embrace of the three friends, who were finally reunited.
When it was Ron's turn to greet Hermione, she hesitated for a moment and chose to extend her hand in a friendly gesture. The action made the redhead slightly nervous, but he quickly composed himself and shook Hermione's hand.
"Welcome back, Hermione," Ron said, with a sincere smile.
"It's good to be back," Hermione replied, with a radiant smile on her lips.
Cassi, with tears and laughter in her eyes, gently slapped Hermione's arm, expressing relief and love for her newly recovered friend. "Never scare me like that again, lioness," she said.
"Congratulations! I can't believe you guys sorted everything out," Hermione smiled widely.
"Well, we had a lot of help from Cassi and you," Harry smiled.
"We couldn't have done it without you," Cassi said.
"Thanks," Hermione blushed slightly in her cheeks.
Minerva called everyone's attention, interrupting the conversation.
"Could you please pay attention?" she called.
Cassi returned to her table in Slytherin, ignoring Draco's crossed arms and disapproving gaze. However, she felt comforted when Pansy held her hand, conveying support and solidarity.
"And before we start the feast, let us have a round of applause for Professors Sprout, Snape, Madam Pomfrey, and Mrs Gaunt, whose Mandrake juice has been so successfully administered to all those who had been petrified."
The applause echoed through the hall, filling it with gratitude and respect.
Minerva looked at her goddaughter with a gleam of pride in her eyes. Cassi had played an important role alongside the professors.
"Also, in light of the recent events, as a school treat, all exams have been canceled," Dumbledore announced loudly. The news was met with a mixture of relief and joy by the students. Cheers of celebration erupted through the hall, even louder than before.
While most of the students rejoiced at the news, Cassi and Hermione seemed somewhat disappointed.
Suddenly, the great doors of the Great Hall swung open, revealing Hagrid, the beloved keeper of the keys and grounds of Hogwarts. He had been unjustly taken to Azkaban as a suspect in the attacks, and now he was back, free and exonerated.
An emotional silence spread through the hall as Hagrid walked toward the Gryffindor and Slytherin tables. His eyes gleamed with gratitude and emotion as he addressed everyone present.
"I'd just like to say that if it hadn't been for you, Harry and Ron... And Cassi and Hermione, of course. I would still be, you know where. So I'd just like to say thanks," Hagrid said, his voice choked with emotion. His words were filled with gratitude, and when the four of them looked at each other, they stood up to hug the giant.
"There's no Hogwarts without you, Hagrid," Harry said.
Dumbledore stood up to applaud once again, Minerva joined him, and soon the hall erupted in applause again, this time in honor of Hagrid.
End of the second year.