Snape entered the classroom in brisk steps, closing all the windows in his path with a flick of his wand. His stern gaze scanned the class, emanating an aura of authority and mystery. Somewhat dramatic, Cassi thought, Snape was one of her favorite teachers despite his intimidating personality.

"Turn to page 394," the professor said monotonously, his voice echoing through the silence of the room. The students flipped the pages of their books, puzzled. Cassi noticed that the page was about Werewolves, one of the last topics of the year. Snape probably chose that page to ensure it wasn't something Lupin had already covered.

But the young witch had already devoured the entire book in her eager readings. She easily absorbed knowledge and possessed an impressive eidetic memory.

"Excuse me, professor. Where is Professor Lupin?" Harry asked, quite confused by the sudden change of teachers.

"Is that any of your concern, Potter?" Snape retorted acidly. "Just know that the professor is indisposed to teach at the moment."

As Snape continued with his lesson, Hermione raised her hand and inquired, "But sir, we've only just started learning about Red Caps and Hinkypunks. Shouldn't we cover nocturnal creatures later on?" Hermione questioned, confused.

"Silence," Snape silenced her.

"Which one of you can tell me the difference between an Animagus and a Werewolf?" the professor asked as he made his way to the front of the class.

Hermione and Cassiopeia immediately raised their hands.

"No one? What a disappointment," He said, visibly bored, still with his back to the class.

Until he noticed Cassi in the corner of the room, Snape tilted his head in her direction, ignoring Hermione, as always, and favoring Slytherin.

"An Animagus differs from a Transfigured wizard, like a Werewolf, in several aspects," Cassi began, feeling the gaze of her classmates upon her. "An Animagus retains human consciousness during the transformation, able to reason like a human being. On the other hand, Werewolves transform into full animals, losing all awareness of having been wizards and potentially harming someone they care about without any control over their actions. The process of becoming an Animagus is a conscious choice that requires effort and dedication, while the ways of becoming a Werewolf are varied, such as the gift of shape-shifting or being bitten by a Werewolf, resulting in the loss of free will."

There was a brief silence in the room before Snape broke the moment by raising a slight smile on his lips, shocking many.

"Thank you, Mrs. Gaunt. Ten points to Slytherin," He looked around ignoring the shocked looks.

Hermione appeared extremely embarrassed, her face crimson red. She knew that if she had answered the question, she wouldn't receive any points. Cassi felt a twinge of guilt for standing out in front of her friend, but she knew she couldn't control the professor's reaction.

As Hermione shrunk back, she noticed Ron by her side, trying to console her with kind words and a gentle squeeze on the shoulder.

"As an antidote to your general ignorance, I want two rolls of parchment on werewolves on my desk Monday morning," Snape declared, eliciting sighs and objections from around the room.

"With particular emphasis on how to recognize them... and kill them," he concluded, making it clear that the subject would be approached with rigor and detail.

"But Professor, we have a Quidditch match tomorrow," Harry objected.

"Then I suggest you be extra cautious, Mr. Potter," Snape said threateningly. "No injury will serve as an excuse. Page 394!"

Cassi opened her bag and pulled out a folder filled with meticulously organized parchment scrolls, each one separated by topics. She selected the scrolls that best fit Snape's request, highlighting those with specific topics that she also found interesting.

With silent dexterity, Cassi duplicated the scrolls. Each copy was an exact replica of the original, without any errors or slips. She then separated them and rolled them into two different scrolls, one for each topic Snape asked for.

When everything was ready, she gracefully stood up from her chair, holding the two scrolls. Snape's gaze was drawn to her, his eyebrow arched in surprise, his mouth slightly agape.
The other students, especially the Gryffindors, glared at her.

Cassi heard a muttered "know-it-all" coming from somewhere near the Gryffindors, which she simply ignored.

Quadribol.

The sky was filled with an electrifying atmosphere, with lightning cutting through the air across the Quidditch pitch. It was an impressive sight, as there were surprisingly few clouds in the sky. However, what concerned Cassi the most was the slowly forming fog.

The eagerly anticipated match was between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff. It would have been a Gryffindor and Slytherin match, but taking advantage of the incident with Draco's arm as an excuse, Marcus, the Slytherin captain, decided that his team would not take the field at that moment. It was a true bullshit, as Draco seemed to be in perfect condition to play and full of health.

Cassi lamented not being able to watch Harry play, as he always brought an extra dose of excitement and talent to the field.

However, she knew that she wouldn't have another opportunity to witness a storm like that anytime soon.

Running back to the castle, feeling a mix of apprehension and determination, she headed straight for the dungeons. Taking advantage of the fact that everyone was engrossed in watching the Quidditch match, she knew she would have some time to herself.

Her second heart raced as she searched for the silver box where she had hidden the precious vial a few weeks ago.

With trembling hands, Cassi opened the box with an anxious sigh. Her eyes sparkled when she saw the vial inside, containing a blood-red liquid. It was the result of months of preparation and study, a potion she had created herself. That single gulp was the key to fulfilling a long-held desire.

A relieved and emotional smile lit up her face. She knew the time had come. Grabbing her belongings quickly, she left the dungeons behind and hurriedly made her way to the Whomping Willow, an open and hidden location she had chosen to perform her transformation. There, not only would she be protected from prying eyes, but she would also avoid any accidents or unwanted interference.

Taking a deep breath, she began to focus, repeating in her mind the keywords that would help trigger the transformation.

With her wand pointed at her heart and determination in her eyes, Cassiopeia recited the incantation one last time: "Amato Animo Animato Animagus." The sound of the magical words filled the air as energy flowed through her body, initiating the transformation process.
A fiery pain erupted in her chest, accompanied by two rapid and intense heartbeats. Cassi felt her body vibrate with powerful energy, and the discomfort increased as her human form began to morph.

Her body shrank and contorted as soft, white fur emerged from her skin. The hue of snow spread across her body, giving her the majestic and elegant appearance of a white fox. Her human limbs elongated and adapted to an agile structure, while her face took on the characteristic features of a fox.

The pain and discomfort persisted during the process, but Cassiopeia maintained her determination. She felt a deep connection to nature as her mind adapted to the perspective and instincts.

When the transformation was complete, Cassi emerged as a magnificent white fox. Her gleaming fur reflected the light, and her eyes shimmered with keen intelligence. Every movement was agile and graceful, with the fluffy tail swaying lightly.Cassi had never felt happier.

Now, she felt a burst of energy and joy as she ran around the Whomping Willow. Her agile and light body allowed her to easily leap over the thick roots of the ancient willow, skillfully avoiding them.

She let out lively laughter, echoing through the night air as she reveled in the sensation of the grass beneath her paws.

The fox felt the first drops of rain falling on her fur as she ran toward the Whomping Willow. As the rain intensified, she began to feel uncomfortable.

Spotting a hole in the tree trunk of the Willow, Cassi didn't hesitate and ran towards it. With skill, she slipped through the branches and entered the interior.

There was dark tunnel ahead of her. Her innate curiosity compelled her to explore further. With cautious steps, she made her way through the tunnel.

"Must be the Shrieking Shack," She thought. When the little fox suddenly saw dog footprints and a menacing-looking man standing before her.

The small fox whimpered in fear. "Easy there, little friend, I won't harm you," the man said as he approached. When the light reflected on his face, Cassi realized it was her uncle! It was Sirius Black.

Still trembling, Cassi quickly backed away into the dark corner of the room. Her eyes fixed on Sirius Black. She moved back a bit more, desperately wishing to return to her human form. She focused all her energy and thought with all her might about reverting to her original appearance.

The transformation back was painful. Waves of agony coursed through her body as her bones and muscles readjusted. Cassi closed her eyes and endured the pain.

Finally, as the pain subsided, Cassiopeia found herself once again in her human form. She took a deep breath, relieved to be back in her normal appearance.

However, tension filled the air. Sirius Black, furious and suspicious, advanced towards her. Before she could defend herself, his gaze was drawn to something swinging around Cassi's neck. It was the emerald amulet she always wore.

"This amulet... Where did you get the amulet?" Sirius yelled, his voice echoing through the room. Cassi swallowed hard, struggling to find the right words.

"It belonged to my father," She whispered.

"No... What is your name?" He asked, still suspicious.

"Cassiopeia Gaunt-Black," Cassi said with a smile.

Sirius began laughing hysterically. "Ha! So, my idiot brother finally managed to win the girl of his dreams!" he gasped, laughing uncontrollably. Cassi felt a scowl forming and with anger sparkling in her eyes, she started slapping him.

"No! Call! Your! brother! An! Idiot!" Cassi said, emphasizing each word with a precise slap on Sirius's shoulder. Sirius's laughter seemed unshakeable, echoing through the room as he doubled over in laughter. The man's reaction to Cassi's fury was completely unexpected.

"Damn, you're just like old Walburga too!" he exclaimed, still laughing, his face displaying a mix of disbelief and amusement.

Cassi stopped hitting him for a moment, surprised by the reference to her grandmother, and sighed exasperatedly, regaining her composure.

"Cassiopeia Pandora Gaunt Black, pleasure to meet you, Uncle Sirius," Cassi said with a wide smile, extending her hand in a friendly gesture.

However, Sirius ignored the outstretched hand and, with tears in his eyes, rushed to embrace Cassi. "I'M AN UNCLE!" He exclaimed excitedly, making Cassi laugh at his infectious enthusiasm.

Moments later, apprehension took hold of Sirius, and he suddenly asked, with a touch of fear in his voice, "Aren't you afraid of me?"

Cassi shook her head negatively, her eyes conveying genuine trust. "Mom believes in your innocence, so I do too," she responded simply.

Cassi's words seemed to calm Sirius's fears. He smiled tenderly, with a hint of surprise on his face. "Noctua... She's always been too kind for a Slytherin," he chuckled.

That made Cassi laugh.

"Malfoy says the same thing until he receives my curses and then crie like a baby, then he affirms that I am indeed a Slytherin," Cassi said with a mischievous smile, and Sirius laughed loudly.

"That's right! Kick the Malfoys' asses," He exclaimed , laughing hysterically and displaying his enthusiastic approval.

Suddenly, Sirius became even more excited and lifted Cassi off the ground, spinning her in the air in a gesture of pure joy. "And you're an Animagus, JUST LIKE ME!" he exclaimed with a big smile.

Cassi chuckled with a sigh. "That was my first transformation," she gasped, and Sirius's eyes widened, suddenly very concerned.

"Oh heavens, the first one is the worst, you must be exhausted. Come, have a seat," Sirius invited, pulling a chair for Cassi to sit down.

"Thank you," Cassi replied, expressing her gratitude. As the two looked at each other, a sudden melancholy overcame Sirius. "I thought Noctua had died at Voldemort's hands after your father's death," he said, revealing his sadness.

"Mom told me she fled during the war. Dad thought it would be best for her to leave before I was born, he didn't want Voldemort to get hold of me. She accepted a job in Brazil as a potions professor at Castelo Bruxo," Cassi explained with a smile on her face. "The only ones who knew where she was were Minerva and Pandora."

This revelation made Sirius smile, but then he started to cry. "She went through all of that alone?" he asked, with a desolate expression.

"She had Minerva," Cassi answered, smiling as tears filled her eyes too. "Aunt Minnie became practically a mother to her. By the way, she is my godmother, did you know?" Cassi revealed with a smile. "She calls me Kitty."

This information made Sirius laugh out loud. "HA! Now the old cat will have to change the nickname, you're a fox! A beautiful little fox," Sirius teased. "You're part of the Canidae family."

Cassi laughed at the joke, enjoying the moment of lightness shared with her uncle.

"How did you escape from Azkaban?" she asked curiously.

"Bellatrix helped me. That crazy woman... I distracted the Dementors, and she told me to run," Sirius said with a smile.

"What is she like?"

"Mental," Sirius laughed. "But very intelligent. I don't entirely blame her for what she became," he continued, this time annoyed about something.

After a while, Cassi looked outside and saw that the rain had stopped. "I need to get back to the castle," she said sadly. "But I want to come back to see you, Uncle. And don't worry, I won't tell anyone about you," she added with a mischievous smile.

Sirius laughed. "There's the cunning of the snakes." They both walked out and stood, observing the view of Hogwarts after the rain, lost in thoughts for a moment.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Sirius asked, referring to the view of Hogwarts. "I will never forget the first time I entered through those gates. It will be good to enter again as a free man," he said, with a dreamy look.

"I hope so, soon," Cassi replied, smiling sideways at him.

"You have Reggie's smile," Sirius said, his eyes welling up.

Cassi hugged him tightly. "I miss him. I never knew him, but I miss him, Uncle," she confessed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Me too, pup. Me too," Sirius replied, his voice choked with tears.

Cassi returned to the castle, skillfully sneaking like a fox. Her heart was filled with happiness and contentment as she silently walked through the empty corridors. Upon reaching her dormitory, Cassi curled up in her bed and closed her eyes, feeling happier than she had been in many years.

Fox Cassie