In the Defence Against the Dark Arts class, to the surprise of the students, Professor Moody announced that he would cast the Imperius Curse on each of them to demonstrate his power and test their resistance to its effects.

"But... if you said it's illegal, Professor," Hermione asked uncertainly, as Moody cleared the desks with a sweeping wand movement, creating a clearing in the middle of the room.
"You said... that using it on another human being was..." Hermione continued, trying to voice her concern.

"Dumbledore wants you to learn the effect it has on a person," Moody said, his magical eye rotating towards Hermione and fixating on her without blinking, with a mysterious expression.

"If you prefer to learn the hard way... when someone casts it on you to control you... that's fine by me. You're excused from the class. You can leave." He pointed a gnarled finger towards the door.

Hermione turned very red and muttered something to herself, indicating that her question didn't mean she wanted to leave the class.

The professor began calling students forward one by one and casting the curse on them, and Cassiopeia watched as her classmates performed the most extraordinary things under the influence of the Imperius.

Dino Thomas continued to jump and sing the national anthem, while Lavender Brown imitated a squirrel, and Neville performed astonishing acrobatics that he could never have done under normal circumstances. It seemed that none of them were able to resist the Imperius Curse, only returning to normal when Moody lifted it.

"Gaunt," the mad professor called, and Cassiopeia pushed herself to the center of the room, standing in front of him and staring defiantly.

Mad-Eye raised his wand and shouted, "Imperio!"

Something ran through Cassi's mind. "Jump," the voice whispered. 'No,' she taunted in her head.

For a moment, Cassiopeia blinked, waiting for something to happen. She looked at the professor and raised an eyebrow.

He opened his mouth in shock and swallowed hard. "It's not... it's not possible," he said foolishly.

Audible sighs echoed through the room.

He raised his wand again, shouting with more conviction, "Imperio!"

The voice whispered again, 'JUMP!' it yelled.
"Don't yell," Cassi retorted in her thoughts.
She looked at her own body and then at the professor, feeling very confused.

Around the room, everyone looked on with astonishment.

"Gaunt... was not affected by the curse," he said, impressed, and Cassiopeia ran back to Draco's side, ignoring the curious gazes.

"How did you do that?" He asked, astonished.

"I have no idea," Cassi whispered anxiously.

"Potter," growled Moody, "you're next." The boy stepped forward into the cleared space in the middle of the room that Moody had created. The professor raised his wand, pointed it at Harry, and said, "Imperio."

Everyone watched intently for a long moment, but Harry remained still.

Harry hopped onto a desk, knocking it over.

"Well done," Moody said, surprised. "Look at this, all of you... Potter resisted! He fought against the curse and almost overcame it! And Gaunt wasn't affected at all. Take a closer look at your classmates."

⁀➷,

Transfiguration on Thursday

The class was nearing its end, and the students had completed the assigned task. The guinea fowls they had attempted to transfigure into guinea pigs were now locked in a large cage on the teacher's desk (Neville's guinea pig still had feathers).

On the blackboard, the homework was written:
"Describe, with examples, how Transfiguration spells should be adapted when performing cross-species switches."

"I have an announcement for everyone," Minerva called the attention of the students. She directed her gaze towards some Gryffindor students who were causing a commotion at the back of the classroom.

Ah, yes, Harry and the Weasleys, Cassiopeia noticed, rolling her eyes.

"The Yule Ball is approaching, it is a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament and an opportunity for us to socialize with our foreign guests. Now, the ball will be open only to students from the fourth year and above, although you may invite a younger student if you wish," explained Minerva as she walked around the room.

"The dress code is formal. The ball will be held in the Great Hall, starting at eight o'clock and ending at midnight, on Christmas Day." Minerva then looked deliberately at the class. "The Yule Ball is, of course, an opportunity for all of us to have fun," she said with a tone of disapproval.

Some giggles were heard.

"However, that doesn't mean we will relax the expected standards of behavior for Hogwarts students. I will be extremely disappointed if any student brings shame to the school in any way, especially someone from Gryffindor," Minerva stated firmly.

The bell rang, and the usual sounds of students packing their materials and throwing their bags over their shoulders filled the room.
Cassi stayed behind in the classroom to talk to her godmother.

"I don't know who to invite," Cassi sighed.

"Oh, my dear," Minerva looked intently at her goddaughter. "You are one of the most beautiful girls in the school, and I have no doubt that soon a line of boys will be asking you out," she said, turning and heading towards her desk.

"That's the problem, Aunt Minnie. I don't want a wizard," Cassi huffed in frustration. "It's not that I don't like boys, but I have my preferences."

"Well..." Minerva paused. "Either way, you are still a beautiful witch, and I'm sure the girls wouldn't refuse your invitation," she winked slowly at Cassi.

She sighed, gave her godmother a final kiss on the cheek, and left the room.

In the end, Minerva was right. Several boys appeared from all sides to ask her out. Her dormitory in Slytherin was filled with boxes of chocolates and bouquets of flowers.

Pansy excitedly showed up, saying that Draco had invited her. Cassi forced a smile, trying to hide her own disappointment. She had planned to ask Pansy, but now it seemed that Draco had beat her to it. She felt frustrated with herself for caring so much about it.

However, if Cassiopeia was truly honest with herself, only one person occupied her thoughts: an older, beautiful, and elegant woman with dual-colored hair, who was not a Hogwarts student and was old enough to be her mother. Cassi let out a deep sigh, feeling upset knowing that her passion for Narcissa was impossible.
She thought about asking someone nice, beautiful, and kind.

Cassiopeia was extremely anxious as she searched for Hermione to make a request. Her hands trembled slightly, and her cheeks were flushed with nervousness.

Finally, she found her and, with a slightly trembling voice, invited her to be her partner at the ball.

A wide smile spread across Hermione's face upon hearing the invitation, but soon her expression turned into discomfort. With a slightly embarrassed tone of voice, she declined. It seemed that Hermione had already accepted an invitation from Viktor Krum and asked Cassi not to reveal to anyone who her partner would be.

For the first time, Cassiopeia gave her a fake smile, trying to hide her disappointment and nervousness. Although she was disappointed, she wanted to support her friend and maintain their friendship intact. Making an effort to appear excited for her, she nodded and said it was okay.

It wasn't okay. She sat on one of the benches in the Great Hall, absorbed in her rune book. With a sigh, she continued lost in thoughts about whom to invite to the ball, without really paying attention. It was at that moment that someone sat beside her and greeted her.

As Cassi looked up, she found herself met with a pair of blue eyes. It was Fleur Delacour.

"Hello," she greeted, closing her book and giving her full attention to the blonde.

Fleur seemed nervous, fidgeting with her hands restlessly. Cassi tried to reassure her, saying that everything was alright. "Don't worry, I don't bite," she joked with a smile. "Unless you want me to."

The girl blushed and let out a sigh. Gathering her courage, Fleur asked in one breath if Cassi would like to go to the ball with her. Cassi's response was a wide smile. "Yes!" she exclaimed excitedly.

Relief was evident on Fleur's face as she beamed brightly. "See you later, mon cher," Fleur said, giving Cassi a kiss on the cheek before skipping away through the hall.

Cassi chuckled at Fleur's enthusiastic reaction, while quietly celebrating the pleasant surprise. Now, she had a date for the ball.

⁀➷,

Christmas at Hogwarts

Cassi sat in front of the Slytherin Christmas tree, carefully wrapped presents in front of her. Her heart was filled with anticipation as she picked up the first package and carefully undid the bow.

As she opened the package, a smile lit up her face. Hermione had given her a book on advanced potions.

Next, she reached for Draco's gift, eager to find out what he had chosen. As she unwrapped the package, her eyes fixed on a dog collar.
There was a note: "So you don't get lost, little fox."

Cassi burst into laughter. She was going to get her revenge!

The next gift came from her mother. Upon opening the package, Cassi was amazed to find a stunning ruby bracelet. Each gemstone was a unique jewel.

Sirius had sent her a brooch that had belonged to her grandmother Walburga.

However, the gift that surprised Cassi the most came from Narcissa, which made her feel embarrassed because she hadn't sent anything to her.

Along with the package, there was a letter.

My dearest Cassiopeia,

Whilst perusing Draco's letters, I couldn't help but notice the fervent pursuit of your company by the young wizards. I must confess, despite knowing full well that I possess no claim over your choices, a slight pang of jealousy arises when I ponder upon the fortunate witch who shall have the privilege of accompanying you.

I have dispatched a gift, which I hope shall meet with your approval. It is a meticulously chosen gown, with the hope that you shall grace the ball night with its splendor. I am unequivocally certain that you shall radiate resplendence whilst adorned in it, for that vision has occupied my musings of late.

Do know that you remain ever present within my thoughts, and your presence holds immeasurable value within our family. Furthermore, I still find myself unable to reconcile the fact that you shan't be partaking with me in this year's Yuletide celebrations.

With heartfelt wishes that you relish the ball to its fullest and revel amidst the company of friends. Be assured that I yearn each day to see your gorgeous eyes once more.

With my sincere affection,

N.M

Cassi let out a soft sigh as she carefully unfolded the fabric of the exquisitely wrapped dress. Her eyes sparkled with delight as the marvel before her was revealed. The dress was simply breathtaking.

The intense and radiant emerald green hue of the fabric caught her gaze. Delicate gemstones in complementary shades of emerald and jade adorned the bodice, glistening under the light like tiny starbursts. The meticulous handcrafted details were evident in every stitch and embroidery.

As Cassi held the dress in her hands, she could feel the quality of the fabric smoothly gliding between her fingers. It was a unique creation that seemed to have been tailored specifically for her.
But the best part was the fragrance... It seemed familiar: Freesia and orchids... Narcissus.

Narcissa

"What does this woman do to me?" she questioned herself with a sigh.