Right, folks, this one was made with dedication to the books. So Narcissa is absolutely desperate.

Ps: Also, Bellatrix 💅🏻

The newspapers were in a frenzy with headlines about Voldemort's return. The Minister was cornered. Her mother feared he would resign from office, or worse, be assassinated.

She wrote to Minerva, Harry, and Hermione, deeply concerned about all of them. Harry, undoubtedly, was going through as difficult times as she was. Sirius was the last member of her family, and now only Cassi remained as an extension of their bonds.

It seemed like hell had broken loose over her head, and if it weren't for Narcissa by her side, she probably wouldn't be able to sleep at night, haunted by nightmares.

And then there was the Damned Terrorist, utterly insane: Bellatrix. The constant fights between Cassiopeia and Bellatrix intensified every day. Their interactions boiled down to shouts and insults. She even considered the idea of sending Morgus to attack Bellatrix while she slept. However, the thought of the woman actually getting hurt made her shudder, and she tried to ignore the reason behind her emotions.

Cassi was always the first to attack and became the primary target of the witch's provocations, who had the dreadful habit of pushing all her buttons. Her patience, which wasn't much to begin with, quickly ran out. The arguments escalated rapidly, and their wands were pointed at each other in moments of uncontrollable rage. If it weren't for Narcissa's intervention, they would have killed each other already.

She was avoiding Bellatrix like a plague. She couldn't stop blaming the woman for Sirius' death, even after all the apologies and the confession that it wasn't her intention to kill him. Cassi believed Bellatrix, but she needed someone to blame, someone to hate. Every time Bella tried to get close, she would flee the room, seeking refuge in Narcissa's quarters. She completely ignored the compulsion she felt to get close as well, and the pain in her chest when she saw Bellatrix's pleading eyes.

The Gaunt mansion became a safe haven for the Death Eaters, and no one even considered looking there due to all the protective spells concealing the place. Draco was terrified, and according to Bellatrix, Voldemort intended to turn him into a Death Eater to prove his loyalty. Something about being "old enough," but it was clear that it was a form of punishment for Lucius' repeated failures.

(...)

The fireplace crackled softly that night, and the fire cast shadows across the library. Cassiopeia lay against Narcissa's chest, while the woman gently stroked her hair, trying to calm the tremor in her voice. Narcissa looked visibly distraught, with tears in her eyes and fear evident on her face, her nerves on edge due to Draco.

"I saw Regulus being taken by the same fate, and I couldn't stop it," she commented, breaking the silence. "Now, everything is repeating itself, like a train crash."

"He's just a boy. My only son, and now he's paying for a mistake that isn't his to bear," Cassi wiped the tears from her face with her thumbs and intertwined her fingers with Narcissa's. "I'm here for both of you. I love Draco, and he's not alone. Neither are you," she said softly with a sigh.

Narcissa couldn't respond properly. She gently caressed Cassi's face and pulled her head back to rest on her chest.

(...)

As the days passed, Narcissa was on the verge of a breakdown since Lucius's trial. The wizarding press was pouncing on her voraciously, adding even more pressure to her already burdened shoulders.

But when Draco received the dark mark of the Death Eaters and was threatened that, if he failed, they would no longer be necessary... That was the breaking point.

Cassiopeia and Andromeda were exchanging letters regularly, and in each one, the older witch's concern was evident. Feeling the need to calm her down a bit, she agreed to visit her. However, she would have to do it discreetly, so she assumed her Animagus form and escaped from Malfoy Manor. Reporters were also chasing her since it became public knowledge that she was the last heir of the Black family.

It was a true chaos when Sirius's will was read to her. He left her practically everything, including what had previously belonged to her uncle Alphard. A portion of his personal fortune was left for Harry, ensuring that he wouldn't be left destitute, and one of the Black residences was given to Narcissa at Sirius's request.

Being a Gaunt, she already possessed a huge fortune. Her mother had elevated the family name; it was not for nothing that she held the title of the most famous alchemist of the century.

This brought covetous eyes her way. Noctua was already receiving marriage contract proposals for Cassiopeia, and she couldn't have been more furious, burning each one one by one.

Kreacher, the house-elf of the family, was also under her care. He seemed very pleased to be living with her. He always brought something sweet for Narcissa. The woman may deny it, but she had the palate of a child, always keeping some candy nearby. Whether it was cherry tea, chocolate bars, licorice wands, or even Fizzing Whizbees.

Cassiopeia found it particularly adorable.

Now, with Bellatrix, Kreacher had a sick respect for her.

In her room, where she had a collection of photographs of the Black family, right in front was the photo of Bella and Regulus.

Dumbledore hesitated to allow him to go with her, but he couldn't do anything. He had no right over the elf. He also felt more at ease when Noctua explained that Cassiopeia would keep an eye on him to prevent any information leaks about the Order.

(...)

Cassi was on her way to visit Andromeda's house. It was a rainy day, with the light rain creating a somber atmosphere that seemed to blend with the heavy air of the Muggle neighborhood. Narrow avenues and stone houses composed the landscape around Cassiopeia as she walked in complete silence, only the sound of the dark water breaking the stillness.

Suddenly, a crack caught her attention. A hooded and mysterious figure Apparated in front of her. Cassiopeia was momentarily startled, but quickly composed herself and pretended to sniff the air, as if she were distracted.

The woman observed her for a moment, and Cassi had to restrain herself from making a surprised sound. She thought she had been discovered. However, the hooded figure seemed to orient herself for a few seconds and then continued her way, gliding over the wet ground with light steps. Her long cloak fluttered around her as she walked.

That scent...

Narcissa.

Right after that, with a louder crack, Bellatrix Apparated behind Cassiopeia. She shouted to get Narcissa's attention, pointing her wand towards Cassi.

"Wait, Cissy!" Bellatrix yelled, her eyes wide with concern.

"It's just a fox," Narcissa replied, growling under her hood.

"I thought it might be an Auror. Cissy, wait!"

However, Narcissa had already resumed her walk, looking back only for a moment when she noticed the fox watching. One eyebrow raised in confusion.

"Cissy... Narcissa... listen." Bellatrix caught up to her and grabbed her arm, but she shrugged her off.

"Go back, Bella!"

"You need to listen to me!"

"I've heard you. I've made up my mind. Leave me alone!" Narcissa growled as she reached the top of the cliff, where an old railing separated the river from a narrow, stone-paved street.

Bella continued following her, and Cassiopeia followed both of them. What the hell were they doing here?

Narcissa broke free from Bellatrix, determined to move forward. She reached the top of the cliff, where an old railing separated the river from the narrow, stone-paved street. Bella continued following her, while Cassiopeia watched the scene, not fully understanding what was happening.

Together, they stood side by side, examining the rows of dilapidated houses, made of exposed bricks, with opaque windows and no light.

"He lives here?" Bella asked with disdain in her voice. "Here? In this heap of Muggles? We must be the first of our kind to set foot..."

However, Narcissa wasn't listening. She passed through an opening in the rusty railing and crossed the street quickly.

"Wait, Cissy!" Bellatrix shouted in frustration.

Honestly, Cassi was on the verge of yelling the same thing. She tried to keep up with them, but Narcissa's quick pace made it difficult to follow.

Damn long legs.

Bella caught up with Narcissa as she turned another corner, managing to hold her and turn her to face her.

"Cissy, you shouldn't do this, you can't trust him..." Bella tried to argue.

"The Dark Lord trusts him, doesn't he?" Narcissa replied with determination.

"The Dark Lord is mistaken," Bella gasped, and her eyes briefly sparkled under the hood as she looked around to make sure they were truly alone.

The irony, Cassiopeia was hiding in the shadows, listening attentively to the conversation.

"Anyway, we were ordered not to discuss the plan with anyone. This is a betrayal of the directive..." Bella argued.

"Let me go, Bella!" Narcissa exclaimed, pulling a wand from within her cloak and pointing it threateningly at her sister's face.

Bellatrix just smiled.

"Cissy, your own sister? You wouldn't..."

"There's nothing I wouldn't do anymore," Narcissa whispered, with a note of hysteria in her voice. And when she lowered the wand as if it were a knife, there was another flash.

Bella released her sister's arm as if she had been burned.

"Narcissa! Narcissa!" She continued on her way, in a hurry. Rubbing her injured hand.

She knocked on a door while Bella muttered curses under her breath.

Together, they waited, slightly out of breath, breathing in the foul smell of the dirty river that the night breeze carried to their nostrils. After a few seconds, they heard movement from inside the door, which opened slightly.

Professor Snape.

Narcissa lowered her hood.

"Narcissa!" exclaimed the man, opening the door a bit more so that the light fell on her and her sister.

"What a pleasant surprise!"

"Severus," she whispered tensely.

"May I speak with you? It's urgent."

"But of course." He stepped back to let her in. Her sister, still hooded, followed even without an invitation. Snape greeted her dryly as they passed.

"Bellatrix," he replied, lips curling into a slightly mocking smile as he closed the door after the women had entered.

Meanwhile, Cassiopeia circled around the house and found a small backyard. Digging a hole with her paws, she managed to sneak in through the back door.

Following the sound, she entered directly into a small sitting room that felt like a dim, padded cell. The walls were entirely covered with books, mostly bound in black or brown leather. A tattered sofa, an old armchair, and a wobbly table were grouped in the circle of light projected by a lamp hanging from the ceiling.

Snape indicated the sofa to Narcissa. She removed her cloak and tossed it aside, sitting and looking down at her trembling white hands, which she crossed on her lap. Bellatrix lowered her hood more slowly. She didn't take her eyes off Snape as she positioned herself behind Narcissa.

"So, how may I be of service?" Snape asked, settling into the armchair across from the two sisters.

"We... are we alone?" Narcissa asked in a low voice.

"Of course," Snape dismissed, but then he noticed the presence of Wormtail, the treacherous worm, who was standing near a staircase.

"Wormtail is here, but we're not counting vermin, are we?" Snape pointed his wand at the book-lined wall behind him, indicating the small man.

"As you have clearly noticed, Wormtail, we have visitors," Snape said nonchalantly. The man slouched down the last steps and entered the room.

"Narcissa!" he greeted in a high-pitched voice. "And Bellatrix! What a pleasure."

"Wormtail will serve us drinks, if you don't mind," Snape said. "Then he will return to the bedroom."

Wormtail made a face, as if Snape had thrown something at him.

"I'm not your servant!" he squeaked, avoiding eye contact with the others.

"Really? I had the impression that the Dark Lord put you here to help me."

"Help, yes, but not to prepare drinks or clean your house!"

"I had no idea, Wormtail, that you dreamt of more dangerous tasks," Snape replied sweetly. "We can arrange that without delay, I'll speak with the Dark Lord. Bring the drinks. A bit of elf-made wine will do." Wormtail hesitated for a moment, as if he wanted to protest, but then he turned and went through another door. They heard some thumps and the clinking of glasses.

Seconds later, he returned, carrying a dusty bottle and three glasses on a tray. He placed them on the table and quickly left again, but on his way out, he spotted the hidden fox and let out a scream.

"What a cute little creature. How did it get in here?" he shouted, and everyone's attention turned to her.

Cassi squeaked and tried to run, but the filthy rat caught her in his hands, bringing her into the room.

"The fox from earlier?!" Bellatrix exclaimed, standing up.

Narcissa raised an eyebrow, and then her mouth opened in realization.

Snape was the first to notice, clicking his tongue in disapproval.

"Expected more discretion from one of my snakes, Ms. Gaunt," he teased, pointing his wand and forcing her to assume her human form.

Cassi straightened up with a huff, annoyed at being caught, and pointed her wand at Wormtail.

"Lay your paws on me again, and I'll rip off your other hand!" she growled fiercely, and Bellatrix nearly fell back laughing.

"Sneaky little snake," she teased amid laughter.

But Narcissa was furious, finding nothing funny. "I'll deal with you later," she promised, and Cassiopeia felt a shiver.

"Sit down, Mrs. Gaunt," Snape offered, pointing to the seat in front of him.

"You were following us, pet?" Bellatrix asked with amusement, but Cassiopeia ignored her.

"Answer the question," Narcissa requested, and Cassi huffed before speaking.

"I wasn't. I intended to visit Andromeda, but then you showed up, and... can you really blame my curiosity?" she rolled her eyes and crossed her arms defiantly.

Bellatrix seemed infuriated by hearing the name of their middle sister.

"What were you planning to do with the blood traitor?!" she growled, getting closer.

Cassi continued to ignore her, which made Bellatrix turn red with anger.

"Sit down," Narcissa gently requested, and she obeyed, ignoring Bellatrix's gaze.

Snape poured the blood-red wine into four glasses and handed two to the sisters. He hesitated for a moment before extending one to Cassie.

"I forget you're already of age as a witch," he rolled his eyes.

Narcissa murmured a thank you, and Bellatrix said nothing but continued to glare between Snape and Cassi, in a sour mood.

"To the Dark Lord," he joked, raising his glass and downing it in one gulp. The sisters imitated him, and Cassiopeia rolled her eyes in disgust.

"Severus, I apologize for coming here like this, but I needed to see you. I think you're the only one who can help me..."

Snape raised his hand to interrupt her and then pointed his wand again at the hidden door that opened to the staircase. There was a loud bang and a squeal, followed by the hurried footsteps of Wormtail going up the stairs.

"I apologize," said Snape. "Lately, he's taken to eavesdropping. I don't know what he intends... But what were you saying, Narcissa?"

"Severus, I know I shouldn't be here. I've received orders not to discuss anything with anyone."

"Then you should hold your tongue!" Bellatrix vociferated.

"Especially in front of whom we are!"

"Whom we are?" Snape repeated mockingly. "And what am I supposed to understand by that caveat, Bellatrix?"

"That I don't trust you, Snape, and you know it very well!"

Narcissa let out a sound that could be a dry sob and covered her face with her hands. Cassiopeia got up and went to her, taking her hands away from her face and covering it with gentle kisses to calm her down. The woman held her as if her life depended on it, pulling her onto her lap and hiding her face in her neck.

Snape rested his glass on the table and settled back, his hands on the armrests of the armchair, smiling at Bellatrix's angry face and glancing between Cassi and Narcissa.

"Narcissa, I think we should hear what Bellatrix is itching to say, so we can avoid monotonous interruptions. Well, continue, Bellatrix," Snape encouraged. "Why don't you trust me?"

"For hundreds of reasons!" the woman replied loudly, stepping out from behind the sofa and slamming her glass on the table. "Where do I begin? Where were you when the Dark Lord fell? Why didn't you make the slightest effort to find him when he disappeared? What have you been doing all these years, living in Dumbledore's pocket? Why did you stop the Dark Lord from obtaining the Philosopher's Stone? Why didn't you come back immediately when he was resurrected? Where were you a few weeks ago when we fought to retrieve the prophecy for the Dark Lord? And, Snape, why is Harry Potter still alive when you've had him in your hands for five years?"

The woman paused, her face very red, her chest heaving in rapid movements as she turned to Narcissa.

"Draco should be proud! So you Cissy" Bellatrix said indifferently. "The Dark Lord is granting him a great honor. And I'll say one thing in favor