Sang Qui Lie

Cass fidgeted nervously, glancing at Artemis beside her. They were waiting for Lucius in what appeared to be a dungeon. In reality, it was just one of the many empty, unused rooms in Lucius Malfoy's house, but Cass had the distinct feeling it had once been used as some kind of chamber of terrors in the past. It was windowless, with all the walls made of stone. The velvety straight backed hardwood chairs they sat in seemed strangely colorful.

Lucius rushed in, his ebony robe billowing out behind him. His face showed no emotion, except for his eyes. The man looking out of those eyes was one who had seen, and often participated in, horrors beyond the normality of life. Those eyes were hard, as if to block out the outside world.

"I trust you both have moved in comfortably, "Lucius spoke as he sat down across from them. He had the same drawl as Draco, but the words were colder, less innocent. "Lunch is ready, but I wanted to discuss your transfer to Hogwarts." His eyes glared evenly at both girls.

"You are aware of the Hogwarts Houses. Every Malfoy in history has been a Slytherin. Most of those we marry have been as well. Slytherin House is part of the Malfoy inheritance. It is, therefore, expected of you both to become the newest additions to the Slytherin house." Lucius leaned forward, looking at both girls. "It is expected."

Artemis leaned forward. "And what happens if we don't become Slytherins?" Cass had been thinking the same thing, but wasn't going to dare say it.

Lucius backed up quickly, as if this idea terrified him. When he didn't answer, Cass knew there was no option. They had to become Slytherins.

Apparently the discussion was over. Lucius turned and exited so suddenly, he knocked his chair across the room. He ignored it, slamming the door loudly behind him.

"What is his problem?" Cass wondered aloud. She walked over and picked up the chair. Normally, her uncle put this dull fear deep inside her, but this time she felt something else. Almost a sense of defiance. Yes, defiance, that was it. Scare me into following your plans, Cass thought. I don't think so.

She looked at Artemis. "Are you crazy?" she asked. "Do you realize what you just asked him? To not be in Slytherin would be like breaking some kind of dynasty." Artemis was quiet. She stared at the door momentarily before glancing back at Cassandra. "C'mon, let's go eat."

They walked out of the dungeon room into the vastness of this Malfoy mansion. Cass hadn't seen it yet, but she imagined Hogwarts looked somewhat like this house.

After several rude tips from the pictures in the hall, the girls finally found the dining room. Enough food was on the table to feed a dozen people. The Malfoys never ate together, which never bothered Cass. Why do anything together when they had so many rooms to get away from each other in?

Cass picked up a plate and scanned over the food. She got some honey-baked ham, a serving of some kind of casserole, and other delectable morsels. Leaving Artemis, Cass headed back up the stairs to her bedroom.

Pushing open the door, Cass was nearly blinded by the sunlight pouring through her open window. Someone had pushed back the curtains and opened the window, letting in a cool breeze.

Setting her plate down, Cass was about to close the window when she saw her unannounced guest. A large snowy white barn owl was perched on her bedpost, preening. There was a small letter attached to it's leg.

Cass went over and unties the letter, wondering when owls learned to open windows by themselves. She paid the owl and watched it fly out over the forest. "Who's this from?" she mumbled to herself. The handwriting on the envelope was unfamiliar. She opened it. Inside it read,

"Ms. C. Malfoy,

We are pleased to inform you of your acceptance into Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Enclosed please find a list of required books and equipment for your fifth year classes. Term begins September 1^st. We look forward to your arrival.

Yours sincerely,

Minerva McGonagall

Minerva McGonagall"

Cass closed the letter and looked down. On the floor was another paper. It must have fallen out of the Hogwarts letter when she opened it. Cass bent down, picked it up, and opened it.

"You and your sister will report to my officeupon your arrival at Hogwarts. Inform Hagrid when you arrive. He will escort you to my office.

Albus Dumbledore"

Cass slowly folded up the letter. What was this about?