Harry Potter : Cael Vale’s journey to Hogwarts

The days had fallen into a quiet routine for Cael . Every morning, he walked through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, heading to the small, dusty bookstore where he worked. The recent trouble with the Ministry's pure-blood policies had made life difficult for muggle-borns like him, but Cael had been lucky. The owner of the bookstore was a kind man who didn't care about blood status, only about books. So, Cael still came to mop the floors, dust the shelves, and lose himself among the pages of worn-out spellbooks.

Thankfully, the worst of the chaos had passed. The Daily Prophet no longer filled its pages with fear-mongering headlines, and the persecution of muggle-borns had quieted down. The intervention from members of Wizengamot and sharp criticism from international newspapers—from France, America, even parts of China—had cornered the Ministry into easing the tension. At least in public.

But Cael knew the hatred hadn't vanished. It simply hid in the shadows now. That's what worried him.

As he swept the floor, the System's voice chimed softly in his head. "What do you think? Is it Dumbledore and his allies behind the sudden calm?"

Cael paused, leaning on the broom. "Most likely. He's probably the only reason muggle-borns like me can still walk around Diagon Alley without being hexed."

"Exactly," the System replied. "Dumbledore is the only real shield for muggle-borns and half-bloods here. His position as head of the International Magical Congress carries weight. That influence definitely helped."

Cael nodded, eyes drifting toward the window, watching witches and wizards bustle by. "But there's still trouble brewing. Next term at Hogwarts… with people like Frey around, things will get worse. I can feel it."

"Maybe," the System agreed, "but this time, you have allies too. Let's see how it plays out."

The hours passed quietly. Once his work was done, Cael settled onto the little wooden stool near the back of the shop, flipping through his second-year textbooks. Charms, Transfiguration, Defense Against the Dark Arts. He wanted to be ready.

Half an hour slipped by, and Nemesis barely noticed until a familiar presence pulled his attention away from the pages.

Across the aisle, pretending to browse the shelves, stood Cassandra Vole.

At first glance, she looked engrossed in a book, but Cael could tell she wasn't reading at all. Her eyes darted toward him when she thought he wasn't looking.

A smirk crept onto his face. "Well, well… Miss Vole. Long time no see."

Cassandra straightened, cool as ever, but there was the faintest flicker of surprise in her eyes. "Hello," she greeted, voice calm but not cold. "It has been… what? Two weeks?"

Cael closed his book and stood up. "Yeah. Two quiet, eventful weeks. What brings you here? Looking for books? Or… following me?" His grin widened as he teased her.

Cassandra's posture stiffened slightly. "I came to browse," she replied, lifting her chin with that usual proud air. But her gaze drifted to him again, betraying her real reason.

Cael chuckled, stepping aside and gesturing to the little reading corner. "Come sit. You can read whatever you want. The owner's nice—he won't say anything."

Cassandra's lips curved in faint amusement. "He wouldn't dare say anything to me. The moment he sees me, I'll probably get a free book and tea."

Cael snorted. "Yeah, yeah… You're basically royalty."

She rolled her eyes at him, though a small smile ghosted her lips. "Finished working? Or are you slacking off?"

Instead of answering, Cael disappeared behind the counter, returning moments later with two cups of tea and some chocolate. He set them down in front of her.

"I saw your parents," he mentioned casually. "Right after you left last time. They were… surprisingly nice to me. Even offered me help if I ever needed it." He paused. "They gave me one of your family's emblem , too."

Cassandra blinked, brows lifting slightly. "Really?"

Cael nodded, stirring his tea. "Yeah. I didn't need it, but… they insisted. Anyway, how's your spell practice going?"

She sighed lightly, brushing imaginary dust from her sleeve. "I'm still practicing… not that spell, though."

Cael tilted his head. "Good. We don't need more people throwing around dark magic." He sipped his tea, then added, "Did you preview the second-year books? Getting ahead or not ?"

"Of course," Cassandra replied, arching a brow. "Unlike some people, I don't waste my time."

Cael grinned. "Oi, I'm studying too! Especially Transfiguration and Charms. Easier than Potions though. You really need practice for that one."

Cassandra nodded approvingly. "At least you're not wasting your brain."

Cael leaned in, teasing again, "And after this? You going to spy on me at Madame Malkin's?"

Cassandra's eyes gleamed with quiet amusement. "You mean… when you're modeling dresses?" She smirked as his face turned red.

"How do you know about that?!" Cael demanded, nearly choking on his tea.

She crossed her arms, savoring his panic. "Oh, please. Your name is already in every pure-blood family's gossip circle."

Cael groaned. "Merlin's beard… do you think I'll get kidnapped by some rich old witch?"

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "No one's kidnapping you."

He placed a hand on his chest dramatically. "Come on, I'm so handsome! Someone will snatch me away one of these days."

To his surprise, Cassandra turned away, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter. It was the first time he saw her lose that rigid, stoic mask she always wore.

"Wait… was that a smile?" Cael teased, eyes wide. "You can smile!"

Cassandra quickly schooled her features, clearing her throat. "I'm leaving now."

She stood, gathering her things, but her eyes lingered on him a second longer than usual. "Goodbye, Cael ."

"Bye, Miss Vole," he replied, watching her go.

As she disappeared into the crowd outside, the System's voice drifted back into his mind. "She came here for you, you know."

Cael leaned back, sipping his tea. "You think so?"

"She has trust issues," the System added softly. "But… maybe she's starting to trust you."

Cael smiled faintly, the warmth of the tea matching the faint warmth in his chest. Maybe things were changing after all.

Just then, a sharp voice cut through his thoughts, carrying a hint of irritation.

"What are you doing, daydreaming again? Get up, boy, and finish your work. I'm bringing in new books for the next Hogwarts term next week, so you'd better be ready—and don't slack off."

Cael jumped to his feet, straightening his chair with a sheepish grin. "Got it, on it!"