Harry potter: Revenge from azkaban

"Don't worry. I'll go to Slytherin with you," Cassian Drayke said with a faint smile. "But the other three Houses must have their own merits, right? If they were truly as terrible as you say, then Slytherin would be the only one left at Hogwarts."

He wasn't challenging Cassandra—just pointing out the obvious. After spending so many years surviving among dark wizards, Cassian's mindset had long matured beyond that of an average eleven-year-old. He had a habit of viewing things objectively, carefully weighing risks and benefits without letting emotions cloud his judgment.

In the world of magic—especially when dealing with Dark Arts—a single moment of ignorance or impulse could lead to disastrous consequences. Information was everything.

Since he'd been sent directly to Hogwarts after his release from Azkaban, Cassian hadn't had time to properly research the school. He figured he might as well gather a few more insights from Cassandra while he could.

"That's fair," she said, nodding. "Alright, let me explain a little more."

"Ravenclaw's full of people who love studying for the sake of studying. They're clever, sure, but most of them don't have much ambition. They end up as middle-tier academics or working behind the scenes at the Ministry. Safe and boring, basically."

She waved a hand dismissively, continuing, "Hufflepuff? Don't even get me started. They're the type who would turn in their own family just because of some 'rules.' The Ministry loves them for that—they're honest to a fault. But to me? They're naive and exhausting."

"And Gryffindor?"

"Gryffindors are loud, reckless idiots," Cassandra said with a sniff. "They act without thinking, start fights for no reason, and act like they're better than everyone else just because they think they're brave. Please."

Cassian took all of this in silently. She was obviously biased—most Slytherins were—but there were grains of truth buried beneath the exaggeration. After analyzing it from every angle, he concluded that Slytherin really was the most compatible House for him.

Hufflepuffs were rigid rule-followers. That would clash with his flexibility in both thought and action, especially when it came to his magical research. Living among them would be stifling.

Gryffindors were too impulsive. He didn't need hotheaded companions who'd rush into a duel at the first insult. That kind of recklessness wasn't just inconvenient—it was dangerous.

Ravenclaw sounded appealing in theory. A House focused on learning would seem like the ideal environment for someone like him, who was obsessed with studying magic. But there were downsides. Ravenclaws, obsessed with merit, would likely elevate him to a leadership position if he showed even a fraction of his talent.

And Cassian hated responsibilities he hadn't chosen himself.

He knew his own temperament—quiet, focused, solitary. If he joined Ravenclaw and became a prefect or house representative, it would drain time away from his spell research. Worse, such a position might put him at odds with Cassandra if the Houses ever clashed in school politics.

In Slytherin, though, things would be different.

Cassandra was ambitious and clearly craved attention. That suited him just fine. She could be the face of Slytherin, handle the politics, and lead the charge in inter-house rivalries. He could stay behind the scenes, quietly developing his skills in the shadows.

Besides, she was talented—dangerously so. The fact that she'd mastered the Furnunculus Curse and the Freezing Charm before even starting her first year spoke volumes. It would only be a matter of time before she became the pride of the House.

And when that happened? He'd be in the perfect place—her closest ally, quietly carving out his own place in the shadows of Hogwarts.

"Speaking of which," Cassian asked, shifting the topic, "that girl who challenged you earlier—who was she?"

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Ugh. Panessa. My old rival. She's been getting in my way for years, always trying to compete with me, but she never wins. She's too average. I've been reading spellbooks since I was eight. She's just... basic."

"And that boy who attacked you afterward? The sneak?"

"Oh, probably her latest schoolboy toy," Cassandra said with a sneer. "Judging by the black panties she flashed earlier, I wouldn't be surprised if she's using her body to get help from older students."

Cassian raised an eyebrow at the bluntness. Cassandra didn't hold back.

"Which House is she in?" he asked.

"Slytherin," she spat. "Can you believe it? She's an embarrassment to the entire House. Once we get to school, I'll make sure she regrets ever challenging me."

"I'm sure she will," Cassian said.

At that moment, an awkward grumble escaped from his stomach.

"..."

"You didn't eat breakfast?" Cassandra asked, a teasing smile lighting up her face. Cassian's usual calm expression faltered slightly as he scratched the back of his head.

"I left in a hurry this morning. Didn't have time."

"You're lucky, then. I had my servants prepare a bunch of sweets today. And since you're being so adorable about it, I'll share them with you. Just this once," she said proudly.

She pulled out a small, silver food case enchanted with a preservation charm and placed it on the table between them. With a flick of her wand, the lid lifted to reveal a neat row of colorful macarons, perfectly round and dusted with sugar.

She delicately picked up a sky-blue macaron between her fingers and held it up to his mouth.

"Ah~"

Cassian blinked. "I can eat by myself."

"But I want to feed you," she insisted. "I'm older, right? Just let me be the big sister here."

"I'm not calling you 'sister,' if that's what you're hoping for."

"That's fine. I still want to feed you." She leaned in a little, waving the macaron playfully. "Come on, just this once. Open up. You're the only one I want to feed."

Cassian stared at her, clearly exasperated. But there was no real harm in it, and he could tell she was enjoying herself.

"...Fine."

He opened his mouth slightly, and Cassandra beamed as she gently placed the macaron between his lips.

The sweetness melted on his tongue—fluffy, airy, with just the right amount of crispness at the edges.

"You like it?" she asked, eyes shining with expectation.

"It's good," he admitted. "Too sweet, though."

"Well, I am trying to sweeten you up," she said with a wink.

Cassian gave a quiet sigh. This girl was exhausting—but oddly comforting in her own way.

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