Chapter Text
The world slows while Cassandra watches you succumb to the sickness, finding the sight disturbing. She isn’t sure what she’s feeling—perhaps fear. It’s been so long since she last allowed herself to feel it that she’s forgotten what it’s like. Now, faced with it, she doesn’t know how to express it. Something inside her started to fall apart the moment she saw the desperation in your eyes made her stomach drop so she pulled away. Unable to comprehend what you just confessed, how could someone so kind and selfish ever love someone like her?
The walls she spent so long building crumble, there is an ache in her chest, and she feels a pit in her stomach. In the distance she hears the sound of footsteps approaching, quickly whipping a tear that had fallen.
A scream makes her turn to the student at the end of the hall, “Cassandra?! Is that blood?” The young student slowly walks over to see you fallen to the ground surrounded by petals and blood. The student’s face turns pale and after her curiosity settles she begins to run in the other direction shouting, “Professor!”
Soon the hallway becomes crowded with students and professors. She remains still as others gather around you to take you to the hospital wing. Your friends approach their concerned expressions causing a slight twisting in her chest. Her mind is elsewhere while they ask her questions she refuses to answer.
Daniel and Ivy approached her, worry on both their faces. "Cassandra, what happened?" Ivy said in a calm tone.
Daniel had an angry look on his face. "Did you do something?!" he accused. He pulled his wand from his pocket and pointed it in her direction, standing himself between you and her.
"Daniel!" Ivy threw him a scolding look and yanked down his arm.
"C'mon you two, let's get moving," Robyn shouted from the end of the hall.
She lingered in the hallway for a moment, struggling to hold back a sob.
~~~
This isn’t the end, is it? There is so much more to be discovered. You won a magical tournament, summoned patrons, flew on a broom, and even survived an encounter with a dark wizard. Sure you lost all feeling in your arm and your skin had turned black from the dark magic, leaving an ugly scar. Looking back, ever since you were young you wanted an adventure like the ones in storybooks.
You try to tune into the conversations around you, but your mind refuses to focus. It doesn't help that your lungs feel clogged with flowers, making it hard to breathe. Any slight movement will send a wave of agonizing pain throughout your body. Keeping your eyes shut, you hope sleep will eventually take over.
“There’s got to be something we can do,” Ivy said, her voice edged with desperation.
“We checked the library and found nothing,” Kevin added. Robyn muttered something under her breath that you couldn’t quite catch.
“I spoke with Professor Longbottom, he said he’d do some investigating but hasn’t been around in a few days,” Lottie shoved her notebook aside, too disheartened to even sketch a simple bird by the window.
Daniel sat in defeat, raking his hands through his autumn hair. “Astrid isn’t here either,” he groaned, “What are we going to do!”
A pair of heels clicked against the floor as Madame Pomfrey approached the group. “Why don’t you kids give your friend a break? I’m sure you all have classes to be in.”
The doors opened and Abigail walked towards your bed, “I’ll stay with them, I don’t have classes for a few more hours.”
One by one, the others left the room, each casting a glance your way. Abigail sat at your bedside, overwhelmed by the sadness hanging over the room. The sound of your shallow breaths unsettled her, raising a deep sense of concern. She suddenly felt useless, remembering how you dropped everything to help her reunite with her father. Throughout the past months, she watched your health slowly deteriorate, unable to do anything about a sickness no one knew. What stood out the most was this floral scent lingering around you. Could it be - Her throughs are cut off by the sound of someone walking near the bed?
The curtains are pulled to the side, revealing Casandra on the other side. Her head hung low, “I need a moment alone.” Abigail is taken aback by the change in attitude, so used to seeing the other witch so blunt and confident now quiet and closed off. Knowing the two of you needed to talk she stood and walked out of the room. She shot a glance at Cassandra, silently urging her that it was time to be honest with herself.
Cassandra looked at your sleeping form, she cringed at your appearance. She couldn’t stand to hear you struggling to breathe properly. Remembering the shock in your eyes when she pulled her hands back, the scene caused her heart to twist.
“I thought you were easy to read, it turns out I don’t understand you at all.” You’re so unpredictable and that’s terrifying. She likes to have control in her life and whenever you’re around, you’re able to see past the barriers she built long ago. “How can someone so kind and generous like someone like me? You risked your life for me multiple times. And at the end of the day I… I know that I will never be good enough. No matter how powerful or smart I am. I can never be enough.” If she isn’t the best then what’s the point? “I know I’m selfish but please don’t leave me. I can’t imagine my life without you. I miss your smile. I miss your energy. I want you by my side. And I…” She cupped your cheek and the scar on your cheek with her thumb.
Hearing her words, you summon the last bit of energy you have by lifting your hand with great effort. You search for the closest thing to grab which ends up being the tie on her uniform. You grip the die as tight as you can, even though your grasp is slipping. Inside you’re screaming for your lips to move, to form words to offer her comfort knowing that you are listening to her. But no sound is made, the silence creating a great disappointment within yourself.
Cassandra is too stunned to speak, coming back to reality she moved to wrap her hands around yours. Instead, she is too late and your hand falls back onto the bed. Finalizing your last moment, succumbing to death’s embrace. With your final breath, panic surges through Cassandra, tears falling down her face as she lowers herself close to you. She takes a deep breath to fill your lungs with air, repelling the foliage that made a home inside your body.
Your lungs immediately clear up, and the pain finally leaves your body. A breath of fresh air fills your soul. The weight on your body is lifted and you can feel your energy returning. Finally having the strength to open your eyes you look at her with sadness. Hating to see her cry, you lift a hand and wipe away her tears. This action makes her look back at you, eyes growing wide with surprise.
“Is it true?” You slowly sit up, taking a few full breaths for the first time in ages. “Every word?” You feel your heart racing in your chest.
“You didn’t let me finish.” She says gently, pulling you in for a proper kiss.