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Since it was nearing the end of October, the entire castle was decorated for Halloween festivities. Pumpkins floated all over, different music was playing, and themed sweets covered the tables. Fake bats hung from the ceiling, and the ceiling's color was darker than usual. An image of the moon projected above, and stars danced in the night sky.
“Look guys, the Great Hall is all decorated again!” Ivy looked at the decorations in awe.
“Look at all these sweets." Daniel took a closer look at the cupcake tower on the tables, "Looks like some students have already started decorating them.” He picked up a few plain cupcakes for decorating. The three of you sit down beside Lottie, Robyn, and Kevin.
Your gaze was instantly drawn to the chocolate. There was an overwhelming amount—oh no. For a moment, your expression twisted in disgust, feeling nauseated at the thought of it. Surely, you had enough to last a lifetime.
Ivy grabs a few sweets, handing a few to you before placing the others in her bag. You wave your hand dismissively, “No more sweets, I can’t stand the taste right now. My drawers are filed with them."
“I’m excited to see what everyone will be dressing up as this year?” Lottie said beside you, looking up from her sketchbook. Having been spooked enough these past few weeks, you decided to wear something simple like an animal onesie. Maybe you could tempt Cass into matching-
“Check you those guys over there, think they’re all tough walkin around dressed up like dementors.” Robyn exclaimed, pointing over her shoulder to a couple Gryffindoor upperclassman a few tables away.
“There are always those few who will ruin it all. I’m sure some houses will be throwing parties now that quidditch season is picking up.” Kevin sighed, knowing if your house was going to throw a party no one would be getting any sleep that night.
“C’mon Kev have some fun.”
“Speaking of fun, what is everyone dressing up as this year?” You knew Lottie was working hard on her costume. Spending countless hours at Diageon Aly and Hogsmeade to find materials.
“Winifred and I are going as…”
Your attention lingers on the students dressed as Dementors; there’s something unsettling about their costumes. Shortly after Cassandra entered the room. Followed by the Frey twins clad in torn dark robes, probably to frighten the younger students. Ever since the dementor attacks, you realize, it’s been a while since Cassandra last directed her snarky remarks at your group. This was a relief, as meeting her in the library or the Room of Requirement would ease the tension.
~~
Hogsmeade, weren’t you just… Since when was the town so empty. Even with the attacks usually at least one other person is roaming the streets. As you visited each store, you were greeted by layers of dust, cobbles, and trash. You knew the shopowners very well and they would have never left the stores in such a messy condition.
When walked back outside to the end of the street something in the distance caught your eye. Why was there a giant chocolate frog on the edge of the town?! Just looking at it made you feel a little sick in the stomach.
You weren't going crazy. It seems like they were following you, another chocolate frog appeared on the other side of the town. So menacing especially since the town was so empty. When did a dementor get here?!
Ok so it was just a dream, luckily Daniel and Ivy were able to join you in the town to prove what you experienced was all a dream. Out of nowhere, this heavy fog emerged, separating the three of you. There was a familiar temperature drop in the air. Wait, is that Ivy in the distance? Another dementor!
~~
You immediately open, confused by what just happened. Apparently now chocolate is haunting your dreams. So much for the dementors scarring you, now you’re dreaming about chocolate. Maybe you should start handing it out to others or send it to Honeydukes due to the shortages.
You’re pulled from your thoughts, Cassandra stirring slightly above you. You were seated on a couch in the room of requirement, a blanket wrapped around the two of you, and the fireplace lit across from you. Ever since the dementor attack, your body has felt colder than usual, which makes sense considering a part of your soul was taken.
Before you fell asleep, you remembered Cassandra leaning against you as she drifted off. Not long after, you started to feel tired, so you adjusted your position to lie flat on the couch. You were certainly warm now, a little too warm. With the chilly weather, you switched to warmer pajamas, but now, with the added fire, blanket, and an extra person, you were starting to feel cramped. You couldn't bring yourself to wake her, knowing how hard she had been studying for the upcoming tests. Practicing the patronus charm took a lot of energy out of the user.
Luckily your wand was on the table, reaching out as slowly as possible so as not to disturb her you cast aguamenti to dim the flames. Not realizing you could simply ask the room to dim the fire, a bunch of hissing can be heard from the water evaporating. Your eyes widen, afraid you have just woken her up.
“Are you incapable of being still for more than a few minutes.” Cassandra groaned, and instead of lifting her head, she simply turned it to rest on your chest. She shifted her arms to wrap around your sides.
“I’m sorry Cass.” You apologized, placing your wand back onto the table and moving it to her back. Instinctively, you began tapping your index finger, only realizing it when she let out a sigh.
“What was it you were dreaming about?”
You hesitated for a moment. “Dementors.”
She caught the hesitation in your voice, “And?”
“There ware chocolate frogs all over the town. A giant one that looked so menacing.”
“Chocolate frogs?” It sounded absurd, but she didn’t say it in a teasing tone. Instead, she nuzzled closer to you.“Go back to sleep, it’s clear you’re losing your mind.”
Why couldn’t you just dream about something other than chocolate or dementors? As if you aren’t constantly thinking about them. It would be nice if you could have a normal year where things wouldn’t get too crazy, similar to Harry and his friends never catching a break.
“We should probably go back to the dorms before someone walks in.” As much as you didn’t want to move, the two of you weren’t the only ones who use the room. You knew almost everyone who roamed the halls after hours, especially curious foreign students.
Instead of a response you’re met with sounds of soft breathing. She resembles a cat which was a little funny having the reputation of being the Slytherin Princess and all. Looks like the two of you were going to stay here a bit longer, maybe you’ll finally be able to get some sleep.
~~
The next day you two were studying together in the Library, sitting side by side.
“So Cass, what are you dressing up as this year?” You face her, propping your chin on your hand.
She doesn’t bother looking up form her book. “Nothing, why would I?”
“I was thinking, what if we-” You were cut off by a flick to the forehead.
“No. Focus or you won’t pass the next exam.”
Before you shift your focus back to the books, you catch a small smile on Cassandra’s face before it disappears.