Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

17: Searching for Answers

Cassiopeia Black found herself uncertain about what to do at the moment, other than seeking answers within the confines of the library. She meticulously examined each section, excluding the restricted area, but her efforts yielded no information regarding reincarnation. The concept remained a mystery to her, something entirely foreign.

Leaning her back against a desk, Cassiopeia's eyes scanned the countless book spines within the cupboard opposite her, but alas, her search proved fruitless. She felt mentally and physically drained as she grappled with the elusive concept.

Tom Riddle and Cassiopeia Lestrange.

Cassiopeia was resolute in her belief that Tom would never harm her. The way he looked at her, cared for her, and tried to protect her left no room for doubt in her heart. She knew him intimately; he had loved her as she had loved him. But circumstances had torn them apart, leaving her yearning for the opportunity to change him before he descended into darkness.

Perhaps, she mused, there might not have been a Dark Lord who would inflict suffering upon innocent lives.

However, she couldn't help but question herself: Did she truly love him? Tom Riddle, the same man who would later become Lord Voldemort?

She sighed, rubbing her temples, knitting her brows together as she delved deeper into introspection. Tom, she thought, had been a kind person. If her dreams were indeed windows to her past, she could affirm that Tom had not been inherently cruel. In the beginning, he may have appeared harsh, a product of his disdain for people and a lack of affection throughout his early life. But as they grew closer and their mutual affection blossomed, he had changed, though his obsession with immortality remained.

Now, Cassiopeia missed him terribly, especially since her dreams of him had ceased. She longed for the sensation of his touch, the feel of his skin, his lips upon hers, and his kisses trailing across her body. His voice still echoed in her ears, a constant reminder of the dreams she yearned to experience once more.

"Why so tense?" Draco's voice interrupted her deep contemplation. She turned her head toward him, forcing a smile to her lips. He returned the smile and approached her, taking a position beside her. His gaze landed on the books in the cupboard across from them. "What's going on with your 'some work to do,' Cassie?"

His eyes then met hers, and they locked gazes for a brief moment. His blonde hair swept across his forehead, but the lines of curiosity were unmistakable. He wanted to understand.

"I've made some progress, Draco," Cassiopeia admitted, and his curiosity grew more pronounced.

"How?" he inquired.

"Professor Binns," she replied, her eyes focusing on him. His curiosity was piqued, and she knew that a thorough explanation was due. "I think it's time I provided you with a comprehensive account of everything, don't you?"

Cassiopeia gestured to a chair, and they both settled in for a lengthy conversation. She began from the very beginning, recounting her encounter with Dumbledore, the incident that had angered Draco, and the morning after the Yule Ball, detailing how Dumbledore had advised her to maintain the status quo until the right moment.

She then revealed the heated argument with Tom about blood purity, which had led to him distancing himself from her. After that, her dreams of him had stopped. She went on to describe her meeting with Professor Binns and the inappropriate behavior exhibited by Crabbe, both at the dorm and previously. Draco clenched his fists, his anger evident, but it quickly subsided as Cassiopeia offered reassurance. She concluded by sharing the knowledge Professor Binns had imparted and why she now found herself alone in the library.

"I doubt you'll find Muggle books on this subject here," Draco remarked after intently absorbing every word she had said. Cassiopeia nodded before turning her attention to the book on her desk. The unusual silence filled the air, compelling her to flip through the pages. "What's your plan, then?"

"Actually, I have no idea"

Cassiopeia let out a weary sigh, her fingers tracing the pages of a potion book without truly seeing the words. She wasn't reading; her mind was far too occupied with thoughts of Tom Riddle and the dreams that had seemingly abandoned her.

Draco's voice broke through her reverie, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm. "You miss him, Cassie?" His words were more teasing than genuinely concerned. She responded with a death glare, but when she caught a glimpse of the smile that danced on his lips, her expression softened. Lately, Draco had been showing a side of himself that few ever saw, a side he reserved for her alone.

With a playful wink, she leaned closer, her chin resting in her palm as she fixed her gaze on him. "You know, you look quite cute when that adorable smile graces your lips." Her words were lighthearted, an attempt to bridge the gap between them. It was a rare occurrence, and she cherished these moments.

Draco's smile faded as he cleared his throat, his gaze dropping to their entwined hands. "I'm not supposed to," he admitted, his fingers tightening around hers. It was clear that his father, Lucius had placed a heavy burden on him, one that overshadowed his teenage years.

Cassiopeia's eyes never left Draco's, and she continued to rub the back of his hand gently with her thumb. "Actually, yes, I do miss him," she admitted, her voice soft. "There's no choice but to try and erase him from my mind."

His head lifted, and the familiar smirk returned to his lips as their eyes met. "Do you want a distraction?"

"Draco!" Cassiopeia exclaimed, shaking her head and rolling her eyes at his teasing. But soon, she found herself joining in his laughter, the tension of her thoughts momentarily forgotten. In that moment, she reveled in the simple joy of their laughter, a shared connection that went beyond their complicated circumstances.

As Draco stood up, he made an offer. "I think we should go for dinner." His hand remained entwined with hers, unwilling to let go.

Cassiopeia, however, shook her head gently. "I just want to stay here for a while." She slipped her hand out of his, her gaze returning to the potion book. It seemed that fate had a peculiar sense of humor, as it always seemed to intertwine her life with the subject of potions.

"No problem. I hope you'll join us before we leave the Great Hall," Draco said, planting a warm kiss on her cheek before heading off.

Cassiopeia remained behind, pondering how she could make Draco understand the true nature of her feelings, or perhaps, how to make herself truly understand them.