Chapter 2
Cassidy had just finished cursing out the entire Dursley family (and Dobby, too, for good measure) when the car began its descent. The morning sunlight poured through the windows, golden and bright, but Cassidy didn't feel the least bit tired. She had managed to stay awake the entire ride back to the Burrow. Ron, on the other hand, had not. He was fast asleep on her shoulder, snoring loud enough to rival the engine.
"And the fact they had the nerve to lock you up! How could they do that?" she asked Harry for what had to be the thousandth time. Her voice was lower now, careful not to wake Ron. George was already out cold in the front passenger seat, and Fred was slumped over the wheel, fighting to keep his eyes open.
Harry gave her a small, tired smile. "It's how they've always been."
"It's proper tragic you have to stay with them." Cassidy's voice was indignant as she gestured wildly, the bracelet Harry had given her dangling on her wrist. "'Mione would have a fit if she heard—"
The car gave a sudden jolt as it landed, rattling Hedwig's cage and startling George awake. Ron shifted on her shoulder, grumbling something incoherent before sitting up.
"We're here," Fred muttered, his voice groggy.
Cassidy yawned for the first time that morning, stretching as much as the car would allow. Ron clumsily opened the door, and the group stepped out into the crisp morning air. The Burrow stood tall and crooked in the distance, a mismatched tower of bricks and charm.
Cassidy glanced at it, the sight stirring something warm in her chest. She'd barely gotten a good look the night before in the dark. Now, she couldn't stop staring.
"Your house is amazing," she whispered to Ron, her voice full of awe.
Ron scoffed. "Not if you have to live here all the time."
Cassidy didn't reply, too busy drinking in the sight of the wonky windows and mismatched chimneys. As they walked closer, she noticed little details: a patch of garden that looked freshly tended, a pair of Wellington boots left out by the door, and colorful curtains swaying slightly in the breeze.
Inside, the Burrow was just as cozy. The kitchen smelled like warm bread, and sunlight streamed through the small windows, bouncing off the many pots and pans hanging from the ceiling. A scarf was knitting itself in an armchair, its needles clinking softly, and a clock on the mantelpiece chimed as the hands labeled "Fred," "George," and "Ron" pointed to Home.
Cassidy felt a pang of guilt. Her dad was probably livid by now—he always had a way of finding out.
Her groan earned a confused look from Ron and Harry.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked, already helping himself to a bun from the counter.
"Nothing," Cassidy muttered. "You're eating already?" she teased, trying to distract herself.
"I was starving," Ron defended, cheeks stuffed. "And don't act like you haven't always got your hand stuck in a tin of sweets."
"Shut up."
"Will the both of you quit it?" the twins groaned in unison.
Harry grinned. "This is brilliant—"
Before he could finish, a shrill voice cut through the morning quiet.
"Where have you all been?!"
Cassidy flinched as Mrs. Weasley stormed into the kitchen, her voice sharp with a mix of worry and fury.
"Harry, how wonderful to see you, dear," she cooed, instantly softening when her eyes landed on him.
Then her gaze fell on Cassidy, and for a moment, her expression was unreadable.
"Mrs. Weasley, I'm terribly sorry—" Cassidy began, but Molly's face broke into a warm smile.
"You must be Cassidy. Welcome to our home, dearie. Your father's been awfully worried about you," Molly said kindly before rounding on the Weasley boys.
"Beds EMPTY!No NOTE!Car GONE!You could've died—you could've been SEEN!"
Ron attempted to explain through a mouthful of bun. "They were starving him, Mum. There were bars on his window!"
"It was properly terrible, Mrs. Weasley," Cassidy added earnestly, nodding.
Molly's eyes softened, but her stern voice returned. "Well, you best hope I don't put bars on your windows, Ronald Weasley."
"Or yours, Cassandra."
The deep, familiar voice made Cassidy freeze. Slowly, she turned to see her father standing in the doorway, his tall frame casting a shadow across the room.
Ron looked up, visibly intimidated.
"You've got some explaining to do, young lady," Joshua Sweet said, his tone calm but firm. His dark eyes flicked to Harry, softening slightly. "Well, hello, Harry. I hope all is well?"
"U-Uh, yes, Mr. Sweet," Harry stammered.
"Good." He turned to Molly, offering a polite nod. "Thank you for having me at such short notice, Mrs. Weasley."
"Of course, Joshua," she replied, her smile faint but kind.
Joshua placed a hand on Cassidy's shoulder and led her away from the boys. She barely had time to shoot a sheepish wave at Ron and Harry before they reached the fireplace.
"Dad, I'm—"
"Don't." His voice left no room for argument.
Joshua grabbed a handful of Floo powder and motioned for Cassidy to step into the flames. As the green light enveloped her, she couldn't help but think of the Burrow, of Ron's laugh and Harry's smile.
She didn't regret it. Not a single moment.
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"How could you just run off like that in the middle of the night?!" Amira's voice rang out, sharp with anger and laced with worry. Joshua stood behind her, arms crossed, silent but every bit as stern.
Cassidy stood rooted in place, her fingers fidgeting with her necklace, the coolness of the pendant grounding her.
"Answer your mother, Cassandra," Joshua said, his voice dark and controlled.
"I needed to help save Harry! That horrible Muggle family he was living with were torturing him, Dad. It was awful," Cassidy protested, her voice trembling with frustration. For a fleeting moment, she thought she saw something soften in her father's eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly as it had come.
"Cassandra," Joshua began, his tone measured, "I admire bravery. What I don't admire is plain foolishness. You and your friends could've been seriously hurt—"
"And Harry could've been seriously imprisoned! Dad, don't you get it?" Cassidy's voice rose as she cut him off, her hazel eyes blazing.
Joshua's gaze hardened, his posture stiffening. "Look, if this is your way of trying to rebel, it isn't working."
Cassidy opened her mouth to respond, but he continued, narrowing his eyes. "You were never like this before. I don't know if it's that Weasley boy you're always talking about—"
"Dad!" Cassidy snapped, her cheeks feeling warm from embarrassment.
"—or the fact that I've been too lenient on you," Joshua finished coldly, ignoring her outburst. He straightened his stance, his voice firm. "Until it's time for school, I'm taking away your owl, Moony. I will not have any daughter of mine running off at odd hours of the night, playing Auror. You're lucky you're safe."
"But, Dad, I—"
Joshua held up a hand, his expression leaving no room for argument. "That is my final word. Go up to your room. Now."
Cassidy turned to Amira, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Mum?"
Amira stared back at her, disappointment etched into her features. "You heard him, Cassandra. Go." Her voice was softer than Joshua's, but the weight of her words stung all the same.
Cassidy stood there for a moment, her emotions swirling—anger, shame, and the bitter sting of injustice. Her throat tightened as she blinked rapidly, refusing to let the tears fall.
Finally, with her fists clenched at her sides, she turned and stormed up to her room. The sound of her footsteps echoed through the house, and for the second time in 24 hours, Cassidy Sweet slammed her door shut.
Tears streamed down Cassidy's face as she sat on her bed, her gaze drifting to Moony in his cage. The owl hooted softly, tilting his head as if trying to understand her.
"Better enjoy this while it lasts, Moony," she sighed, wiping her cheeks with the back of her hand. "Dad'll be taking you away soon." She fell back onto her bed, staring at the ceiling as frustration and sadness twisted inside her.
Tap.
She frowned, sitting up at the sound. Tap. Tap.
"What the..." Cassidy muttered, dragging herself to the window. When she peered out, her confusion melted into surprise.
"Hedwig?"
The snowy owl flapped her wings impatiently, clutching a small piece of parchment in her claws. Cassidy hurried to open the window, letting the cool air rush in. She carefully took the note from Hedwig, who nipped her fingers gently in thanks.
"Here, have this," Cassidy said softly, rummaging for some owl treats. Hedwig hooted in approval before taking off into the morning sky.
Cassidy watched the owl's silhouette grow smaller, then shook her head, curiosity rising. She unfolded the parchment and read.
Dear Cassidy,
Okay, we haven't got time for all that. We're all safe, don't worry. And thanks for helping us—we're really grateful. Sorry about your dad. I and Harry hope you're okay! We'll see you at Diagon Alley soon, so be prepared for some fun! I'll send Hermione your regards. Something tells me you won't be sending letters anytime soon.
Yours,
Harry and Ron.
A small laugh escaped her lips despite herself, and suddenly, Cassidy's chest felt a little lighter.