Nicer than I thought
And for Potter to notice, apparently.
“You are… nicer than I thought. And Hagrid showed them to Madam Maxime and Karkaroff followed them, so the others know too. It seemed kinda unfair not to tell you.”
Cassius blinks, processing the statement. He’s not stupid (‘cleverness’ he remembers the Hat saying ‘but not thirst for knowledge, you learn things to later use them to your advantage. Better be’ “SLYTHERIN”), but he’s so used to the subtle ways of Slytherins, that it takes a couple seconds to understand that Potter is telling him this because he doesn’t want him to be at a disadvantage.
‘No wonder he didn’t come to Slytherin’ he thinks ‘if he just gives away his advantages like that’
He notices green eyes studying him and realizes he should probably tell the boy-wonder something.
“Thanks” he says, not sure what the other expects.
Potter (not Harry, that would make him sound even younger, and there’s a limit to what Cassius can stand. A kid competing in a potentially deadly tournament being far past said limits.) nods, looking almost relieved, and turns on his heel before sprinting down the empty corridor.
Cassius studies his retreating back, before he realizes the reason the corridor is empty is that everyone is in class and goddamnit he is supposed to be in Charms.
Running up the stairs and apologizing to Flitwick, he takes the seat Diggory reserved for him.
As he copies the notes the Hufflepuff took so far, he finds himself thinking that even if he doesn’t win he most definitely gained a friend.
Not that he’s not going to win.
Slytherins play to win, after all.
‘Friends don’t hurt though’ he muses, as Cedric draws a snitch on the corner of his parchment.