Squib On The Run (sequel to Squib In The basement)

41. Desire

**tw, mentions of sa and child loss**

Once in the safety of Dumbledore's office, Sirius returned to his human form and hugged Harry tight.
Him and Cassiopeia then stood either side of Harry, as the boy told them exactly what had happened in the maze and in the graveyard.
Cassiopeia managed to keep her emotions in check throughout, but Sirius couldn't contain his when Harry spoke about how he had seen Lily and James's spirits that night.
Although she wanted to comfort her brother, Cassiopeia had to put Harry first in that moment, so she kept her hand on Harry's shoulder, instead of reaching out for Sirius.
Dumbledore's phoenix Fawkes flew over towards them and sat on Harry's lap to comfort him. The bird even cried onto Harry's arm, healing him instantly.

When Harry had finished talking, Sirius turned back into a dog and Dumbledore led them all down to the hospital wing where a crowd of people were waiting for them.
All the Weasleys plus Hermione were there, but Dumbledore instructed them not to ask Harry any questions, as he needed to rest.
Madam Pomfrey handed Harry a potion of dreamless sleep, so that he could rest, as she knew he was not going to fall asleep naturally, with everything he had witnessed that evening.

Once Harry was asleep, Dumbledore revealed that he needed to talk to Cassiopeia in private.
She didn't want to leave Harry at first, but seeing as how Padfoot was curled up around his feet, she knew he would be safe.
So, Cassiopeia reluctantly left the hospital room and followed Dumbledore around the castle.
She wanted to have a good look around, since she hadn't gotten to attend Hogwarts as a child, and she wanted to see some of things Harry had pointed out to her earlier. But she knew it was not the right moment to ask Dumbledore for a guided tour.

"Where exactly are we?" Asked Cassiopeia, when Dumbledore led her into a strange small room, which seemed miles away from anywhere.
"The location is not important. It's what's inside that is" answered Dumbledore.
Cassiopeia frowned, "There is no need to be so cryptic, not with all the bad stuff that has happened today".
"My apologies. I only meant that this is just an ordinary room like any other. But it is the contents of this room that is important" replied Dumbledore, indicating to the other side of the room.

Cassiopeia slowly headed towards where Dumbledore was pointing, and found a huge ornate mirror at the back.
She immediately jumped back in alarm when she saw her own reflection staring back at her, and not the one of the old lady she had been masquerading as all day.
"Don't worry, my magic is still in place. You are safe. This mirror is enchanted, that is all, so it is showing you what is underneath my spell" reassured Dumbledore.
Cassiopeia nodded and stepped back towards the mirror to have another look.
Her eyes widened in horror when she saw numerous other faces staring back at her.

"What do you see?" Enquired Dumbledore from the back of the room.
"Why? Can you not see what I can?" Asked Cassiopeia.
"Everyone sees something different. So please, tell me what you see" encouraged Dumbledore.
"Well, I see me, wearing a traditional Black family dress. And for some reason, I have a wand in my hand" revealed Cassiopeia.
"And are you alone?" Questioned Dumbledore.
"No, I'm not. Sirius is beside me"
"Is that all you see?"
"No".

"Go on. Tell me everything you see in the mirror" insisted Dumbledore.
"I see my family. Beside me are my brothers; Sirius and Regulus. Behind us are my cousins" admitted Cassiopeia.
"All of your cousins?" Asked Dumbledore.
"Yes. Bella, Cissy, and Andy. They are all there, wearing identical Black dresses to me. My uncle Alphard is in the row behind them next to a girl with bright pink hair... I think she is Nymphadora, Andy's daughter, since she's got her hands on Andy's shoulders. There are also 3 boys in the mirror in front of me; Harry, Draco, and a boy I don't recognise who looks a few years younger than them... He kind of looks like me..." Cassiopeia faltered and recoiled in horror when she realised who the boy was.