Cassi was, to Draca, worth so much more. She was worth fighting for, and protecting, even if she knew well that Cassi could defend herself. It didn't stop her though from doing what she felt was needed. Draca had just gotten better at hiding what she was doing, and how, and letting Ron pay for his big mouth.

"It is probably going to get tough too," she admitted, rolling her eyes. "But I'm glad for it. No matter what Dumbledore and the others think, we will be ahead of things." And being ahead meant, in the end, they would win. "We have to help you catch up though,' she teased, smiling.

"I would rather be spotted and punished than any of them thinking they can treat you as a prize to be won,' she said, tones flat and hard. "Let's go then. Tomorrow life is better for a couple of months." No Dumbledore. No Gryffindors. No Ron Weasley.