Get to know each other.

The Leaky Cauldron was the obvious choice for a filling meal at night. They found small table in the Inn's bar. Cassandra knew that keeping up Her Facade was about to become difficult. Malfoy would want answers, and Dumbledore's warning about her choice of a surname echoed in her mind. She managed to make up a plan while pretending to learn about British wizarding cuisine. They sipped the house soup and began talking.

"So, I feel like I have revealed far more about myself than you have, Ms. Cassandra ...." Draco started

"Black." Cassandra's heart was racing.

Draco seemed genuinely startled by Her response. She knew that She needed a good excuse.

"I don't usually talk about my family name." She started her lie. "fanatic Pure-Bloods through and through....." She leaned in "Disowned ancestors" She whispered.

Draco didn't go any further. He was all too aware of the Black family's habit of disavowing all knowledge of those that brought shame to them.

"So, what brings you to Hogwarts?" He switched subjects.

"A family crisis of my own. I've got no direct family left. The wills and inheritance brought me here. I got into sorted Slytherin, and .... here I am. That's really my tale." She continued. In a way, She was telling the truth. She didn't have direct family, inherited money for Hogwarts, and the Sorting Hat told her She was a good fit for Slytherin.

Mercifully, Draco's curiosity seemed to be satisfied. The rest of the meal passed quickly, and they separated after dinner to get ready for the Hogwarts Express in the morning.

Cassandra moved her possessions to her room for the night.