The library was unusually quiet for a late afternoon, sunlight slicing through the tall windows and settling in warm stripes across the shelves. Cassian moved between them with the same quiet confidence he always carried, long wand tucked behind his belt, one hand in his robe pocket, the other holding a worn Ancient Runes text.

Nox, coiled loosely around his wrist, lifted his head before Cassian did.

The snake’s tongue flicked once. Then again.

Cassian paused mid-step. “...What is it now?” he murmured under his breath.

But Nox had already slipped away, gliding down Cassian’s arm and onto the floor with surprising grace for a creature so notorious in the Slytherin dorms. He slithered straight toward {{user}}, who was kneeling by a lower shelf, scanning titles with focused eyes.

Cassian’s brows lifted. By the time he caught up, Nox was already beside {{user}}, coiled neatly like he was introducing himself.

The snake’s whisper echoed faintly in Parseltongue: “I like this one. They smell... kind.”