While Kirk was still lost in thought, another figure emerged from the opposite direction, shrouded entirely in mist. Though the face was obscured, Kirk instantly recognized the figure by their build—it was Cedric.
However, Kirk couldn't fathom why Cedric, who had been walking behind him, would appear from the other direction.
At that moment, Cassandra, seated at the table, spoke.
"You're late!"
Though both Kirk and Cedric knew the figure seated before them was undoubtedly Cassandra, her voice was entirely different from usual. It was unmistakably female, yet neither of them would have linked it to Cassandra by sound alone.
Cedric explained, "We thought you hadn't arrived yet, so we waited by the door for a moment."
Strangely, Cedric's voice was also altered, making his original tone unrecognizable. Clearly, the environment had altered everyone's voices.
Both Cedric and Kirk took seats, mimicking Cassandra by placing their identification badges on the table.
Cassandra nodded approvingly and began to explain:
"This version of the Room of Requirement is the result of numerous trials—perfect for our needs. Simply stand in the corridor outside and silently wish for a meeting room that conceals everyone's identity, and the door will appear."
Kirk and Cedric nodded in understanding.
Cassandra continued, "I've gathered you here today to discuss several matters."
Without giving them a chance to respond, she pressed on:
"First, I propose the formation of the Secret Order Elders' Council as the governing body of our group. The three of us will be its members."
Kirk chuckled but quickly regained composure, saying, "Apologies, Cassandra. I've had professional training—I don't usually laugh."
Cedric, on the other hand, sighed. "Cassandra, isn't that a bit much? There are only three of us. Who exactly are we managing?"
Though the mist concealed Cassandra's expression, it seemed to tremble before settling.
After a pause, Cassandra said, "First, don't call me Cassandra. Here, I'm King of Hearts! King of Clubs, your question is exactly what I'm about to address."
"The Elders' Council has three powers: proposing and approving new members, summoning members at will, and assigning tasks. New members require a two-thirds majority to join."
Cedric nodded noncommittally. "King of Hearts, do you already have someone in mind?"
Cassandra slowly nodded. "Yes. I've found a promising candidate and wanted to consult you both."
Kirk's curiosity flared. "Let me guess—Harry? Harry Potter!"
To his surprise, Cassandra shook her head.
Seeing Kirk's astonishment, Cassandra explained, "Harry is still under observation. I watched everything that happened in the dungeons yesterday. Aside from his courage, he didn't impress me. Courage is a basic requirement—not a reason to join. You can propose him, but I won't agree."
Neither Kirk nor Cedric pressed the matter. Despite Harry's fame, they wouldn't have paid him much attention if not for Snape's request.
Genius? The Secret Order had no shortage of geniuses. The three present were considered prodigies at Hogwarts.
Especially Cassandra—though she hadn't faced Wentworth directly in some time, her victory in their first-year Defense Against the Dark Arts duel was still remembered.
When Cassandra rejected Harry, both Kirk and Cedric silently accepted her judgment.
Cedric asked, "If not Harry, then who?"
Without hesitation, Cassandra replied, "Draco. Draco Malfoy."
The answer surprised them, but they refrained from questioning her, knowing she'd explain.
"I propose Draco for three reasons. First, his skill—his Levicorpus last night was outstanding. The last first-year to perform it was Joker. Second, his intellect—he redirected his spells toward Harry and Ron when he saw the troll was unaffected. I value cunning wizards. Third, his family. I'm no pure-blood supremacist, and the Malfoys' wealth doesn't impress me—Joker isn't short on Galleons either. What interests me is the Malfoy family's seat on the Hogwarts Board of Governors."
She paused before concluding, "A seat on the board."
-----------------------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON