Cassandra Waverly

Backstory

Cassandra Waverely was born into a quiet, unassuming Muggle family in the English countryside. The Waverleys lived in a small stone cottage on the outskirts of a bustling town. Her parents, Martin and Eleanor, were both teachers—Martin a history professor at a local college and Eleanor a primary school teacher. The world of magic was as foreign to them as it was to their neighbors, and it wasn’t something they ever thought much about.

From a young age, Cassandra was a curious child, always asking questions and exploring the world around her with wide-eyed wonder. She loved to spend hours outside, staring up at the stars, collecting rocks, and listening to the whisper of the wind. While she enjoyed these solitary moments, Cassandra was close with her family and often spent time with her younger brother, Samuel, playing games and reading stories. Their home was filled with books, and although most were about Muggle subjects, Cassandra's favorite stories were always about the stars, the unknown, and the magical.

Her first encounter with magic came when she was eight years old. Her Aunt Isla, who was a witch, came to visit after not seeing the family for a few years. Aunt Isla had attended Hogwarts many years ago and had kept her magical life a secret from Cassandra’s family for the most part. However, on that particular visit, something extraordinary happened.

One evening, while Cassandra and her aunt sat in the garden, Cassandra asked her a simple question: “What’s it like, being a witch?” Aunt Isla’s eyes sparkled with amusement, and she replied with a cryptic smile, “Let me show you something.” Without much explanation, Isla flicked her wand, and a single daisy from the garden transformed into a shimmering butterfly, fluttering in the air before landing softly on Cassandra’s hand. It was a moment of pure wonder. The butterfly sparkled like the stars Cassandra had always loved, and it felt like the universe had opened its doors to her in that instant.

Cassandra’s fascination with magic grew from that moment on. Her aunt, seeing the spark in her niece, began to share more about the magical world with her. She would tell Cassandra stories of her time at Hogwarts—of enchanted forests, magical creatures, and the complex spells she had learned. Although Cassandra’s parents knew very little about magic, Aunt Isla was careful to respect their wishes and kept her more extraordinary magic under wraps. Still, she would sometimes give Cassandra small tokens: a magical book on charms, an enchanted quill, and even a small vial of stardust—gifts that piqued Cassandra’s interest even further.

When Cassandra turned eleven, she received her Hogwarts letter. It came as both a surprise and a deep sense of fulfillment for her. Her parents were initially shocked, unsure of what to make of the magical world. But they trusted Cassandra’s judgment and were happy to see her so excited. Aunt Isla, of course, was overjoyed and immediately began to prepare Cassandra for the adventures that awaited her. She shared with her all the basics of magical life—how to use a wand, how to pack for school, and the best ways to navigate the castle. She also gifted Cassandra a snowy owl, named Nyx. The owl, with soft feathers as white as the moon and sharp amber eyes, became Cassandra's constant companion. Nyx was quiet but attentive, often perched on her shoulder as she read or studied, and was known to deliver letters with unmatched speed.

Upon arriving at Hogwarts, Cassandra was sorted into Ravenclaw, a house known for its pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. She found herself drawn to the stars once again, enrolling in Astronomy and embracing her natural curiosity. She excelled in Potions and Charms, drawn to the precision and beauty in both subjects. Still, Cassandra was humbled by the vastness of the magical world and the many things she had yet to understand.

Her first few weeks at Hogwarts were overwhelming. There were spells to learn, strange creatures to meet, and a whole new way of life to adapt to. But Cassandra was determined. She’d spent so many years dreaming about this world, and now that she was here, she knew she would make the most of it. Nyx, ever by her side, helped her feel a little less homesick, and the owl’s steady presence reminded her of the love and support her family—especially her Aunt Isla—had shown her.

Though she misses her family—especially Samuel, who still sends her letters asking for magical lessons—Cassandra has found a sense of belonging at Hogwarts. Her bond with her Aunt Isla remains strong, and Isla continues to offer guidance from afar, sending occasional magical gifts or advice. Cassandra’s desire to learn and explore grows every day, and she hopes to make her family proud by mastering her magic and becoming the kind of witch her aunt always told her she could be.

She knows that her journey has only just begun, but with her innate curiosity, a natural affinity for magical subjects like Potions and Charms, and her loyal companion Nyx, Cassandra is ready to face whatever challenges come her way. She dreams of one day becoming a skilled and knowledgeable witch, capable of mastering even the most complex magic. And, perhaps, like her aunt, passing down that knowledge to others.