VERDANT OUTCASTS | cedric diggory

¹⁸ | katarina 2.0

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN,
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Katarina stands at Platform 9¾, surrounded by the familiar hum of students saying their goodbyes and the rhythmic chugging of the Hogwarts Express as it prepares for the journey back. Her parents are by her side, their expressions carefully neutral, but she can sense the tension beneath the surface. Christmas break has ended, and she's heading back to Hogwarts—back to a world where she has to pretend to be something she despises.

After the night she discovered the truth— that her parents were members of the Order of the Phoenix (she deems the name ridiculous), playing the part of Death Eaters to gain information—things had been strained at home. The entire Manasse family had spent the remaining days of the holiday locked in long, whispered conversations.

For Katarina, it had been suffocating. The constant pretenses, the weight of the truth pressing down on her, knowing that when she returned to Hogwarts, she would have to act like she was part of that same darkness. She had cried more than she could remember, feeling caught between fear, anger, and a crushing sense of duty. Now, standing at the station, she feels the walls closing in again.

As they wait, Theo's parents approach them, their steps confident and their faces wearing polite, but condescending smiles. Mr. and Mrs. Nott, with their cold eyes and sharp features, exchange greetings with her parents, the conversation laced with veiled meaning.

"Manasse," Mr. Nott begins, his voice dripping with superiority. "It was quite the event, wasn't it? Such a shame that Dolohov bungled things so spectacularly. Confronting a witch instead of a Muggle... Well, what a waste of an opportunity for Katarina's first meeting."

Katarina's mother, Melisandre, stiffens but offers a tight smile. "Indeed. Such incompetence is always regrettable."

Her father, Theron, folds his arms, his face an unreadable mask. "It's unfortunate," he replies, his tone measured, "but I believe the situation has been handled."

Mr. Nott lets out a low chuckle, "Handled, yes. Still, it's rather curious that such a... mishap occurred."

Katarina's father doesn't miss the jab. His jaw tightens as he responds, his voice steely, "One might think you were implying something... dangerous, Mr. Nott."

Theo's parents exchange a brief, knowing glance, but they don't press further. Mrs. Nott forces a smile, though there's a flicker of unease in her eyes. "Of course, of course. No offense meant. We all serve a greater cause, after all."

With that, they exchange a few more pleasantries and then turn to leave. Katarina catches her father's muttered words as they walk away, "Arrogant bastards."

Her mother leans down, wrapping her arms around Katarina in a tight embrace. "Be careful, my love," she whispers in her ear. "You know what you have to do. But never let your guard down."

Her father adds, "If anything seems wrong, anything at all, get word to us immediately. We're always watching. Don't be a hero, Katarina."

"But Dumbledore said that I should only—" Katarina starts, tilting her head up to her father.

"Oh, to hell with Dumbledore," her mother cuts her off, earning herself a stern look from her husband.