Carina Gray is a sharp-witted, fiercely loyal Slytherin with a knack for mischief and a heart of gold she tries hard to keep hidden. Known for her bold sense of humor and unwavering courage, she isn't afraid to stand up for her friends, even if it m...
Carina found herself wandering the quiet corridors late one evening, her mind heavy with questions that had been haunting her for weeks. After everything that had happened in the Dueling Club and with Hermione being petrified, she hadn't been able to shake the feeling that something strange was going on—something beyond the attacks. She hadn't spoken about it with anyone, not even her closest friends. But tonight, she felt the need to confide in someone who might understand. She found herself at the door to Professor Snape's office before she could second-guess herself.
She knocked lightly, and after a brief pause, the door creaked open, revealing Professor Snape, who regarded her with a raised eyebrow.
"Miss Gray," he said, his voice as calm and measured as always. "I was not expecting visitors at this hour. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
Carina hesitated, glancing down as she stepped inside. "I needed to talk to someone... someone who might understand," she murmured, choosing her words carefully.
Snape gestured for her to sit, and she took the chair opposite his desk. He leaned back, folding his arms and watching her with a calculating gaze.
"So?" he prompted. "Out with it."
Carina took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "It's about what happened in the Dueling Club, when Harry... spoke to that snake," she began, shifting uncomfortably. "I... I could understand him, Professor. I could hear what he was saying as if it was in plain English."
Snape's expression flickered with surprise, but he quickly masked it, leaning forward slightly. "You could... understand him?" he repeated, his tone thoughtful. "And you're certain of this?"
"Yes," Carina replied, nodding. "I thought it was just me hearing things at first, but then I realized that everyone else looked shocked—not because he was talking to the snake, but because they didn't understand it. It was just... normal to me." She paused, glancing up at him, her voice barely a whisper. "Is that... strange?"
Snape studied her for a long moment, his dark eyes narrowing. "Indeed, it is unusual," he said finally, choosing his words carefully. "You must understand that the ability to communicate with serpents is a rare one, typically associated with certain bloodlines... those of dark wizards, historically speaking." He let out a quiet sigh. "But to you, it felt as though it were any other language?"
"Yes," she admitted. "I didn't even question it. It was only later when I saw everyone's reactions that I realized it was... different."
He was silent, tapping his fingers together as he processed her words. "The fact that you are not aware of this ability—and yet exhibit it—implies that there may be more to your heritage than you realize."
