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...
The quiet hum of magical trinkets fills the air. Fawkes preens himself gently on his perch, casting a golden glow over the office.
Professor Dumbledore stood behind his desk, his eyes twinkling beneath his half-moon spectacles. Yet, there was a gravity in his expression that made all three of them stand a little straighter.
"You all realise, of course," Dumbledore began, his voice calm but carrying undeniable weight, "that in the past few hours, you have broken, perhaps, a dozen school rules."
Harry, Ron, and Carina exchanged uneasy glances, their nerves jangling.
"Yes, sir," they murmured in unison.
Dumbledore inclined his head, the barest trace of a smile at the corner of his mouth. "And there is sufficient evidence to have you all expelled."
The weight of his words hung in the air, heavy and undeniable. Carina's heart pounded in her chest. She could still hear the echo of the Basilisk's hissing, the stone chamber cold beneath her feet, Ginny's pale face.
"Yes, sir," they repeated, though their voices were quieter this time.
Dumbledore paused, and then his face broke into a smile—genuine, warm, and full of something close to pride. "Therefore, it is only fitting that you each receive special awards for services to the school."
Carina let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding. Harry and Ron turned to each other, their faces breaking into relieved grins.
"Thanks, sir," Ron said, barely able to contain his grin.
Dumbledore reached for a set of parchment sheets and handed them to Ron. "Mr. Weasley, if you would, have an owl deliver these release papers to Azkaban. I believe we all want our gamekeeper back."
As the door shut behind Ron, silence settled once more in the room. Dumbledore turned his gaze to Harry, who shuffled nervously but didn't look away.
"Harry," Dumbledore said gently, "you must have shown extraordinary loyalty in the Chamber. Nothing but that could have summoned Fawkes."
Harry glanced toward the phoenix, who gave a soft trill of approval.
"And second..." Dumbledore leaned forward slightly. "I sense something is troubling you."
Harry hesitated, and Carina watched as his fingers tightened at his sides.
"You see, sir," Harry began slowly, "I couldn't help but notice... similarities between Tom Riddle and me."
