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 soft glow of moonlight filtered through the tall, arched windows of the hospital wing, casting long shadows across the room. The gentle hum of the night was broken only by the occasional shuffle of Madam Pomfrey tending to the sleeping patients.
Carina stirred in her chair, her head resting awkwardly on the armrest of Ron's bed, her arm draped across her stomach. She let out a soft groan and shifted slightly, blinking her eyes open as the dimly lit room came into focus.
Across from her, Harry sat bolt upright in his bed, his emerald eyes wide and darting around the room.
"Harry?" Carina mumbled groggily, rubbing her eyes.
"You're awake," Harry said, his voice still hoarse from exhaustion.
"So are you," she muttered, sitting up straighter and rolling her stiff neck. "Why do I feel like I've been hit by the Knight Bus?"
Harry didn't answer. His gaze was fixed on the ceiling, his mind clearly elsewhere.
"What is it?" Carina asked, frowning now as she scooted her chair closer to him.
"I saw them," Harry whispered, almost as if he couldn't believe the words himself.
Carina tilted her head, her confusion evident. "Saw who?"
"The figures," Harry said, his voice trembling slightly. "At the lake. When the Dementors were there. They sent them away."
Carina stared at him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Wait... what?"
"I saw them," Harry repeated, his voice gaining strength. "Two figures. They saved us."
Carina stared at him, her breath catching. "Harry... I saw them too," she said quietly. "I thought maybe I was just seeing things, but... they were real. They were there."
Before they could say more, a groan came from the bed across the room. Ron had shifted in his sleep, muttering something incoherent under his breath before rolling onto his side.
Hermione appeared then, pacing nervously near the foot of Harry's bed, her hands wringing together. When she heard their voices, she stopped and turned toward them, her face pale and anxious.
"Harry, Carina," she said urgently, her voice a hushed whisper. "You're awake. Good."
"What's going on, Hermione?" Carina asked, her brows furrowing.
Hermione bit her lip, glancing toward the door before lowering her voice further. "They've captured Sirius," she said, her voice trembling. "He's in the topmost cell of the Dark Tower."
