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 warm glow of the Lupin cottage spilled out into the garden, casting a golden haze over the neatly trimmed lawn. Above, the summer sky was an endless canvas of stars, each one twinkling with a brightness that seemed to mirror Carina's awe. She lay sprawled on a soft blanket, her hands tucked under her head, her emerald green knitted jumper pulled tightly around her against the cool night breeze. Next to her, Remus sat cross-legged, balancing a plate of brownies they had baked earlier on his knee.
"This is perfect," Carina said softly, the faint breeze brushing strands of her dark hair across her face. "I don't think I've ever seen so many stars."
Remus smiled, leaning back on one elbow as he followed her gaze upward. "The countryside does have its perks," he said. "No city lights to drown them out. Just you and the universe."
Carina grabbed a brownie from the plate between them, biting into the gooey chocolate with a happy hum. "Alright, Professor Lupin," she said with a playful smirk. "You promised me a tour of the stars. Show me what you've got."
Remus chuckled at the title she'd assigned him. "Very well, Miss Black," he replied, adopting a mock-serious tone. "Let me introduce you to the wonders of the universe."
He pointed toward a cluster of stars. "That's Orion, the hunter. You can tell it's him because of the three stars in a straight line—those make up his belt."
Carina followed his finger, nodding slowly. "Oh, I see it! And what's that one?" She gestured toward a bright star hanging just above the horizon.
"Sirius," Remus said, his voice softening. "The Dog Star. The brightest star in the night sky."
Carina's smirk faded as she stared at the star. "Sirius," she murmured. "It's like he's watching over us."
Remus gave her a small, bittersweet smile. "Yes. Although, we have made it sound like he's dead."
Carina let out a laugh before they then sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the rustle of the wind through the trees. Carina reached for another brownie, chewing thoughtfully before breaking the quiet. "Tell me more about your Hogwarts days," she said. "I've heard bits and pieces—mostly from Harry—but I want to hear your version. You, my dad, James, Lily... even Peter. What were you all really like?"
Remus smiled wistfully. "Ah, Hogwarts. Those were some of the best years of my life, even with... well, everything else going on." He gestured vaguely, referring to his lycanthropy. "Your dad, Sirius, James, and even Peter—they made it bearable. Together, we were the Marauders. You've probably heard about the chaos we caused."
