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...
Fred's trunk suddenly sprang open with a loud bang, releasing a cascade of Fabulous Wet-Start, No-Heat Fireworks that exploded across the pavement, startling Crookshanks, who darted between everyone's legs in panic. The Muggle taxi driver carrying the Weasleys' luggage jumped in fright, shouting angrily as the fireworks fizzled out.
"For Merlin's sake, boys!" Arthur Weasley exclaimed, waving his hands to clear the smoke.
Fred and George exchanged mischievous grins. "Our bad," Fred muttered, not sounding the least bit sorry.
Nearby, Sirius was doubled over with laughter, clutching his sides. "Oh, this is brilliant. I like these two troublemakers," he said, grinning at the twins.
"They're going to be the death of me," Molly Weasley groaned, though she couldn't entirely hide the small smile tugging at her lips.
The journey to King's Cross was nothing short of chaotic. The back seats of the taxis were crammed with trunks, pets, and the occasional loud squawk from Pigwidgeon. Crookshanks had made it his mission to claw his way to freedom, leaving Harry, Hermione, and Carina all sporting faint scratches.
"I feel like I've survived a battle," Carina said dryly, inspecting a small scrape on her wrist.
"I told you that cat was evil," Ron muttered, glaring at Crookshanks.
"You'd better not let Hermione hear that," Harry teased, smirking.
By the time they reached King's Cross, everyone was soaked from the steady downpour. Arthur led the way with his usual enthusiasm, but Sirius and Carina lagged behind, still bickering over how long it had taken Sirius to pack that morning.
"I'm telling you, I don't need half the things you said to bring!" Sirius argued, shaking water out of his hair.
"And I'm telling you, a rain cloak is essential!" Carina retorted. "Look at you now—you're drenched!"
Remus sighed heavily, walking beside James and Lily. "Oh, Merlin, it's going to be a long year with those two," he muttered, shaking his head.
James chuckled. "Sirius wouldn't be Sirius if he wasn't arguing with someone, and Carina's definitely his daughter."
When they arrived at the barrier between platforms nine and ten, Arthur Weasley looked around conspiratorially. "Right, everyone. You know the drill. In groups, just like usual."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Carina went first, leaning casually against the barrier. They slid through seamlessly, and seconds later, the scarlet Hogwarts Express loomed before them, steam billowing up into the grey sky.
