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 stood in front of the mirror in the Slytherin dormitory, arms crossed as she scowled at her reflection. The swimsuit she had been given was, in her opinion, far too revealing. The dark green fabric hugged her body tightly, showing more skin than she was used to in front of half the school and all the professors.
"This is ridiculous," she muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
"Oh, shut up," Pansy drawled from the bed, propping her chin on her hand. "You look hot."
Daphne nodded in agreement, grinning as she curled a loose strand of Carina's dark hair. "Seriously, Carina, you could distract the entire audience just by standing there."
Carina rolled her eyes but smirked slightly. "Well, that would be a strategy, I suppose."
After throwing on her Hogwarts robe for warmth, the three of them made their way out of the dormitory and towards the Black Lake. The winter air was brutal, the wind biting at her exposed skin. Despite her nerves, she kept her face neutral, refusing to show any weakness. She was a Black, after all.
As they neared the shore, Carina was instantly enveloped in three tight hugs. Sirius, James, and Remus stood together, waiting for her with expectant expressions.
"You've got this," Remus assured her, squeezing her shoulder.
"You'll be brilliant," James added, grinning.
Sirius, however, looked her up and down and scowled. "That is not enough clothing."
Carina let out a breathy laugh. "Talk to Bagman about it. If I freeze to death, at least you'll know who to blame."
James rolled his eyes, rubbing his arms for warmth. "Where's Harry?"
Carina frowned, scanning the crowd. "No idea. I hope he hasn't fallen asleep on his textbooks."
After a few more words of encouragement, she said goodbye to them and moved towards the lake. She spotted Fred and Lee collecting bets from the crowd, their expressions full of mischief.
"Oi, Black!" Fred called. "We've got five-to-one odds on you beating Krum's time—don't let us down."
Ginny, sitting with her friends, shot them a disapproving look. "Don't be so mean."
Carina raised an eyebrow. "Where's George?"
Fred and Lee shared a look before shrugging. "Haven't seen him," Lee admitted. "He got called to McGonagall's office last night, and then he just... never came back."
Carina's stomach twisted slightly. "Same with Ron and Hermione. I haven't seen them anywhere."
They exchanged uneasy glances before Ludo Bagman's voice boomed over the crowd.
