Carina set her bag down on a secluded table in the library. She had successfully ditched Adrian and Cassius and decided the least likely place they would willingly go to look for her would be the quiet library. It also helped that Carina enjoyed books, so she would not feel uncomfortable or out of place alone in a library. She pulled out parchment, her quill, and ink and got started on her Potions homework, enjoying the silence that the lack of boys allowed. Until someone decided to intervene.
An older student plopped herself down in the chair across from Carina, placing her feet on the table. Carina glanced up at her Gryffindor tie, before returning to her school work, not really feeling like saying anything. The student was undoubtedly there to taunt Carina.
The student picked up one of the books Carina had grabbed to help her with her homework. She scowled while flipping through the pages. "Not sure how anyone can actually read this shit," the student muttered, tossing the book back onto the table. Carina flinched at the sudden loud noise. The Gryffindor took her feet off the table and leaned closer with a wicked smile. "Oh, sorry, did that scare you?"
Carina clenched her jaw but continued the current sentence she was writing. The other student grumbled at Carina continuing to ignore her and decided the best course of action was to push all of Carina's papers off the table. The Slytherin glanced at her papers floating to the floor out of the corner of her eye. Her fingers tightened around her quill, but she slowly set it down on the table, bringing her eyes up to see the older student. She wasn't going to get out a confrontation.
"That's better." The student smiled, but it wasn't friendly in the slightest. The corners of her lips were strained, her eyes intensely staring. She looked over Carina critically and mixed with disgust. "So you're the Lestrange?"
"And?" Carina prodded.
"You don't look like you could even cast a hex."
Carina narrowed her eyes at the older Gryffindor, gripping her wand under her robes. "Would you like to find out?"
"Of course. I would love to see you live up to your name. Have fun in Azkaban with your father."
The young Slytherin was about to play right into the Gryffindor's hand by attacking when two students stopped by the table. Both were older students, older than the current one prodding Carina into violence. One was a Gryffindor boy with red hair, freckles, and a prefect pin. The other was a Hufflepuff girl with blonde, half-braided half-down hair. Both immediately glanced over the situation, especially noting the scattered papers, before looking accusingly at the female Gryffindor. Carina quickly realized this wasn't the first time she had caused trouble with other students.
"Do I need to get Madam Pince?" the boy asked, looking pointedly at his housemate.
She was obviously silently fuming that her antagonization was interrupted. "No, Weasley. I was just leaving." Carina's eyes unintentionally glanced at the boy. Another Weasley.
"Then see to it," the Hufflepuff said. With her jaw clenched and eyes strained, the unpleasant girl left quickly, scurrying away amongst the stacks of books.
The prefect looked down at the now visibly calmer Carina. "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," she replied, leaning down to pick up her school work. The blonde girl hurried to help, scooping pages together and straightening them on the table. Carina looked warily at her enthusiastic response. "Thank you."
"I'm Penny." She held out her hand with a genuine smile. Carina hesitated but shook it anyway. "You're Carina, right?" Carina nodded.
"I'm Charlie." His awkward smile was charming and not at all the flawless, confident one that graced Penny's expression.
Carina picked up her quill. "You're Fred and George's brother?"
Charlie grinned with a slight chuckle. "I have a feeling I'll be getting that a lot. You know them?"
"No," she replied quickly, going back to her homework. As the Slytherin scribbled across her parchment, Charlie and Penny glanced at each other. While they didn't understand her aversion to admitting knowing people, they silently decided not to prod.
"Well," Penny began, "if you need anything, we'll be around. Or Barnaby or Liz. They're friends of ours and in Slytherin, too." Carina already knew about Barnaby. His parents were in Azkaban for being Death Eaters, too. She wasn't sure if she wanted to associate with him. She didn't know anything about the Lee family. And if he associated with a Gryffindor and Hufflepuff on the regular, enough where said Gryffindor and Hufflepuff would consider him a friend, she definitely shouldn't be anywhere near Barnaby Lee. Liz on the other hand, Carina didn't know at all.
Carina nodded absently, not looking up from her work. She just wanted to be left alone. Penny and Charlie left silently, not sure what else they could say. The Slytherin girl sighed and relaxed as everything was peaceful and silent once again. Nothing could be heard except for the sound of her quill against parchment. It was nice and reminded her of home.
A few hours passed as Carina worked hard on her homework. Potions, Transfiguration, History of Magic, Charms, DADA, Astronomy, and Herbology. Granted, there wasn't a terrible amount for each class, most of it was reading. The only difficult ones were Transfiguration and Potions, but it wasn't surprising. Anyone who had ever had even a single class with Snape or McGonagall would know they would never go easy on anyone, even in the second week.
After packing up all her school stuff, she grabbed a book for personal reading. She hadn't been disturbed in hours, she was planning to make it count. Charms of Defence and Deterrence by Catullus Spangle caught her eye, especially after the possible fiasco from earlier.
Only ten minutes passed before she was interrupted again. The red-haired twins sat in front of her, both sporting wild grins and messy hair. Carina groaned and glared at the two, slipping a bookmark in the pages of the book. "Are you two insane?" she whispered harshly, glancing around the book stacks. "I told you to leave me alone."
"We told you we weren't going to give up," Fred replied, referring to their previous conversation.
George leaned back in his chair. "And we consider you a friend already."
"Why?" she asked, exasperated at their persistence.
Fred unintentionally mimicked his brother's stance. "See, Rina, unlike you, we aren't afraid of other people's opinions." He drummed his finger on the table.
Carina was taken aback. "What did you call me?" Fred froze and made a filler noise, thinking of what to say. The Slytherin shook her head, not wanting an answer. "Nevermind. I've had enough interactions with the Weasley family and Gryffindors today, and I don't feel like having anymore."
Both boys looked confused, scrunching their eyebrows and noses. "Was it Percy?" George asked.
"If it was Percy, we apologize."
"He's not a good introduction to the family."
They were both physically cringing, making Carina snort at their visible discomfort. "If you must know, it was Charlie." They visibly relaxed. "What, is Percy like the black sheep of the family?"
"He's definitely something," George mumbled. Carina could barely hear him.
Fred folded his arms across his chest. "He's got a stick up his arse."
Carina fake pouted. "Awe, did he tattle on you?" Her voice was higher than usual and she stuck out her bottom lip to mock them further. It was their turn to glare. Her face went back to normal as she stood and shouldered her bag.
The twins perked up. "Where are you going?" Fred asked.
"To my common room." Without another word or glance, Carina glided away to the front of the library, checked out the book, and hurried back to the Slytherin common room. She held her head high as she walked through the common room, catching stares from her fellow housemates. She ignored them as best she could. She'd have to get used to it. No one simply forgets about kids with Death Eater parents.
Carina spent most of her time avoiding Fred and George. She didn't find it incredibly difficult. After roughly a month into the semester, they found themselves occupied with hushed whispers and constant trouble, occasionally dragging Lee into the mix. The only time she truly had to avoid them and their attempts at conversation were to and from classes they shared and to and from meals. Other than that, their paths rarely crossed. Thankfully for her, they knew better than to try when other people were around.
While the Weasley Twins quickly made a name for themselves as the best pranksters in Hogwarts, at least for that year, Carina rose to the top of all her classes. She excelled particularly in Charms, Potions, and Defense Against the Dark Arts, soaking up as much information about every subject she could. Aside from the occasional dimwitted Gryffindor or Ravenclaw, Carina found herself with little need to defend herself as most decided to keep away from her just as much as she avoided others. The only two people who wouldn't leave her alone were Adrian and Cassius, but that wasn't particularly surprising to anyone.
At some point in the semester, many people had completely forgotten about the Lestrange in their midst, and Carina did nothing to remind them. She was quiet, in the background, nose almost always in a book. She would have done well in Ravenclaw, but it was best for her to be in Slytherin like all her family had been in. It was the safest route.
It was the safest route to spend her time with Adrian and Cassius. It was the safest route to be at the top of her class. It was the safest route to not interact with the Weasleys or any Gryffindor.
But was it truly the best for her?
Time passed slowly. Autumn turned into winter. Fallen leaves were covered in snow. The semester was wrapped in a nice little bow as students were ready to go home for a break.
Carina folded her things neatly in her trunk, at least the things she was taking, namely, most of her regular clothes and books. Her roommate Mildred and Gertrude had already left the room, ready and excited to leave Hogwarts and see their families. Sylvia and Carina were taking their time. They weren't in a hurry.
The sleek black cat wound through Sylvia's legs. She laughed lightly, her soft eyes watching him. "Corvin, you're going to trip me," Sylvia joked. Out of Carina's three roommates, Corvin only liked Sylvia. He avoided Mildred and Gertrude like the plague, which made Carina avoid them as well. Animals were the best judges of character, and if her cat only liked Sylvia, Carina would follow his lead.
Carina called him over and picked him up, cradling the cat in her arms. His fur was soft and comforting. She placed him in his cage, just about ready to leave the room.
"Um, Carina." The Lestrange turned around, facing Sylvia with a questioning gaze. Sylvia looked embarrassed but determined anyway. "I know we haven't talked much, but here." She grabbed a book from beside her suitcase. It was large and tied with a green ribbon. The cover read The Lord of the Rings. "You're almost always reading, so I thought this would be a safe bet." Sylvia handed it to Carina who took it gingerly with hesitation. "It's a muggle book, something my dad read to me when I was younger, but it's fun." The longer she stood there, the redder her cheeks grew.
Carina was embarrassed also. "If I'd known you got me a present, I would've gotten you one, too."
Sylvia's eyes widened. "Oh, no, no, it's okay!" Her hands raised to help her point. "I really like giving people gifts. I don't need anything back." Carina smiled and nodded, tucking the book into her shoulder bag. Sometimes she wondered why Sylvia wasn't in Hufflepuff, but the Sorting Hat probably saw something that Carina hadn't yet. Carina decided to send her something anyway.
As Sylvia was about to walk out the door with her suitcase, Carina called out her name, grabbing her attention. "Do you wanna sit together on the train?" Carina asked.
Freckles scrunched together as Sylvia grinned. "I'd like that. I'll save you a spot." Then she scurried out the door.
Alone in the room, Carina finished packing and then hurried out the door. The train station in Hogsmeade was bustling with students. Each one had varying degrees of excitement. Carina made her way through the train, searching for Sylvia's signature tight curls. She spotted twin ginger locks seated in a compartment and hurried past, not wanting to risk talking to the two boys. Sylvia was seated in an empty compartment when Carina walked in clutching her bag and cat carrier.
The moment the cat carrier was opened, Corvin darted out. Sylvia chuckled at the crazy cat as he curled up against her thigh, furious at having been locked up in the carrier. Hogwarts was just as much of a home to him as it was to Carina, and Corvin knew what the being in the carrier meant.
Carina placed the carrier and her luggage on the racks and sat down on the comfy seat. "So, do you have holiday plans?" she asked.
Sylvia shrugged and ran her hand across Corvin's fur. "Not really. Not anything interesting anyway." Her disappointment was evident in her voice and bored expression. "Every year me and my parents visit my dad's family in Ireland."
"That can be fun?" Carina tried to sound like it was interesting, but she knew she didn't have the full story. And traveling to the same place every year could get incredibly boring. After a while, you run out of things to do. The awkward smile Carina forced slipped away just as quickly as she offered it.
The other girl sighed. "Thanks for trying," Sylvia said. "Don't get me wrong, Ireland is beautiful and I love my family, but I really wish we could do something else for a change, you know? Maybe go to France or Spain or even just stay home. Just something different for once." Sylvia took a quick breather and realized she was ranting to someone she barely spoke to. Her eyes widened as she looked at Carina. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to unload my problems-"
Carina cut her off. "It's okay, really. It's kinda nice hearing someone talk to me about things other than classes."
Sylvia's eyebrows furrowed. That statement confused her. She had always viewed the Lestrange girl as standoffish to everyone but her friends. "But what about Adrian and Cassius? Don't they?" Her voice trailed off.
Carina shrugged. "Not in any meaningful sense, but that's my fault. I avoid talking to pretty much everyone if you haven't noticed."
"Oh, I've noticed." Sylvia was so unapologetically blunt that Carina chuckled sadly. "You know, it's alright to have friends. It's especially important for us Slytherins."
"Thanks, Sylvia."
The compartment door opened as the train left the station at Hogsmeade. Both Slytherin girls whipped their heads to face the door, and Corvin picked his head up. Adrian and Cassius stood there smiling, holding their luggage.
"Hello, ladies," Adrian greeted, entering the room and putting his suitcase on the rack. Cassius followed suit.
"Hey, Adrian, Cassius," Carina replied, nodding. Adrian sat next to her while Cassius went to sit next to Sylvia. Corvin, at the sight of the big oaf sitting down, got up and jumped over to Carina's lap, leaving Sylvia.
Cassius simply looked disappointed. "This happens every time."
Adrian snorted. "It's because you're too loud and move too much."
"No, I don't," Cassius argued.
The other boy nodded. "Yes, you do."
"No, I don't."
"Yes, you do," Carina supplied for Adrian.
Cassius let out a frustrated sigh and slouched on the seat. He wouldn't argue with Carina when talking about her own pet. "I can't wait to go home. My dad's cat likes me."
"Your dad has a cat?" Adrian asked, actually surprised.
"Why is that weird?" Sylvia asked in return, looking over at Adrian.
The fact that Sylvia actually said anything to him was more surprising than Cassius's dad having a cat, but Adrian refused to show it. "I've met his father. That man having a pet cat would be like Carina having a toad. Not something that is likely to happen in any way, shape, or form."
"It was a birthday present from my mum," Cassius explained. The simple bit of information made the situation make a lot more sense. "He didn't really like it at first, but it's slowly growing on him."
Adrian nodded. "Is your mum throwing a party for New Year's like last year?"
"Dad told me she was thinking about it, but that the Malfoy's were wanting to host it this year." The students looked to Carina, who lived at Malfoy Manor. Cassius sat forward. "Have Mr. or Mrs. Malfoy told you anything?"
Carina shook her head honestly. "No, I haven't heard anything. Draco and I usually find out about parties that they're hosting a few days before when Narcissa takes us shopping."
"That sounds like Mrs. Malfoy," Adrian said. "Do you have anything planned for the holidays?"
"Not that I know of." Corvin stretched his long legs out as his owner spoke. "I think it'll be a quiet Christmas."
And it was. For the first few days back at Malfoy Manor, Carina spent her time reading the book Sylvia had given her, but never around Narcissa or Lucius. She didn't want them to know she was reading a book by a Muggle. She knew they wouldn't approve. Her main goal was to keep them content for as long as she had to stay at the manor until she inherited the Lestrange Estate in Britain and the Lestrange Manor in France. Then, and only then, would she be free to do whatever she wanted without fear for repercussion or punishment.
The book was delightful. Elves, hobbits, dwarves, and wizards. At times, Middle Earth sounded like a more pleasant place than actual Earth, especially once Carina reached the end. She hurriedly pulled herself off her fur rug and placed the book on her shelf before going downstairs to find Narcissa.
Narcissa was in the drawing-room, sitting on the piano bench. Her nimble fingers danced across the black and white keys, oblivious to Carina entering the room. Caring always loved listening to her play the piano. Draco, too. Sometimes Narcissa obliged their enjoyment and played songs for them, but otherwise, it was something she preferred to do alone.
Carina waited patiently for the song to end before interrupting Narcissa's alone time. Carina walked forward toward the piano, and Narcissa smiled. "Why am I not surprised?" Mrs. Malfoy sang out. Carina blushed in slight embarrassment. "What do you need, Carina?"
"I was wondering when we'd be able to go Christmas shopping?" Carina asked politely.
One of Narcissa's eyebrows perked up. "Usually you don't want to go Christmas shopping with me." Carina shrugged nonchalantly, but it didn't fool Narcissa. "You made friends, it's alright to say it."
Carina grinned and sighed. "Yes, alright, I made some friends."
"I'm glad." Narcissa stood from the piano bench. "We can go shopping tomorrow if you'd like. For now, let's go see if Dobby has finished making dinner."
The following day, Narcissa and Carina used floo powder to travel to Diagon Alley, gracefully stepping out of the fireplace. The two walked side by side out of the alley and through the streets of Diagon Alley. As per usual, Narcissa and Carina split up to do their separate things. Carina was glad that it was their typical arrangement because she did not want to explain to Narcissa what she was buying and why.
The first place Carina went to was Flourish and Blotts. The book that Sylvia had gifted her wouldn't leave her mind. It was incredibly thoughtful of Sylvia to give her a gift when they barely talked prior to the winter break. Carina felt at home surrounded by books and had spent a lot of time in Flourish and Blotts during the summer and at various times prior whenever Narcissa wanted to take the girl shopping.
The young Slytherin already knew what book she wanted to buy for her roommate, The Tales of Beedle the Bard. Whenever Carina and Sylvia did talk, or whenever Carina heard her talk, Sylvia usually mentioned Muggle-related things as her father was a Muggle. Carina wanted to get her more involved in wizard books that weren't about spells or beasts, but rather fiction written by wizards. It would be an easy way to get Sylvia more in-tune with the wizarding world since she had been seriously left out due to her mother's separation from the wizarding community.
After purchasing the book, Carina made her way to Quality Quidditch Supplies and bought Draco new Quidditch gloves as she had noticed that he was wearing his down from countless hours of flying around the estate. Amanuensis Quills had a perfect, pearl-encrusted quill that Carina knew would make the best present for Narcissa. At Magical Menagerie, Carina bought Corvin more treats.
Carina couldn't help but gaze through the windows of Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop. Fireworks, itching powder, dungbombs, and other joke products riddled the front windows and the inside of the store. She thought of Fred and George. The first semester had already been interesting with them running around and playing pranks on people. She wondered how much more devastation and laughs they could bring if they had joke products instead of the occasional lame spell, potion, or contraption.
She glanced around the busy alley before ducking inside the store, hoping Narcissa hadn't been wondering about. Carina bought the simplest and smallest joke products she could, ones that she could hide in the bags that she was already carrying. A few dungbombs, acid pops, frog spawn soap, and a small container of dye. The twins were ingenious. They would put them to good use.
Walking out of the store, Carina was hit by the revelation of what she had just done. She just bought Christmas gifts for the Weasley Twins. The Weasley Twins. Two boys who she had spent most of her time over the first semester trying to steer clear of.
Her eyes were wide as she practically hid in Sugarplum's Sweets Shop. She actually kind of liked them. Carina actually enjoyed the presence of well-known blood traitors. She silently cursed herself. If she got caught, she had no idea what would happen. Most members of pureblood families that disobeyed were cast out, disowned, made an example of. She couldn't, wouldn't be one of them. But she still felt the urge to spend time with Fred and George. They actually made things fun.