Carina sat elegantly in the ornate chair of the Headmistress's office, her head tilted slightly as if she were bored by the proceedings. The office was grand, befitting the prestigious Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, with towering bookshelves, chandeliers of enchanted crystal, and a panoramic window overlooking the sparkling Lac Bleuclair, surrounded by misty, snow-capped mountains.
The Headmistress, Madame Séraphine LaFlamme, stood before her with sharp features and an air of unwavering authority. Lady Clotilda Malfoy was tight-lipped, her icy demeanor barely concealing her disappointment. Beside her sat Lord Septimus—not using the Malfoy name here, merely a father trying to defend his daughter. His expression was calmer than his wife's, though his piercing gaze dared anyone to insult Carina further.
"I must insist," Madame LaFlamme began, her clipped tone sharp, "this is not an isolated incident. Your daughter has once again caused a disruption—a grand désordre! This time, it escalated into an actual duel between five students."
Carina arched a delicate eyebrow, feigning disinterest as she examined her nails.
"And what exactly did she do?" Septimus asked, his voice steady and controlled, though his protective nature was evident in his gaze.
Madame LaFlamme sighed. "She orchestrated a competition, promising both her hand at the upcoming Yule Ball and her assistance on a Charms project to whoever completed her so-called 'tasks.' These included fetching rare potion ingredients from the forbidden Forest, stealing answers to an upcoming exam, and... convincing the Head Boy to serenade her in the dining hall." Her tone dripped with exasperation.
"Naturally," the Headmistress continued, "this caused jealousy, leading to arguments and eventually duels. Not to mention the embarrassment it brought to the academy."
Carina murmured, "But Madame, the serenade was delightful. His voice has such... depth."
"Carina!" Clotilda hissed.
"The duels broke out," Madame LaFlamme continued, "when two boys accused a third of sabotaging their efforts. Meanwhile, three of your daughter's so-called rivals began hexing one another, each claiming Carina had insulted their... appearances."
Lady Malfoy pinched the bridge of her nose. "And the punishment?"
Madame LaFlamme's tone hardened. "Expulsion. Beauxbatons cannot tolerate such repeated chaos. This is the third significant incident this term, and I assure you, Lady Malfoy, I have been more than lenient."
Carina's expression shifted slightly, her lips curling into a sly smile. "Expulsion?" she said, leaning back lazily. "How... dramatic. Will I at least get a farewell party?"
"Carina!" her mother hissed.
Madame LaFlamme's patience snapped. "Enough of this insolence! You are dismissed from Beauxbatons, effective immediately!"
Clotilda's face turned pale. Septimus, however, leaned forward, his voice calm but firm. "Madame LaFlamme, I respect your position. However, this decision seems rather... extreme. She is but a child."
"Your daughter is disruptive, Lord Septimus, and her actions put others at risk. Beauxbatons cannot tolerate such behavior."
Septimus sighed, glancing at his daughter. "If that is your decision, then we shall comply. But do not mistake this for defeat."
As the family exited the office, Clotilda turned to her daughter with a look of cold disappointment. "Carina, you promised us this wouldn't happen again."
Carina smiled sweetly, looping her arm through her father's. "Boys simply adore me, Mother. How is that my fault?
Her father placed a steady hand on her shoulder.
"We have already decided," her father said firmly. "You'll transfer to Hogwarts. Headmaster Dippet has agreed to take you immediately."
Carina stopped in her tracks. "Hogwarts? Must I go to some dreary castle in the middle of nowhere? I've already mastered magic beyond my years!"
"This is not up for debate," Clotilda said sharply.
"You'll join by the end of this week," her mother replied, leaving no room for argument. "Professor Dippet was quite accommodating."
Carina pouted dramatically. "Can't I wait until next year? It's already mid-term!"
"No," Lady Malfoy said flatly.
Lord Malfoy smirked. "Calthorpe!"
A house-elf dressed popped into the room with a sharp crack. "Master Septimus, how may Calthorpe serve?"
"Pack Carina's belongings . We leave for England tonight."
Calthorpe bowed low. "At once, Master!"
As the elf vanished, Carina rolled her eyes but offered a resigned smile. "Fine. Hogwarts it is. But don't expect me to play nice."
Her mother sighed deeply. "Just... behave."
Carina grinned wickedly. "Of course, Mother. I always behave
Carina's thoughts wandered. Why should I have to deal with the hassle of Tom Riddle? This is supposed to be my second life—a chance to enjoy myself, not to think if i am going to die again because of a rising Dark Lord.
She sighed dramatically. "Fine. Hogwarts it is."
Her father smiled faintly. "Just try to stay out of trouble, Carina."
Carina smirked. "When have I ever caused trouble, Father?"
Clotilda groaned, already dreading the havoc her daughter might wreak on her new school.
The Malfoys arrived back at their grand manor late in the evening. The imposing gates opened silently at their approach, and the carriage rolled smoothly down the winding cobblestone path. The manor loomed ahead, its towering spires and ivy-covered walls bathed in the soft glow of moonlight. The grand double doors swung open as they reached the entrance, revealing Calthorpe, their ever-dutiful house-elf, waiting at the top of the marble staircase.
"Welcome home, Master Septimus, Madam Clotilda, and Miss Carina," Calthorpe greeted with a deep bow.
"Prepare Carina's things and ensure her room is ready," Lady Malfoy instructed, handing her gloves to the elf.
"At once, Madam," Calthorpe replied, snapping his fingers to summon her trunks and disappearing with a sharp crack.
Clotilda turned to her daughter with a weary expression. "Carina, go upstairs and rest. Dinner will be served shortly."
Carina stepped into her room, taking in the luxurious surroundings. The walls were adorned with soft, silken wallpaper in a pale emerald hue, trimmed with intricate golden accents. A massive canopy bed with green velvet drapes stood at the center, its mattress piled high with plush cushions. A crystal chandelier cast a warm glow over the room, illuminating the finely carved mahogany furniture—a vanity lined with elegant silver brushes and perfumes, a large wardrobe, and a bookshelf filled with tomes on advanced magic.
She let out a contented sigh, running her fingers along the cool, smooth fabric of the bed's coverlet. It was good to be home. Calthorpe, their ever-efficient house-elf, bustled about, carefully unpacking her belongings and arranging them meticulously in her wardrobe and drawers.
Carina selected a green, silk dress that fell just above her knees. It was both elegant and daring—perfectly suited to her style. As she admired herself in the mirror, a sly smile crept onto her lips.
She thought about the past six years at Beauxbatons. This life truly is amazing, she mused. I have a loving family, a pretty face, and magic comes naturally to me. No wonder it took them six years to finally kick me out. I was the top of my year, after all, even if I did cause a bit of chaos along the way.
Carina laughed softly, shaking her head. She had enjoyed her time at Beauxbatons immensely, and though she hated to admit it, she had ruined things for herself. But Hogwarts loomed ahead now, and with it, the irritating presence of Tom Riddle. I wanted to avoid the drama, not dive headfirst into it, she thought with a sigh, recalling the manipulative, power-hungry boy.
Pushing the thoughts aside, she headed downstairs for dinner. Her parents were already seated, and they both smiled warmly when they saw her. No matter how much trouble she caused, her parents' love never wavered for long.
"Come, sit," her mother said.
As they began to eat, Clotilda fixed her daughter with a pointed look. "Carina, why must you rile up boys so much?"
Carina laughed, her tone playful. "Why am I to blame, Mother? I mean, there are so many boys to choose from. I simply made it a competition to keep things fair."
Clotilda sighed, her exasperation evident, while Septimus chuckled. "Don't blame her too much," he said, smiling at his wife. "We did create her to be so beautiful, after all."
Carina grinned sweetly at her father. "Speaking of boys, what about Abraxas? Does he know I've been expelled and will be joining him at Hogwarts?"
"I'll write to him tonight," Clotilda said, though her tone carried a hint of resignation.
The conversation continued with light-hearted banter until Clotilda reminded Carina of their trip to Diagon Alley the next day.
The following morning, Calthorpe woke Carina early, his high-pitched voice rousing her from a peaceful sleep. "Miss Carina, Madam Clotilda asked me to wake you. She says you must get ready for your shopping trip!"
Carina groaned but got up, her excitement building as she prepared for the outing. Dressed in a chic traveling cloak, she joined her mother downstairs, and together they used the Floo Network to travel to Diagon Alley.
Their first stop was Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. As they entered the shop, Madam Malkin herself greeted them warmly. "Ah, Lady Malfoy, and this must be your daughter. My, what a beauty she is!"
Carina flashed a dazzling smile. "Flattery will get you everywhere, Madam," she teased lightly, making the shopkeeper laugh.
Madam Malkin took her measurements and began preparing her Hogwarts robes. "You'll look stunning in these," she said approvingly as she worked.
Afterward, Carina and her mother visited Flourish and Blotts for her books and other shops for the necessary supplies. They even stopped at Sugarplum's Sweet Shop to pick up some treats, a rare indulgence from Clotilda.
By the time they returned to the manor, Carina was exhausted but satisfied. As she sat in her room that evening, unpacking her new belongings, she allowed herself a moment of reflection.
Hogwarts, she thought, a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirling in her mind. It's a new chapter, and if nothing else, it will be entertaining.
With a mischievous smile, she leaned back against her pillows. Let's see what chaos awaits