Carina woke up early the next morning, not out of excitement but because her mother insisted. She stretched lazily and stared at the high ceiling of her room, already missing the comfort of her own bed. Calthorpe appeared with a soft pop, handing her a green cloak to complement her travel attire.
As she descended the grand staircase, she saw her parents waiting for her near the fireplace. Her mother looked impeccable as always, her father regal yet relaxed.
"Must we leave so early?" Carina asked, her voice tinged with irritation.
Clotilda Malfoy raised a perfectly arched brow. "Yes, we must. You need to be sorted and settled into your dormitory before the day is over."
"Do I have to attend classes today?" Carina asked, her tone half-annoyed and half-pleading.
"No," her mother replied, smoothing an invisible wrinkle from her sleeve. "You'll begin tomorrow, but you are being sorted today. Try not to make this any more difficult than it already is."
Carina sighed dramatically but followed her parents to the Apparition point. With a sharp crack, they appeared in front of the gates of Hogwarts.
The castle loomed above them, its turrets and spires casting long shadows under the morning sun. The ancient building exuded a sense of history and grandeur, though Carina privately thought Beauxbatons was far more elegant.
They walked through the vast stone halls, their steps echoing, until they reached the entrance to the Headmaster's office. A stone gargoyle moved aside, and they ascended the spiral staircase.
Inside the office, Headmaster Armando Dippet greeted them warmly. The room was filled with whirring magical instruments, portraits of past headmasters, and shelves overflowing with books.
Inside, Headmaster Armando Dippet greeted them warmly. His office was a fascinating blend of magical artifacts, towering bookshelves, and enchanted portraits of previous headmasters who observed them curiously.
"Ah, Lord and Lady Malfoy," Dippet said, rising from his desk with a welcoming smile. "And this must be your daughter. Miss Malfoy, welcome to Hogwarts."
Carina gave a polite nod, her sharp gaze sweeping the room.
Dippet exchanged pleasantries with her parents, inquiring about her father's work at the Ministry and her mother's well-being. Finally, he turned his attention to Carina.
"I've reviewed your academic record, Miss Malfoy," he began, nodding approvingly. "Top of your year at Beauxbatons. Quite impressive. However..." His smile turned wry. "I see you've developed a reputation as something of a troublemaker."
Carina smirked. "Trouble finds me, Headmaster. I'm simply too charming to avoid it."
Her mother shot her a sharp look. "Carina, behave."
Septimus chuckled softly, clearly amused. Clotilda, however, sighed. "We ask for your patience, Professor Dippet. She can be... challenging." She turned to Carina, her gaze narrowing. "If you cause trouble here, it will not go unnoticed. Understood?"
Carina smiled sweetly. "Of course, Mother."
"Well," Dippet said, clearing his throat. "Shall we proceed with the Sorting?"
Carina sat on the stool as the Sorting Hat was placed on her head. Before she could even adjust, the hat bellowed, "SLYTHERIN!"
She blinked, staring up at the hat with mild offense. That's it? Not even a moment's consideration for Ravenclaw? Or Gryffindor? You didn't even try!
The hat chuckled in her mind. You're clever, yes, but ambition and cunning run in your blood. Slytherin is where you belong.
Carina stepped down, smoothing her dress with exaggerated dignity, and muttered, "At least pretend to weigh your options next time."
Her parents smiled knowingly. "We knew you'd be in Slytherin," her father said proudly.
"All Malfoys go to Slytherin," her mother added, embracing her briefly.
Just then, the door opened, and Abraxas Malfoy entered, his usual confident smirk firmly in place.
"Abraxas," Dippet said, turning to him. "I've asked you here to guide your sister around the castle and ensure she's settled into her new surroundings."
Abraxas nodded, his pale blond hair catching the sunlight streaming through the window. "Of course, Headmaster."
"Brother!" Carina exclaimed, running to him and embracing him. "I've missed you terribly."
"And I've missed you too," he replied with a grin, ruffling her hair. "Though I admit I was surprised to hear you got kick out . What happened mother did not tell the reason why in her letter?"
"Oh, it's a long story," she said with a dramatic sigh, earning a laugh from her brother.
After bidding farewell to the Headmaster, Carina hugged her parents one last time. Clotilda held her a little longer than necessary. "Write to us, Carina," she said softly, her voice tinged with emotion.
"I will," Carina promised.
As they walked through the castle, Carina couldn't help but marvel at its sheer size and magical quirks. The shifting staircases, the whispering portraits, and the enchanted ceilings were all impressive, though she would never admit it out loud.
"This place is... quaint," she remarked sarcastically.
Abraxas chuckled. "You'll get used to it. It's better than Beauxbatons, isn't it?"
She smirked. "Not even close."
Several students glanced her way as they passed, some male students blushing furiously when Carina flashed them a charming smile.
Abraxas raised an eyebrow. "Mother told you to behave."
Carina pouted. "I am behaving."
He shook his head, amused, as they made their way to the dungeons.
When they reached the entrance to the Slytherin common room, Abraxas whispered the password, and the stone wall slid aside.
The room was breathtakingly elegant. Green light filtered through underwater windows, creating shimmering patterns on the stone walls. The silver-and-green furnishings gleamed under the soft glow of enchanted lanterns, and an emerald fire crackled in a grand fireplace. High-backed chairs, velvet sofas, and intricate tapestries added to the luxurious ambiance.
Carina stepped inside, her eyes taking in every detail. "I suppose it's tolerable," she said, though the corner of her mouth lifted in approval.
"You'll grow to like it," Abraxas said, leaning against the doorway with a smirk.
Carina rolled her eyes but couldn't help feeling a flicker of excitement. As she settled into her new surroundings, she wondered just how much trouble Hogwarts had in store for her.