"We'll miss you Carina!" The twins cried as they engulfed Carina in a bear hug.

"I'll miss you too. Be sure to play lots of pranks while I'm gone!" Carina ordered. Fred and George saluted the girl, then waved as she and Oliver boarded the train which lead to Kings Cross.

"How's this one?" Carina asked as she motioned towards an empty compartment.

"Perfect," Oliver replied, shutting the door.

"Excited to go back home?" He asked while taking a seat across from her.

"Not really... but hopefully Father will be proud to hear that I made the team," Carina muttered, "Are you?"

"I am. I really miss my parents sometimes," Oliver answered. The pair continued to chat about their parents, plans for vacation, and much more, but the train soon pulled into King's Cross.

"Need help with that trunk?" Oliver asked, watching as Carina struggled to reach her trunk.

"Yes please," Carina replied. Oliver easily grabbed the trunk and handed it to her. Together, they exited the train and entered the mob of families greeting their children.

"Oi, I see my parents! Want to come meet them?" Oliver asked politely.

"I really would love to Oliver, but my parents won't be happy with me if I waste any time," Carina stated sadly, although she was just trying to distance the boy from her own family.

"Oh, that's alright, maybe another time!" Oliver said, engulfing Carina in a hug. She happily hugged him back, then searched the crowd for her family. Upon seeing Draco bid his two sidekicks goodbye, Carina tapped her brother on the shoulder and motioned for him to follow her out of the mob.

"There they are, over there!" Draco shouted over the noisy crowd, finger pointed towards Lucius and Narcissa. Slowly, the pair navigated through the outskirts of the crowd.

"Draco, we're so proud of you for being put in Slytherin!" Narcissa cried, embracing her son.

"And Carina, excellent job making the Quidditch team," Lucius added with a smile. Carina smiled back at both of her parents, then wrapped her hand around her mother's arm and prepared herself for the sickness which followed. The family reappeared in the walkway of Malfoy Manor, and Carina left her trunk for the house elves to carry. She carefully strutted up the walkway, then entered the house and walked directly to her bedroom. Just being in the house made her significantly less cheerful, but she knew that it would end eventually when she returned to Hogwarts.  For Carina, she did in fact love her family, but Hogwarts brought her a happiness like no other. Never in her life had she felt so welcomed in a community. Her parents were so radically different from her that she often found it difficult to cope with their beliefs at the Manor. For Carina, her memories at Hogwarts were much more pleasurable than those at the home. She thought of the time the twins threw her into the Black Lake, her date with Oliver, all the times she sprinted through the corridors of Hogwarts with the twins, and much more. She thought of the joy she felt when pranking, and how every second filled her with exhalation, making the consequences worth it. She was reminded of the time that she won her first Quidditch match, but was soon forced out of this trance by the dull voice of her father.

"Carina!" Lucius Malfoy shouted from the first floor. Carina sighed as she she stood up and trudged down the stairs, anticipating the upcoming conversation.

"Yes Father?" Carina asked politely.

"Come with me. Your mother and I wish to talk to you," Lucius ordered. Carina simply nodded in response, but her father wouldn't accept that as a response.

"Answer me when I talk to you, Carina," Lucius directed.

"Yes, Father," she murmured, following him r to the drawing room, where her mother sat expectantly.

"Hello dear," Narcissa began, "We're very proud of you for making the Quidditch team this year, but we must ask you about a certain boy named Harry Potter. Have you been keeping an eye on him?"

"Yes, Mother, I have been. To the best of my knowledge, he has been keeping himself away from trouble so far, and he's on the Quidditch team" Carina stated.

"Very good, and you do understand that he must be kept safe for the remainder of the year, correct?" Lucius inquired.

"Yes, Father."

"Excellent! I'll expect that everything will progress normally in the rest of the year then?" Narcissa asked.

"Yes, Mother."

"That is all we needed to know, dear. You've done very well," Lucius stated with a smirk.

"Thank you," was all Carina said before she stood up and walked back to her bedroom, where she found herself locked in again. Why do they care so much about Harry Potter? Carina thought as she continued to contemplate life on her mattress. The entire situation with Harry puzzled her, but she still assumed that they just wanted her to befriend an influential figure.

-

After spending three days locked in her room with only the occasional trip for food, Carina found herself bored out of her mind. She decided it best to find something to do, peeling herself off of her bed in the process. She slowly strode to the library in Malfoy Manor, and noticed that the door to the meeting room was closed. That's strange, she thought, why are they having a meeting?

"Dobby?" Carina whispered to the air. The small house-elf appeared before her from thin air.

"Yes, Mistress?" Dobby asked.

"Why is there a meeting?"

"Dobby cannot say, Mistress"

"Dobby, you must."

"Mistress, Master has told Dobby not to tell anyone! Not even Draco!"

"So Draco doesn't know about this either?"

"No."

"Hm... does it have to do with Harry Potter?"

"Yes Mistress," Dobby answered. The elf realized his mistake immediately, and began banging his head violently against the wall.

"Dobby.... is.... a.... bad... elf!" he exclaimed between thuds.

"Dobby, no!" Carina cried, restraining him with all of her might. Her arms were wrapped tightly around him, in an attempt to silence him, but Dobby was rather strong for his size.

"Dobby must punish himself, he has betrayed Master!" Dobby shrieked. Carina immediately asking, as this had happened many times within the Manor, but her curiosity got the best of her. Before this year, her family hadn't hosted any serious meetings since she was four. Dobby continued to scream, and before she knew it, the door to the meeting room had opened, revealing a table full of familiar faces and a livid Mr. Malfoy.

"Well if it isn't Carina Malfoy," Mr. Flint said with a smile. Carina smiled back at the table, before her father yanked her away from the room.

"What do you think you're doing?" Lucius inquired, dragging her into the drawing room.

"I was just going to the library, Father."

"Then why was Dobby shrieking?"

"He misbehaved, Father."

"And how did he misbehave?"

"He told me something he wasn't allowed to." Carina choked out.

"Go to your room. We will discuss this later," Lucius ordered, then released his hold on her arm with a shove and stalked back into the meeting room. Carina landed forcefully onto the ground, then stood up and walked back upstairs gloomily. So much for finding something to do, she thought.

-

"Carina!" Lucius shouted, causing her to trudge down the stairs.

"Yes, Father?"

"Come," was all Lucius said as he turned and lead her into his work room. Once they arrived, he motioned for her to take a seat across from him.

"Drink this," Lucius commanded, holding out a glass of clear liquid. Carina did as she was told and drank the potion, knowing that it would force her to tell the truth.

"What did you ask Dobby?"

"I asked him what was going on in the meeting room," Carina stated, trying to dodge the question. When under any form of Truth Serum, Carina was always forced to tell the truth, but depending on the strength of the serum, she had the ability to dodge certain questions.

"What else did you ask Dobby?"

"I asked him if your meeting pertained to Harry Potter," Carina muttered as the words escaped her lips. 

"And how did Dobby respond to both questions?"

"To the first question, he stated that he couldn't tell me. To the second question, he told me that the meeting related to Harry Potter."

"And why were you asking Dobby these questions?"

"I was curious, Father."

"Curious? For the sake of whom? Do you perhaps care to protect Harry Potter?"

"Yes, Father, you had directed me to care for him in the beginning of the year. I wanted to ensure that Harry Potter was kept safe, and I was also curious as to why you care about him so much."

"I see. It is good to hear that you are following orders, Carina, but this was not the proper way to do so. If you wanted to know so much about Harry Potter, then why didn't you just ask?"

"I was afraid that you would be upset with me for asking."

"I would not have, Carina. You are my daughter, and although we have had some... disagreements in the past, I am beginning to believe that you are faithful to this family, despite your Hogwarts house. Let me explain my concerns for Harry Potter. As you know, Harry's parents were murdered on October 31, 1981, a tremendously sad day for many, including our family. As Harry is attending Hogwarts this year, we not only want to provide him with friendship, but also raise the boy in a pure environment, as his parents are no longer alive to do so. There is also the fact that Mr. Potter has a target on his back. Many of the Dark Lord's previous followers could still be trying to avenge his death, and with Harry Potter back in the wizarding world, this may be rather dangerous for him."

"So you had two meetings within the past six months for this?"

"We have in fact held more than two meetings within the past six months; but yes, we are trying to protect the boy from anyone who could cause him harm."

"But isn't Hogwarts considered one of the safest places in Britain?"

"Hogwarts is very safe, but sometimes dark magic is stronger than even the Founders hadanticipated. Do you have any other questions?"

"Yes, Father. Are you going to punish me for this?"

"No, I am not. I understand why you were conflicted, and I should have explained this sooner. Although, I must ask that this never happens again, Carina. Anytime you have a question pertaining to Harry Potter, I would like for you come to me first. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Father."

"Very well then, you are dismissed," Lucius stated.

-

"Carina, wake up! It's Christmas!" Draco shouted as he tore open the shades in her bedroom.

"No, really?" Carina mumbled, her eyes adjusting to the sunlight.

"Oh, come on!" Draco shouted, then pulled her covers off and ran down the stairs. Carina rolled out of bed with a grin of her own, and happily followed her brother down the stairs.

"Happy Christmas!" Narcissa exclaimed, her children bounding into the living room.

"Happy Christmas Mother!" Carina exclaimed with a smile, then went to hug her. Although the Malfoys were rather gloomy at times, they preferred to keep enjoy Christmas in good spirits.

"Happy Christmas Father!" Carina shouted as she gave him a side hug. Carina's father patted her arm with a smile, then the family got to work opening presents.

"Carina, we got this for you," Narcissa stated, handing her daughter a small, golden box. Carina politely took the box from her mother and opened it, revealing a silver necklace with the Malfoy Family Crest engraved on a dainty charm.

"Mother, this is beautiful," Carina gasped, delicately pulling the necklace out of the box. Narcissa lead her daughter over to a nearby mirror, and clasped the necklace. With a genuine smile, Carina turned and wrapped her arms around her mother.

"This took some convincing, but I do think your father is getting over the house sorting, and you've made us both so proud this year." Narcissa whispered into her daughter's ear. Carina could feel tears well in her eyes as she heard that. For the first time in three years, her father was finally accepting her again.

"Thank you so much, Mother," Carina whispered back.

"I want you to know that no matter how frustrated we may be with you, no matter how much your father tries to correct you, there will always be a portion of us that loves you for you. Do you understand?" Narcissa asked as she pulled out of the embrace and looked directly into her daughter's eyes.

"Yes, Mother," Carina replied before pulling away completely and opening more presents. She received a copy of Quidditch Through the Ages from Oliver, more Dungbombs from the twins (which she hid from her parents immediately after opening), a black jumper from Draco, socks from Dobby, and a Christmas Jumper with a large C on the front from Mrs. Weasley.

"Who made the sweater for you?" Narcissa asked.

"My friend, she really loves to knit," Carina lied, attempting to avoid the topic of blood traitors. Narcissa only nodded in response, then the family enjoyed a delicious Christmas Breakfast prepared by the House Elves.

-

Carina's Birthday was two day's later, a day which was typically overshadowed by Christmas. Carina sat in the library reading Quidditch Through the Ages, but was distracted as Draco came to sit across from her.

"May I help you?" Carina asked.

"Yes, you may. First of all, Happy Birthday Carrie, and second of all, do you want to go to Diagon Alley with me?"

"Thanks, I really didn't think anyone would remember... but sure, let's go!" Carina replied as she shut her book. She quickly walked up the staircase to her bedroom, slid on a gray dress, black pea coat, and black boots, then went to meet Draco at the fireplace in the entrance hall.

"Have you asked Mother amd Father?" Carina asked.

"Yes, now come on!" Draco encouraged as he held out an elaborate vase of Floo Powder. She grabbed a handful of the emerald-green powder and dropped it in the flames.

"Diagon Alley!" Carina exclaimed as fire engulfed her body. She landed first in a small pet shop and awaited for her brother. Once Draco appeared, the two left the shop and began walking.

"What exactly do you have planned for this trip?" Carina asked.

"Whatever you'd like, I just feel like we haven't talked in so long..."

"You aren't wrong... Anyway, how's Slytherin been?"

"I couldn't imagine myself in any other house... what about Gryffindor?"

"Now Draco, no need for that tone; But, I must say that I do fit in well with the Gryffindors."

"You and all the other Blood Traitors," Draco muttered.

"Is this really what you've come to say on my Birthday?" Carina sassed.

"No, but I do think that you need a reminder of this," Malfoy replied, pointing to Carina's new necklace.

"Are you supposing that I'm disrespecting the family name?"

"I guess I am... I've seen you hanging around with those Weasels, you're just lucky I don't tell Father."

"I suppose I am, but I do hope you realize that I'm still a Malfoy, I just accept other people for what they are! Although, the way you people treat Muggleborns make me ashamed of you all," Carina retorted.

"Oh Carina, if you knew what was good for you then you'd stop hanging around with those twins! And that boy, what's his name, Wood? What's his blood status? Muggleborn?"

"Are you serious? The very first thing you ask about him is his blood status? I know Oliver isn't a Muggleborn if that's all you care about, but I haven't cared to ask whether he's pureblood or not! Why don't you go and ask him for yourself, Draco?" Carina shouted, then stormed off in the opposite direction. Draco seemed to realize his mistake and decided to run after her.

"Carina, wait!" Draco called to her back and, to his surprise, the girl turned around with tears in her eyes.

"Don't you get it, Draco? I'm sick of acting better than everyone else! Who cares if we were born in a rich, pureblood family? That's all chance. It doesn't make us any better than anyone else. I get it, you don't want to associate with people who are below you, but why can't you just let me do what I want?!" Carina cried.

"Come on," Draco directed as he grabbed Carina's hand and lead her into The Leaky Cauldron.

"Two butterbeers please," Draco ordered, then turned to his sister.

"Carina, I'm sorry. I know that we have different views on that subject, and I really shouldn't have brought that up on your Birthday," Draco apologized.

"It's fine, can we just change the subject?" Carina asked as she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Gladly. Tell me more about this boy of yours," Draco asked as the bartender brought their drinks.

"Oliver? Well, he's the Quidditch captain and he's an amazing Keeper, and he lectures us about Quidditch a little too often, and he's super nice, and cute, and I honestly can't believe he fancies me."

"And he treats you well?"

"Well, we haven't exactly gone on very many dates yet... only one; But, he's been nice to me so far!"

"He better keep it that way," Draco commented with narrowed eyes.

"I doubt he would do anything like that," Carina noted.

"That's what they all say."

"I suppose you're right..."

"And how has the Quidditch team been?"

"Amazing, I absolutely love it!"

"That's great. Say, do you want to go shopping for some new clothes? Mother and Father told me to get you a birthday present while we're out."

"I'd love that, come on!" Carina exclaimed as she chugged the rest of her butterbeer and dragged her brother out of the shop. The pair of siblings happily walked to Twilfitt and Tatting's.

"You can choose as much as you'd like," Draco commented, watching his sister comb through the shop. Carina nodded in response as she grabbed various blouses and brought them to the dressing room. By the time she had finished, they walked out of the shop with bags of items, ranging from dresses to coats.

"Thanks Draco!" Carina exclaimed.

"Of course, Happy Birthday!" Draco replied, leaving Diagon Alley by the Floorwalkers network. Upon returning to Malfoy Manor, Carina's parents met their children at the fireplace.

"I take it that your day went well?" Lucius commented, nodding towards the various bags of clothing.

"Quite, thank you both!"

"Happy Birthday, dear," Narcissa wished with a smile, which Carina returned. After thanking her family, Draco helped Carina carry her clothing upstairs, and as she entered, she noticed the Weasley's owl, Errol, and a brown tawny owl fighting for space on her windowsill. Carina quickly thanked her brother, then rushed to open the letters. She decided to read the twins' first which read:

Carrie,
Happy Birthday! We know it stinks to be spending your Birthday at home, but we thought it'd comfort you to know that we dyed Snape's hair purple while you were gone! We hope that your family is being somewhat tolerable(as if that's possible), and that your vacation has been decent. Also, how'd you like your Christmas Jumper(Mum kept pestering us to ask you that)? Anyway, good luck for the next two days, we hope you don't cry too hard without us! 

Happy Birthday(again)

       - Gred and ForgeP.S. Did Errol break your window?

Carina laughed as she read the majority of the twins' card, then moved onto the second one, which read:

Carina,
Happy Birthday, Love! I wish that I could've spent the day with you, but I'm afraid to say that my family had planned a vacation to Spain. Anyway, I do hope that your vacation is going well, and that your family is treating you well. It's entirely my pleasure to even be writing you this letter right now, and I still can't believe that you agreed to go on that date with me. Again, Happy Birthday, and I'll see you in a few days,
     -Oliver

As Carina read the two letters over again, she laid back onto her bed and thought, What a day. For once in several years, she felt accepted by both her family and her friends.