"Harry?" Carina asked, "What're you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same..." Harry muttered as he clambered onto the bus.

"I thoughtcha sed yer name was Neville?" Stan muttered to him.

"Don't worry about it," Harry said, waving the conductor off, "So - so this bus, did you say it goes anywhere?"

"Yep, anywhere you like, long's it's on land. Can't do nuffink underwater," Stan announced.

"How much would it be to get to London?" Harry asked.

"Eleven Sickles, but for firteen you get 'ot chocolate, and for fifteen you get an 'ot water bottle an' a toofbrush in the color of your choice," Stan said. Harry shuffled in his pockets, likely counting his change, then placed numerous coins in Stan's hand. The conductor shuffled to his seat near the driver, and with a deafening BANG, they were off. Harry was flung backwards onto his bed in the same way Carina had been, but slowly sat up.

"So, what got you here?" Carina asked, clutching the wall next to her to remain sitting.

"Long story short, I blew up my aunt. You?"

"Wicked, she must be a rotten thing for that to happen. My father kicked me out of the house... I'm not really sure when he'll take me back, or even if he'll take me back, but now I've got nowhere to go... Where are you going?"

"I was thinking Diagon Alley... Not really sure where else there is to go."

"Sounds like a safe bet. I tried the Weasleys, but they weren't home. Kind of strange, isn't it?"

"They're in Egypt... Did Fred and George not tell you?"

"We didn't exactly have much time to talk at the end of the school year... I was revived by the Mandrakes, but my parents came immediately to bring me home. I haven't received any mail from them since... but I suppose it makes sense that they aren't writing while on vacation."

"Yeah... Do you have any idea where you're going now?"

"Not really... I was going to try Oliver's, but I don't know his exact address, and I have no hope of finding it if I just show up in Kelso."

"You could always stay at The Leaky Cauldron for a few days," Harry suggested hopefully.

"You know, I think I just might."

"That's good.... You know, Carina there is something I've always wanted to ask you... what's it like having Draco as a brother?" Harry asked intently.

"It's not as bad as it sounds... I know it's suprising, but he can be really nice sometimes."

"Really?!"

"Yup, Draco and I get along fairly well... for the most part," Carina said, thinking of all the times she slapped him in the face.

"That suprises me, he's always been sort of a... well, a git. I'm sure you've seen that before?"

"Oh, yes, he definitely has an evil streak."

"I bet... hey, I saw that man in the Muggle news!" Harry exclaimed suddenly while pointing to Stan.

"Sirius Black? You've never seen him?" Carina asked cautiously.

"Nope, but right there, see, it says Black Still at Large," Harry read.

"Stan... Has Sirius Black escaped?" Carina gasped. No one ever escaped from Azkaban, and the thought that Sirius Balck, a previous supporter of the Dark Lord, was on the loose shook her to the core. Surely this doesn't mean that he's back? Carina thought.

"Looks it... Never been a breakout fron Azkaban before, 'as there, Ern?" Stan asked, causing the driver to shiver in his seat.

"Talk about summat else, Stan. Then Azkaban guards give me the collywobbles," Ernie muttered while making a particularly sharp turn.

"Who's Sirius Black?" Harry whispered to Carina.

"You haven't heard of him? He's a murderer... Supposedly killed thirteen people with one curse, a crowd around him and all," Carina murmured, deciding to leave out the fact that she was related to him. Harry stared at her in shock, before Stan interrupted them.

"Where-abouts in London, Neville?"

"Diagon Alley," Harry said.

"Righto, 'old tight, then," Stan said as the bus launched forwards.

"'Ey, Blondie, you decided yet?"

"I'm going with him," Carina muttered.

"Sure, you'll go wit him," Stan spat, shaking his head in disappointment.

"We happen to be friends," Carina hissed.

"Mhmmmmm," Stan continued with a grin," gotcha self a boyfriend, huh?" Carina rolled her eyes in annoyance when the bus suddenly lurched to a stop, flinging both Carina and Harry into a nearby window.

"Right then, Neville, Elizabeth," Stan stated, before motioning for them to exit the bus and tossing their luggage with then.

"Well, bye then!" Harry shouted.

"There you are, Harry," a voice said from behind. Carina turned to see Cornelius Fudge awaiting him.

"What didja call Neville, Minister?" Stan shouted excitedly.

"Neville? This is Harry Potter!" the Minister of Magic exclaimed.

"Ern! Ern! Guess 'oo Neville is, Ern! 'E's 'Arry Potter! I can see 'is scar!" Stan shrieked while jumping in excitment.

"Yes, well, I'm very glad the Knight Bus picked Harry up, but he and I need to step inside the Leaky Cauldron now..." Cornelius Fudge shouted. Carina watched as Cornelius Fudge pulled Harry inside, Stan and Ernie followed, carrying his items. After they had passed, she grabbed her own trunk and lugged it in a few moments later. Everyone, including the bartender, was helping Harry, so she took a seat in a nearby stool and waited for Harry's situation to be sorted out. A little while later, Stan and Ernie appeared from the hallway.

"So he isn't Neville... are you actually Elizabeth?" Stan asked suspiciously.

"To you I am," Carina mumbled.

"Well, nice ta meet ya, Liz! 'Ou got yerself quite the boyfriend!" Stan exclaimed while shaking her hand. Carina decided to go along with it, then watched as the two disappeared from the pub. Moments after they left, the bartender strolled back into his bar, noticing her at the counter.

"Want anything, dear? Beer? Brandy?" Tom asked politely.

"Just a room, please," Carina replied.

"Of course, follow me," Tom stated as he lead her down a hallway.

"Here you go, miss," He said while handing her a key.

"Thank you.. er... what's your name?"

"Tom."

"Yes of course, thank you, Tom," Carina smiled, before grabbing the key and opening her room. She hastily closed the door behind her, then flung herself onto the bed.

"I just ran away..." she gasped while staring at the ceiling, "I JUST RAN AWAY!" She laid there in shock, until a tapping noise from the window filled her ears.

"Aries?" Carina asked as she stalked to the window and let the owl in. Aries happily flew into the room, then held his foot out for her with a letter attached. She hastily untied the letter, before tearing it open.

Carina,
What happened?! Are you okay? Where are you? Why'd you leave?! Please let me know soon...

Draco

She could hear the concern in his letter, then tore her trunk open and grapped a piece of parchment and quill.

Dearest Draco,
I'm afraid to say that Father found out about my two, twin friends. He also found out that I told them about his previous career. Let's just say, he wasn't too happy... so much so that I was kicked out of the Manor! It's rather unfortunate, but I'm getting along by myself. I have a decent supply of money with me, but a few extra Galleons would be much appreciated!!! I would also request that you please send my broomstick! I didn't anticipate leaving so quickly, and it's likely that I forgot some other items as well... if you see anything else lying around, could you bring it to Hogwarts? I don't think I'm coming back home... As for my current destination, I'm at the Leaky Cauldron right now but I think I'll be heading to Oliver Wood's house in Kelso, Scotland... I already tried Fred and George, butbapparently they're on vacation. I do hope that you'll reply soon, and I thank you for everything.

With love,
Your Sister
P.S. Let me know if it'll be safe to come back.

She read and reread her letter, before folding it up and securing it onto Aries' foot. She let Aries out the window, then grabbed another piece of parchment and wrote:

Oliver,
First and forenost, I miss you so much. I know we haven't talked in nearly a year, and I really do apologize for putting you through all of that. I'm a terrible girlfriend. I would just like to inform you that Father kicked me out of the Manor, and I'm currently staying the night at the Leaky Cauldron, before (hopefully) travelling by Floo Powder to your house! I do hope that that's okay with you and your family! Please let me know, and could you write your address? I don't exactly know what to say when I travel by Floo Powder. Thank you so much, and again, I'm so sorry for everything that I've put you through.

With love,
Carina Malfoy

She folded this paper too, then changed out of her clothes snd pulled on a pair of pajama shorts and a t-shirt. She happily tucked herself in, then allowed exhaustion to do the rest.

The following morning, her eyes fluttered open to a bright, sunlit room. She happily stretched in bed, then ripped off her covers and noticed that Aries had already returned with a large, broom-shaped package holding him down.

"Hm, I wonder what that is," Carina joked to herself, before untying the package and letter, which read:

Carina,
It's good to see that you've found a mplace to say, but that doesn't mean I'm not concerned. Father is still very upset, so I don't recommend coming home anytime soon... on that note, I also don't recommend you move in with Oliver Wood for too long, as that's a bit sketchy to me... I don't need him causing any issues with my sister. Anyhow, I'll try to meet you in Diagon Alley sometime to buy school supplies together. Mother isn't as mad, so she might be willing to buy those for you... but if she isn't, I'll just sneak you a few more Galleons. I do suggest that you open the package!!

Best of Luck Out There,
Draco

Carina smiled as she read the letter, then tore the package opem, revealing her Nimbus Two Thousand and One, along with a large pouch of Galleons and a few items of clothing she had forgotten. She hastily tied her letter to Oliver onto Aries' foot, let him go, then changed into a black romper and shuffled into the bar.

"Harry! How'd you sleep?" She asked while taking a seat next to him.

"Pretty well, I was absolutely exhausted, what about you?"

"Same, that bus really knocked me out," Carina replied as Tom carried a plate of breakfasr over to her.

"Thanks, Tom!" Carina chimed as she dug into her meal.

"So what do you plan on doing today?" Harry asked.

"I might go and explore Diagon Alley, but I really should be getting to Oliver's if I can... I haven't talked to that boy in way too long. What about you?"

"I'll probably go and explore the Alley... I've never had a chance to really check it out completely," Harry admitted. The two continued to chat over breakfast, then Carina eagerly sprinted back to her room. Aries stood at the window, so she hastily ran and let him in, before removing the letter from his foot, which read,

Carina
You have no idea how worried I've been this past year about you. You can't just run around the streets of England without letting me know! I have so much to say to you right now, but the answer to your question is YES! Come over as soon as you can! When using Floo Powder, just say 16 Sutton Street.

I look forward to seeing your lovely face,
Oliver

After receiving her confirmation, Carina stuffed her trunk with all of her belongings and released Aries out the window.

"I'm sure you'll fine me, Aries," Carina stated as she let him go. She then sprinted to the bar, before stopping at the counter.

"Thank you, Tom. How much do I owe you?" Carina asked, handing him the keys to her room.

"One Galleon," He stated. Carina pulled out a Galleon from her pocket and placed it on the counter, before turning and strolling to Harry's table.

"Goodbye, Harry! I'm sure I'll see you around soon," Carina stated as she hugged the boy.

"Bye, Carina, I hope the rest of your summer goes well!" Harry replied. With a wave, she returned to Tom.

"Any chance I could use your Floo Powder?"

"Of course! Follow me!" Tom exclaimed, leading her over to the fireplace. He held out a goblet of green powder, of which Carina carefully grabbed a handful and dropped it into the flames.

"16 Sutton Street!" She announced clearly, then clutched her trunk tightly and tucked her elbows in tight. She closed her eyes, and when she reopened them, she was in someone's livingroom. A short and slender woman sat in an armchair reading the Daily Prophet, and cast her gaze over the paper when Carina appeared.

"You must be Carina!" She exclaimed while setting down the paper and engulfing the girl in a hug, "Oh, I've been wanting to meet you for so long! Oliver doesn't stop talking about you!" The woman, whom Carina assumed was Mrs. Wood, exclamed.

"OLIVER!" She shouted up the stairs. Within seconds, heavy feet pounded down the stairs, and Oliver appeared from the corner.

"CARRIE!" He shouted as he ran and pulled her into a hug, practically in tears. He buried his face into her neck, and held her for a bit too long, before letting go and looking her straight in the eye. "You had me so worried," he announced, then kissed her forehead repeatedly. A smile crawled across her face as she realized just how happy she was with that boy.

"You have to meet Dad, come on," Oliver urged as he tangled his fingers with hers and tugged her across the house. Their house was a quaint cottage on the bank of a gorgeous river, with grassy fields surrounding them. The house was small, but just large enough for the Wood family, and everything about the place made Carina feel at home. There were baby pictures of Oliver covering the walls, ranging from a picture of Oliver playing Quidditch as a child, to a cute little boy with a goofy smile, along with pictures of the entire family. There wasn't a dark color in sight, but instead various shades of oak.

"Oliver, your house is amazing," Carina gasped as he lead her through the cottage.

"Well, it isn't much, but it's certainly home. I doubt it even compares to your Manor," Oliver replied humbly.

"Oh, please, I could never feel this at home in Malfoy Manor... where's your father, anyway?" Carina asked as she had realized that Oliver was leading her out into the surrrounding  fields.

"He's probably in the Broomshed, but that's not why I brought you out here... we need to talk," Oliver murmured.