The three boys stood there in silence, giving the girls enough time to calm themselves. Carina took a deep breath and moved away from her brother turning to look the Gryffindors. Carina's blue eyes that popped out because of the crying met the green ones of Harry Potter who was staring at her as if she was the most fascinating creature he had ever seen.

Carina felt herself cringe "Well that was a cheesy thought."

"... Is no one going to talk about the sword that Potter is carrying?" Draco spoke pointing at Harry and breaking the silence. 

Because of Carina's upset state during the Chamber of Secret's scene, she didn't even notice that Harry pulled out a sword of the Sorting Hat managing to kill the Basilisk. Just what happened to her? How could she lose herself? She was the best duelist, she knew so many spells and hexes and she could do so much more than just stand there and be afraid.

Carina started getting angry with herself. What's the point being the best one out there when in the face of danger you cower yourself away? How could that boy, Harry Potter, a boy who grew up with Muggles and is no better than her, pulled himself over and conquered the danger?

"He truly is Boy Wonder." she thought bemused.

"I'll explain later." Harry replied glancing at Ginny making Draco and Carina understand. They nodded their heads but seems like Ron did not get the memo, so before he outer a word Carina spoke looking at Draco "Where is Lockhart?"

Draco gestured them to follow him, they walked all the way back to the mouth of the pipe. Carina met with the sight of Lockhart humming pleasantly to himself while sitting there.

"His memory's gone."  explained Draco "The Memory Charm backfired. His himself instead of us. Hasn't got a clue who he is, or where he is, or who we are. I told him to come and wait here. He's a danger to himself."

Lockhart peered good-naturally up at them all. "Hello. Odd sort of place, this, isn't it? Do you live here?"

Carina's eyebrows shot up and she glanced at her brother whose face read "Yeah, it's that bad."

"No." Ron replied exchanging a look with Harry.

Harry bent down and looked up the long, dark pipe. "Have you thought how we're going to get back up this?"

Ron shook his head, but Fawkes had swooped past Harry and was now fluttering in front of him.

"He looks like he wants you to grab hold…" said Ron, looking perplexed. "But you're much too heavy for a bird to pull up there –"

"He is a Phoenix, Weasley." interrupted Carina "He is no ordinary bird."

Harry began to talk "We've got to hold on to each other. Ginny, grab Ron's hand. Professor Lockhart –"

"He means you," pointed Ron sharply to Lockhart.

"You hold Ginny's other hand, Malfoy," Harry said looking at Draco "grab Ron other hand then hold your sister's as you" then he turned to Carina "You'll be holding the end of my robes, alright?"

Both Carina and Draco nodded as they did what they were said to. Draco and Ron grimaced at each other before grabbing one another's hand. Harry tucked the sword and the Sorting Hat into his belt. Carina took hold of the back of Harry's robes, and Harry reached out and tool hold of Fawkes's feathers. His feathers glowed the moment Harry touched them.

For some strange reason, she felt lighter and the next second, they were flying upward through the pipe. Lockhart was bellowing, "Amazing! Amazing! This is just like magic!" The air was whipping through Carina's face and within seconds, it was over. All six of them were hitting the wet floor of Myrtle's bathroom, and the sink slide back into place.

Myrtle goggled at them. "You're alive," she said blankly to Harry.

"No need to sound disappointed," Harry responded grimly as he wiped flecks of blood and slime off his glasses.

"Oh, well… I'd just been thinking… if you had died, you'd have been welcome to share my toilet."

"Well, it seems as someone has gained an admirer." Draco smirked at Harry who just glared at him. 

"Ugh!" voiced Ron as they left the bathroom for the dark, deserted corridor outside. "Harry! I think Myrtle's grown fond of you! You've got competition, Ginny!"

"There is no competition." snapped Harry looking desperately at Carina who was looking at him with a frown.

"There is no need for you to be so rude." she scolded as she tried to comfort Ginny who still had tears rolling down her face.

"Where now?" said Ron with an anxious look at Ginny.

But Fawkes was already leading the way, glowing gold in the corridor. They strode after him and moments later, they found themselves outside Professor McGonagall's office. Harry knocked and pushed the door open.

" Are you sure you want to follow them?" Draco asked his sister. Carina nodded her head and went after the Gryffindors.

For a moment, there was silence as they all stood in the doorway, covered in muck, slime and sweat. Then there was a scream.

"Ginny!"

Mrs. Weasley leaped to her feel and flung herself at her daughter with Mr. Weasley right behind her. She had been sitting crying in front of the fire. Behind them were Professor Dumbledore, beaming, and Professor McGonagall, who was taking great, steadying gasps, clutching her chest. Fawkes whooshed past Harry's ear and settled on Dumbledore's shoulder just as Harry and Ron were swept into Mrs. Weasley's tight embrace. The Malfoy twins just stood behind them uncomfortably as they kept glancing at each other. 

"You saved her! You saved her! How did you do it?"

"I think we'd all like to know that," said Professor McGonagall weakly.

Mrs. Weasley let go of them. Harry looked at Carina for a moment, then he walked over to the desk and laid upon it the Sorting Hat, the sword, and the remains of Tom Riddle's Diary. He started telling them everything; him hearing the disembodied voice, how Hermione had finally realized that he was hearing a Basilisk in the pipes, how they had followed the spiders into the forest, that Aragog had told them where the last victim of the Basilisk had died, how he had guessed that Myrtle had been the victim, and that the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets might be in her bathroom….

"Very well," Professor McGonagall prompted him as he paused, "so you found out where the entrance was, breaking a hundred school rules into pieces along the way, I might add, but how on earth did you all get out of there alive?"

He continued telling the story and told them about Fawkes's timely arrival and about the Sorting Hat giving him the sword. But then he faltered. He had so far avoided mentioning Riddle's Diary or Ginny. She was standing with her head against Mrs. Weasley's shoulder, and tears were still coursing silently down her cheeks.

"What interests me most," spoke Dumbledore gently, smiling faintly, "is how Lord Voldemort managed to enchant Ginny when my sources tell me he is currently in hiding in the forests of Albania."

"W-what's that?" said Mr. Weasley in a stunned voice. "You-Know-Who? En-enchant Ginny? But Ginny's not, Ginny hasn't been, has she?"

"It was a the Diary." talked Carina for the first time making everyone stare at her. "Riddle wrote it when he was about sixteen I think."

Brilliant," said Dumbledore, picking up the diary and peering keenly at the burnt and soggy pages. "Of course, he was probably the most brilliant student Hogwarts has ever seen." He turned to the Weasleys, who were looking utterly bewildered. "Very few people know that Lord Voldemort was once called Tom Riddle. I taught him myself, fifty years ago, at Hogwarts. He disappeared after leaving the school… traveled far and wide… sank so deeply into the Dark Arts, consorted with the very worst of our kind, underwent so many dangerous, magical transformations, that when he resurfaced as Lord Voldemort, he was barely recognizable. Hardly anyone connected Lord Voldemort with the clever, handsome boy who was once Head Boy here."

Draco blinked at his sister as he mouthed "Voldemort?"

But, Ginny," said Mrs. Weasley. "What's our Ginny got to do with him?"

"His D- Diary!" sobbed Ginny. "I've b-been writing in it, and he's been w-writing back all year –"

"Ginny!" cried Mr. Weasley, flabbergasted. "Haven't I taught you anything? What have I always told you? Never trust anything that can think for itself if you can't see where it keeps its brain. Why didn't you show the diary to me, or your mother? A suspicious object like that, it was clearly full of Dark Magic –"

"I d-didn't know," sobbed Ginny. "I found it inside one of the books Mum got me. I th-thought someone had just left it in there and forgotten about it –"

"Father." thought Carina and Draco at the same time then glanced at each other with a knowing look.

"Miss Weasley should go up to the hospital wing right away," Dumbledore interrupted in a firm voice. "This had been a terrible ordeal for her. There will be no punishment. Older and wiser wizards than she have been hoodwinked by Lord Voldemort." He strode over to the door and opened it. "Bed rest and perhaps a large, steaming mug of hot chocolate. I always find that cheers me up," he added, smiling kindly at Ginny. "You will find that Madam Pomfrey is still awake. She's just giving out Mandrake juice, I dare to say the Basilisk's victims will be waking up any moment."

"So Hermione's okay!" said Ron brightly.

"There has been no lasting harm done, Ginny," smiled Dumbledore.

Mrs. Weasley led Ginny out, and Mr. Weasley followed, still looking deeply shaken.

"You know, Minerva," Dumbledore said to McGonagall thoughtfully, "I think all this merits a good feast. Might I ask you to go and alert the kitchens?"

"Right," said McGonagall with an edge. "I'll leave you to deal with Potter, Weasley, and the Malfoys, shall I?"

As she left, Carina, Draco, Harry and Ron gazed uncertainly at Dumbledore. Deal with them?

"I seem to remember telling the three of you that I would have to expel you if you broke any more school rules," said Dumbledore. "Which goes to show you that the best of us must sometimes eat our words," Dumbledore went on, smiling. "You will receive Special Awards for Services to the School and, let me see, yes, I think two hundred points apiece for Gryffindor and Slytherin each. Congratulations Mr. and Miss Malfoy you've just won the House Cup as well as the Quidditch Cup." he smiled at them "You deserve it, Slytherin has gone through allot this year."

Carina and Draco blinked in disbelief. Slytherin won? They won? The glanced at each other before smiling happily and responded kindly "Thank you Professor Dumbledore."

Harry smiled at them and Ron scoffed, not amused that Gryffindor lost to Slytherin for the House Cup and the Quidditch one. However, he nodded at them politely. 

"But one of us seemed to be keeping mightily quiet about his part in this dangerous adventure. Why so modest, Gilderoy?"

They gave a startle, they had almost forgotten about Lockhart completely. Lockhart was standing in a corner of the room, still wearing his vague smile. When Dumbledore addressed him, Lockhart looked over his shoulder to see who he was speaking to.

"Professor Dumbledore," Ron said quickly, "there was an accident down in the Chamber of Secrets. Professor Lockhart –"

"Am I a professor?" questioned Lockhart in mild surprise. "Goodness. I expect I was hopeless, was I?"

Harry and Draco laughed quietly while Carina just nodded her head. 

"He tried to do a Memory Charm and well, the wand backfired," Draco explained to Dumbledore.

"Dear me," said Dumbledore, shaking his head. "Impaled upon your own sword, Gilderoy!"

"Sword?" wondered Lockhart dimly. "Haven't got a sword. That boy has, though." He pointed at Harry. "He'll lend you one."

"Would you mind taking Professor Lockhart up to the infirmary, too?" Dumbledore turned to Ron. "And Mr. And Miss Malfoy, would you mind going to my office. I would like to speak with you, after Harry. The password is Lemon drop."

The Malfoy twins, Ron and Lockhart left the room but before they separated Carina called "Weasley!"

Ron turned to look at her with puzzlement "Yes?"

Carina exchanged a look with her brother who nodded in agreement "Would you mind coming with you? We would like to speak with your parents."

Ron stared at them in suspicion before shrugging his shoulders "Do as you wish."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When they reached the Hospital Wing where the Weasley family were, the Malfoy twins found themselves once again hesitating entering the room.

"You know, father will be furious. His children, willingly being near the Weasley family, the bloodtraitors. Well, he is going to go bonkers." Draco nodded at his reasoning.

Carina crossed her arms staring at her brother "I think we must put an end to this era that our parents want to grow into and start a new one."

"If that's so then let's marry muggleborns or even better common muggles and live in a nice village away from magic." snickered Draco.

"Aunt Walburga would get us disowned then burn us of the Family Carpet." giggled Carina.

Draco sighed "It's going to be hard."

Carina put her hand on her brother's shoulder "We are in this together."

Τhe moment they opened the door seven pair of eyes turned towards them. Ron and Ginny was looking at them kindly, Percy had a face of indifference, Fred and George were grinning at them and Mr. and Mrs Weasley were looking at them with an uncomfortable look on their face.

"Well look at here Georgie!" said Fred grabbing Draco over his shoulders making him tense.

"Well Freddie! It seems as the Malfoy twins have honored us with their presence!" mocked George.

Draco slowly pushed Fred's arm away from his shoulder as Carina began to talk "Mr. and Mrs Weasley, my name is Carina Malfoy and this is my brother Draco Malfoy" she said pointing to her brother who nodded politely "We would like to speak with you if you don't mind." she finished kindly.

Arthur and Molly Weasley looked at one another and decided to follow the young children. They stood behind the Hospital's doors and an awkward silence took over. Suddenly, the twins lowered their heads taking the Weasley couple by surprise.

"We are sorry." Carina and Draco talked at the same time.

"What are you sorry for?" Arthur wondered kindly with a soft voice.

"We are so sorry with the way our father has been treating you and for the Diary." responded Carina with her head still lowered.

The Weasley couple glanced at each other "How is your father involved with the Diary?" Arthur asked, once again kindly.

The twins did not answer. The couple stood there for a second just observing the Malfoy twins. Molly and Arthur then realized that they were just children, children who were unfortunate to be born into a wrong family.

Molly felt her head filled with guilt. They were there, trying to save her little girl and she just ignored them so coldly. Was their fault that they were born into the Malfoy family? Was it their fault that their father treated her family so unkindly? The answer was no. They were just children, no much older than her own.

Molly took a few steps, reaching forward to their Malfoy twins and kneed down to the them. She put her hands to their cheeks and softly made them look at her. 

Blue and grey stared at her cautiously, waiting for her to explode or something but to their surprise she just smiled feeling her eyes wanting to shed tears. They were children, innocent children. She saw no malice. 

"My sweet ones, thank you for bringing my daughter back." Molly spoke her thumps caressing their cheeks.

"It was mostly Potter." Draco responded, not expending this kind of response.

"We mostly did nothing." Carina agreed with her brother.

Molly shook her head and hugged them, making them freeze, not knowing what to do. Once she let them go, Arthur stepped forward petting their heads. 

"You tried, that's what matters. Thank you." he smiled at them.

Arthur and Molly stepped inside joining their family. Carina and Draco stood there watching the Weasley family laughing with each other. 

"That was..." Draco began.

"... Nice." she finished.

"I'm kind of jealous you know." Draco started once again forcing Carina to look him"That's what a family supposed to be like."

Carina smiled and a gentle glow took over her eyes. She took her brother by his hand and said "At least we have each other."

Draco smiled back and nodded "Always and forever." and they left making their way to the Headmaster's office, not noticing the Weasley couple staring at them.

"They are good kids. Those Malfoys." Arthur said out of the blue.

"Harry has a big crush on her you know." the Weasley twins blurt out making their parents look at them gaping.

"Really?" wondered Molly "She is such a dear girl."

"Does she know?" Arthur asked curiously.

Fred scoffed "Everybody knows..."

"...But her." George finished.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

They stopped over a large and extremely ugly stone gargoyle.

"Lemon drop." 

The gargoyle sprang into life suddenly and hopped aside as the wall behind it split into two. Behind the wall was a spiral staircase that was moving smoothly upward. As Carina and Draco stepped onto it, the wall closed behind them and she rose upward in circles, higher and higher, until she saw a glossy oak door ahead with a brass knocker. Draco knocked on the door and pushed the door open.

Fawkes flew past the, gaining their attention, and went towards the golden perch near Dumbledore's enormous desk. He made himself comfortable as they looked around the room. It was a large and beautiful circular room with a number of sliver instruments standing on various tales. The walls were covered with portraits of old headmasters and headmistresses, all of whom where snoozing gently in their frames. Behind Dumbledore's desk was an equally enormous shelf.

They settled themselves into the chairs in front of Dumbledore's desk and waited patiently for the man himself. Fawkes was sleeping peacefully and the portraits were starting to wake up with the office door opened. Dumbledore came in and smiled kindly at them. He was carrying the sword and the Sorting Hat with him.

"Ah, Mr. and Miss Malfoy, thank you for waiting here patiently," Dumbledore said. He put the sword and Sorting Hat on the shelf behind him and took his seat. "I shall not take much of your time." 

Carina and Draco stood there without speaking.

First of all, I want to thank you," said Dumbledore, his blue eyes twinkling" You both showed us so much bravery and made many people look past your House and name. Now, Miss Malfoy, I understand that you have met Tom Riddle, may I ask what he spoke to you about?"

Carina stared blankly at him" Without wanting to sound rude Professor, but I don't feel comfortable talking about it with you."

He nodded and spoke slowly "Very well. But I must say something before you go. It is our choices, that shows us who we truly are, far more than our abilities." he smiled once again "Do remember children, if you ever need any kind of help do not hesitate to reach me."

The moment they stepped outside his office Draco turned to Carina bewildered as he said "What a particular man..."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was quite simply one of the best Hogwarts feasts she has ever been to. Everyone was in their pajamas and celebrations lasted all night.

Carina and Draco stood at the door frame and looked at everyone's happy faces, laughing at each other and teasing each other. This was quite simply the happiest everyone has ever been in the last couple weeks. She all the petrified students rushing into the Great Hall, running towards their friends hugging them.

Hermione Granger's brown eyes snapped ahead to the Slytherin Table as Harry and Ron whispered something to her. She smiled at the Malfoy twins and they raised their goblets to show that they understood her appreciation.

"I leave you for a moment alone and you find yourselves facing the a giant snake." stated a familiar voice amused.

Carina and Draco turned towards the voice and grinned as they explained with enthusiasm "Cedric!"

The older boy grinned and threw his arms around their shoulders as he sat down "Whatever should I do with you my twins?" and they laughed.

It was announced that Slytherin had won the cup because of the Malfoy twins and every single Slytherin cheered along with some other students who cuffed them on the back, congratulating them. Then, Professor McGonagall stood up and announced that exams had been canceled as a school treat, and Dumbledore announced that Lockhart would be unable to return next year. A few teachers joined in cheering that news.

"What a shame." smirked Draco making Cedric hit him in the back of the head while keeping his own smile hidden.

Carina shook her head and suddenly her blue eyes met the familiar green ones. Harry Potter grinned at her and she let a small smile paint her face before turning her attention to her brother and their closest friend. But, that was enough to make Harry's heartbeat speed up.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The rest of the term passed quickly. Hogwarts back to normal with a few changes: Defense Against the Dark Arts classes were canceled, Lucius Malfoy had been sacked as a school governor, and Ginny was in good spirits, smiling brightly and laughing with her friends.

The twins knew that their father's mood will be quite ugly and the fact the Harry Potter managed to trick him into freeing their House-elf, Dobby, they knew that serious consequences were to follow.

Carina was pretty sad that her favorite House-elf left without any goodbye but she could not blame him for fleeing so fast away their family. She did hope that someday she'll be able to see him again.

Soon enough, it was time to go home on the Hogwarts Express. Carina and Draco bid Cedric goodbye and promised him to write as often as they could. The Slytherins sat together and began to discuss about what their plans were for the summer or they played Exploding Snap. 

Carina did not include herself in any of those things, her mind was far away and the Slytherins knew not to disturb her. She began to recap everything that happened this year and what was to follow.

When the Hogwarts Express slowed and finally stopped, the twins were finally left alone. Carina and Draco were walking with a slow pace, neither of them were excited to meet their father.

Before they stepped off the train Carina suddenly spoke "Dray?"

"Yes, Cara?"

"This summer we will practice Occlumency and non-verbal magic." Carina stated.

Draco blinked "Why?"

"To prepare."

"For what?"

"Everything and anything."

Then they met the cold and angry blue eyes that belonged to no other than their father.