Invisible String

Chapter 03

We talked about school and other topics until Harry mentioned reading the Daily Prophet, specifically about the burglary at Gringotts. The three of us knew Hagrid might be privy to more information than he let on. Was there a connection between Hagrid, Hogwarts, and the burglary?

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

"Harry, this is amazing!" I exclaimed, pulling my friend into a hug, maybe a bit too eagerly, as I tend to do. We stood there, embraced in the hallway, until Harry let go first – I never seem to be the one to end the hug. It's just something I've always done; I fear that people need a long hug and I interrupt it. While I'm someone whose love language is physical touch, Laurie uses his words. "I'm so proud of you, Harry. First year and already on the Quidditch team. I have a surprise for you," I said, taking Harry's arm and guiding him through the halls. Navigating Hogwarts gets easier each day. The halls were bustling with students chatting and laughing. On the way, I explained Harry's surprise. "A little bird whispered this in my ear. Well, no, it was Hermione. But I thought you'd like it," I said, coming to a halt and presenting Harry with my surprise. "What's this?" he asked, adjusting his glasses. "Harry, here. Your father was a seeker too," I said, smiling as I read the names. Harry could be proud of his parents, being just like them. "Wow," he exclaimed, staring at his father's name longer than I expected, and I watched him admire it. But then, a name caught my eye. I took a step forward to get a better look. This can't be a mistake. Carina Black. She was also on the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I had never heard that name, but it made me realize – Carina was my middle name. Could this be our mother? A wave of guilt washed over me because I had always hated my middle name, thinking it didn't fit me. But if this is real, if this is our mother, Carina Black, I vowed to never hate my name again. I swallowed, feeling uneasy. "Harry, uhm, I think I need to go now. I'm sorry. I hope you liked it." Before he could answer, I was off, running down the hallway faster than I ever had before. The adrenaline kept pushing me. Normally, I couldn't run that fast. My vision was blurred, and I ignored all my surroundings. Suddenly, I stopped, nearly running into the wall. I breathed heavily, trying to focus. It was darker here; I was only here for Potions class. The dungeons, to be more specific – the Slytherin common room. But there was one thing I hadn't considered in my rush: How do I get in? "Are you talking to yourself? Seriously?" a voice behind me laughed. I turned around, seeing blond hair. "I do, Malfoy. Is there a problem with that?" I snapped. We had never had a conversation before, but Harry had told me every little detail about him – or I had just stood next to him. Laurie was annoyed because this boy wouldn't stop talking – these were his words, not mine. I crossed my arms and gave him a challenging look. "No, no, it's fine. Indeed, you're lucky today; I'm in a good mood and might help you," he said, mysteriously. This boy was a riddle to me. First, he was mean to all my friends, and then he wanted to help me? There must be something wrong. "What do you want in return?" I asked, studying him. In my opinion, he held his nose a bit too high. "Oh, no, what makes you think that I want something?" he replied, sarcastically. "Spill it out, Malfoy," I told him urgently, tapping my fingers on my arm, waiting tensely. "A Transfiguration essay," he finally admitted. I sighed. But what were my options? "Fine. It'll be done by tomorrow." It would be a long night, but I guessed it was worth it. "Deal. It's nice doing business with you, Williams," he grinned, walking past me with pride. I didn't hear the password, but the door still opened, so I walked in after him. It was way different than our common room – darker and colder, not the temperature, but the colors, typical Slytherin. I looked around, searching for my brother. "Well, well, a lion in the cage of the snakes," an older boy teased me. "I'm looking for my brother; is he here?" I didn't respond to his comment. Now I had the attention of everyone in the room. "He said he was going to the library," a girl said, presumably in our year. I turned around to Malfoy, furious. "You little—" I started, raising my finger as I took steps toward him. He raised his arms. "We still have our deal. I let you in; it's not my fault he's in the library. Tomorrow evening it is then?" With that, he walked away. I sighed, trying to calm myself down. "I'm sorry for the interruption," I said, leaving the common room and running again to the library. Luckily, it wasn't far away. But this time, I was completely out of breath. How could our mother be a Quidditch player, and her daughter and son be so bad at sports? Well, maybe our mother. "Did you run a marathon?" Laurie greeted me. "It's important." I sat across from him, still breathing hard. "It's our mother. I think I know who she was – her name," I continued, finally catching Laurie's interest. He looked up from his book, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Okay, so you know my middle name, right?" Laurie nodded. "I was showing Harry that his father was also a Gryffindor seeker. Then I read the other names, and there it was. Carina Black. This could be our mother, Laurie. It makes sense because of my middle name." I realized that I had spoken way too fast when I finally took a breath. Everything was so exciting; I couldn't even handle it at all. "Plausible, yes. But she could be one of her friends at school or another family member," Laurie doubted it, of course; he always does. "But anyway, it's a hint. Maybe I can ask Hagrid," I thought out loud. "Yes, you can try it," Laurie murmured, lost in thought again. "Well, now I'm going to write Malfoy's essay." How thrilled I was.

Author's note:
I'm torn between liking and hating this chapter. Regardless, what are your thoughts on Carina Black and her connection to Ara's middle name? Additionally, the names of the twins will play a significant role later on. I hope you enjoy this chapter (or at least more than I do)!