Carina Malfoy//h.potter

CHAPTER THIRTY

The tension within the Malfoy family was palpable. Carina, intimately acquainted with her family dynamics, keenly observed the tightening grip of her father's hand on his snake-like cane, the weariness in her mother's gray eyes, and her brother's scornful expression. Yet, she suspected that his disdain was directed at an entirely different matter, one separate from the cause of her parents' heightened vigilance. Though she sensed that something had transpired or was about to unfold, she understood the imperative of maintaining silence. Her intuition insisted that prying into their affairs was unwise. Having faced her own consequences, all she yearned for now was a semblance of peace

They found themselves on what appeared to be a deserted expanse of mist-laden grassland. In their immediate view stood a pair of weary and irritable wizards, one tightly clutching a large gold pocket watch, the other holding a thick roll of parchment and a quill. Both were attired inconspicuously as Muggles, or so Carina surmised. "Odd-looking Muggles," she mused, scrutinizing them intently. The one with the watch wore a tweed suit reminiscent of her brother and father's attire, complete with thigh-high rubber boots. Meanwhile, the other donned a knee-length, non-bifurcated dress skirt with pleats at the back, accompanied by what seemed like a sleeveless garment—reminiscent of a blanket with a slit for slipping it over the head.

"Malfoy." said Lucius arrogantly.

The one wearing the garment replied wearily "Welcome sir, your campsite is about a quart of a mile's over there, near the Minister, third field. I'll take you there myself. Roberts, continue as we did before."

They trailed behind him across the desolate grassland, and Carina felt a sense of solace enveloping her amidst the verdant surroundings. After spending the majority of her summer confined within rosy-hued walls, the vibrant greenery proved to be a welcome change. Their journey concluded at a modest stone cottage positioned beside a meandering stream. Just beyond the cottage lay a multitude of tents, extending up a gentle slope towards the dense woods on the distant horizon. The man guiding them engaged in conversation with an actual Muggle inside the cottage, the exchange concluding swiftly. With a nod, he signaled for us to follow.

They ambled through the mist-laden field, flanked by rows of tents. While some tents blended in discreetly, masquerading as ordinary in an attempt to pass as Muggle, others betrayed their magical nature with telltale signs like chimneys. Carina speculated that the Confund Charm had been liberally applied, judging by the inadvertent revelations to unsuspecting Muggles. Yet, amidst these, she marveled at the magical wonders that seemed conspicuous enough to warrant Ministry attention. The tent designated for them, indicated by a small sign anchored in the ground reading 'Malfoy,' stood as a Romanesque miniature house. It boasted sturdy walls, small windows, and an aesthetic reminiscent of one of their family estates near Scotland rather than a conventional tent. Such were the privileges of being a Malfoy, after all.

"The field", Carina pondered," must be enchanted—much like Hogwarts to deter Muggles. Perhaps a Disillusionment Charm was at play?" She pondered as her gaze absorbed the captivating scene unfolding before her. Wooden supports, seemingly bearing the weight of an unseen ceiling, were intricately carved with elaborate schoolwork and distinctive designs

"Narcissa... Children..." Lucius Malfoy summoned their attention. "I have some business to take care of; go inside and make yourselves comfortable." His steely blue eyes then shifted toward Draco and Carina. "I expect both of you to behave accordingly," he declared before disapparating to Merlin-knows-where.

The interior of the house appeared even more spacious than its exterior suggested, adorned with leather furniture. Not markedly different from her own Manor, just on a smaller scale. "At least we won't be cramped," she murmured to herself.