Carina Black: Life After Azkaban

Unsettling News

When they departed from the Ministry, Carina decided that they would have to go see Remus. She had to introduce him to Harry, since he would be the one taking care of him while she was away. They walked down the streets for many miles, talking and laughing the whole way, since both Harry and Carina were ecstatic about the new life they were about to begin.

When they finally arrived at Remus's house, Carina knocked firmly on the door. Remus didn't answer.

"Open up you nitwit, it's me, Carina!" she shouted playfully. Again, there was no answer.

"Hey, I know you're home so just open up already. I've got Harry!" Carina yelled again, annoyed. This time, the door creaked open and Remus's head became visible. He looked around and saw Carina. Immediately he pulled her and Harry inside rather aggressively, dragging them all the way to the kitchen.

"Moony! What in Merlin's name are you doing?" Carina asked, anxiously. Remus seemed exceptionally worried, which was never a good sign. Remus's worries usually weren't for nothing.

"I'll tell you soon, but first I have to take care of something. Carina, you and Harry sit at the table and I'll return shortly. Also, minimize the noise you make. You never know who might be watching," Remus said, looking back nervously as he scurried off to take care of his business.

"Carina, is that the man you were telling me about?" Harry asked, looking up at Carina worriedly.

"Yes. Not to worry you or anything, but he's usually not like this. Maybe it has something to do with..." Carina trailed off, speculating on what could possibly be troubling her friend. Maybe it had something to do with Harry. Or maybe the Ministry stopped by Remus's house looking for Carina while she was out! No, that couldn't be because if the Ministry wanted her they would have taken her while she was there...

"I'm back. Sorry to keep you waiting, but my-- it doesn't matter. How are you doing, Harry? It's a pleasure to finally meet James's famous son. You do look so much like him," Remus greeted, smiling gently at Harry.

"It's a pleasure to meet you too, sir," Harry replied, smiling back.

"I'm Remus Lupin, by the way. I suppose Carina's already told you though," Remus said, looking back at Carina.

"Yes, I've explained to him who you are and all that. Now tell me why you're acting so weird," Carina demanded impatiently.

"Alright, alright. Well, things have been happening recently. Mostly small incidents around the Ministry, like muggle items being stolen with the muggles having no memory of ever being robbed, or muggle shops being slightly damaged by magic, but there have been some more dangerous instances, like muggle kidnappings. The Ministry has no clue who's responsible," Remus explained.

"Okay, but what's that got to do with us? It's not like we're being targeted or anything," Carina asked, leaning back in her chair, bored of the conversation.

"I'll tell you why it affects you. The Ministry suspects you of doing it! They've been sending officials here for some reason to check around for traces of mischief from you," Remus told her.

"Well they aren't going to find anything, so why is it such a big deal that they look?" Carina asked, still not taking the situation seriously.

"I'm not finished yet, Carina. It would be nice if that was all the problems we had, but the real issues are the Ministry officials sent to inspect. For some reason, they always come to my place, not yours. It's like they have inside information about your whereabouts and know personal information, like the fact that you go here more often than your own house. But they always just happen to come while you're not here. It might have something to do with the fact that the officials are Lucius Malfoy and some other man, who's name was not disclosed to me. He's the one who scares me the most. He doesn't seem to be inspecting the house when he arrives, he seems like he's waiting for someone. I don't know what's going on but you'd better be careful, and don't come here as often," Remus finished.

"Alright, so basically some creepy guys from the Ministry of Magic have been hanging around your house, looking for me. Is that supposed to make me worried? I could take them on any day!" Carina shouted, raising her fist to the air.

"Carina! Quiet! Haven't you forgotten you have Harry now? It would be dangerous to be so reckless with him in your care," Remus scolded her.

"Sorry. I'll be more careful. But if they go to my house and go after Harry, they're going to get a piece of my--"

"Carina that's enough. I suggest you go home now. It's not safe around here. Goodbye Carina, goodbye Harry," Remus said, waving them out the door.

"Bye, Mr. Lupin!" Harry waved .

Harry and Carina walked to Carina's house, Harry feeling uneasy and Carina not feeling worried in the least. When they went to sleep that night (Harry in the bed and Carina on the couch) Carina slept easily. After all, what was the worst that could happen?