AN: Just to clarify, in case anyone is confused by the Black Family Tree, Phineas Nigellus Black is Carina's grandfather. Phineas Nigellus Black is Sirius and Andromeda's great-great-grandfather. Carina's parents are Sirius Black II and Hesper Gamp. Thus, Sirius Orion Black (the Sirius we know and love) is Carina's grand-nephew (and also her first cousin three times removed because of all that incest). Andromeda Tonks is Carina's first cousin three times removed. Sorry if that is confusing. Now, on with the story:
The next weeks did nothing to dampen Sirius's loathing of Blackthorn. At first he thought fixing the destroyed west wing would be a good project to distract himself with.
"What are you doing?" Carina's crisp words broke through Sirius's focus on cleaning the burnt ceiling. "You do not strike me as one with an affinity for house-hold charms."
Sirius swung around to look at Carina, who was standing in the doorway, the only crease in her impeccably neat blue robes from her hand on her hip.
"You just got back from work," he deduced.
"Yes, and not soon enough. Some useless knob-head nearly set fire to the store so he could be certain the fire-proof cloak worked."
"Twit."
"Madame Burke was pleased with a purchase of magical jewelry, so the day was not completely futile," Carina noted.
Sirius gestured at the ruined west wing, "my day was. I thought cleaning soot would be a good project, but this shit is stubborn."
"It is from brenningfyre, I believe."
"Brenningfyre?" Sirius tugged at his shaggy hair as his mind drifted back to Seventh Year Defense Against the Dark Arts, "a curse related to fiendfyre, causes the victim to explode into flames." Sirius did not need to mention it was a dark curse. "Why the hell was brenningfyre being thrown around in here?"
Carina pursed her lips, words spilling unwillingly out of her, "From the magical signatures here, as well as conversations I had with some portraits, I have ascertained that Orion, Alphard, and Cygnus Black fought in here. That is how Alphard died. I believe Orion and Cygnus abandoned Blackthorn because they thought it had all burnt down."
Sirius surveyed the space he had spent the afternoon in and swallowed the lump in his throat. He had always assumed his kindhearted Uncle Alphard had died of old age. Even in those days, when war was creeping into everyone's lives, no one suspected Uncle Alphard had been murdered. "Uncle Alphard was a good man," he said quietly. Sirius would always be grateful for the man who had supported him when the rest of his family didn't.
"I am sure he was. If you wish to continue cleaning the west wing I will not help you. I prefer to forget about this part of Blackthorn."
"I prefer to forget about all of Blackthorn," Sirius grumbled, feeling the sudden urge to vacate the house immediately.
"I have bad memories of this place too," Carina snapped. "And you can leave anytime." Sirius knew Carina often wondered why he stayed in Blackthorn, instead of seeing his loved ones, especially since Sirius had been officially pardoned after the war, so he was no longer considered a criminal. Sirius did not have an answer, just an unsettled feeling that it had been 32 years and he barely knew himself in this new world, much less the people from his past.
"I'm going to go for a walk outside," Sirius announced.
"That is your perogative."
It was several hours before Sirius, soaked from the pouring rain, returned to Blackthorn. He found Carina pouring over a book of runes in the library.
"Do you think we'll ever escape the damn memories?" He demanded, his voice harsher than he intended. He ignored the water dripping from his hair and instead stared at his cousin.
"No, I wish. . . ." Her voice trailed off, and her gaze drifted to an imposing portrait of some Black ancestor.
"You wish?" Sirius prompted.
"I do not know," Carina admitted heavily, dragging her hand through her long tousled hair. "I suppose we need to make new memories."
Memories of the war still plagued Sirius. To him it felt like only a few weeks since he had been trapped in Grimmauld Place, his only news from visiting members of the Order of the Phoenix. His memories of Azkaban were also achingly fresh. Sirius went through periods of mourning and melancholy. Carina took all Sirius's moods in stride, because while their lives had been very different, they somehow understood each other. Both of them were trying to grapple with the new time they had unexpectedly arrived in.
Despite being immersed in his memories and the negative aura of Blackthorn, Sirius created a routine that suited him. Upon waking up, usually around eight, he enjoyed a quick breakfast with Carina. When Carina went to work, Sirius, as a dog, accompanied her to Diagon Alley. Sirius was forever thankful for the freedom being Padfoot gave him. When he wasn't napping in the sun dappled laws outside Blackthorn, investigating the bit of forest on the edge of the property, or unsuccessfully trying to catch goldfish in one of the fountains, he would explore Diagon Alley or Muggle London. Sometimes he would sit outside the Ministry of Magic and spot people from his past life.
Later in the afternoon Sirius would return to Burke's. Madame Burke was pleased with Carina's knowledge on magical artifacts, so Carina had begun working longer and more regular hours.
After work, Sirius and Carina would return to Blackthorn and eat whatever food Carina had bought. They ate a lot of frozen lasagna from an Italian restaurant in Diagon Alley. After dinner he would spend time with Carina. She had been utterly shocked when Sirius revealed his Animagus form, and had immediately begged Sirius to teach her how to become an Animagus. It was depressing for Sirius and Carina to bond through trading stories of their dismal childhoods, so instead they bonded over a shared amazement of the intricacies of magic. Although Sirius still shied away from the darker forms of magic that Carina was fascinated by.
Carina was perpetually somber, so Sirius made a challenge of trying to hear her bubbling laugh. Usually stories of his pranks and misadventures at Hogwarts would amuse Carina. One story of James trying to lure every cat in Hogwarts into their dorm room made Carina laugh until tears leaked out of her eyes. Sirius had to admit the image of James keeping upwards of fifty cats in their room for a few hours was funny. Even more hilarious was how an aghast Lily Evans, in search of her own cat, had opened their door, only for a herd of cats to race out of the room and down the stairs.
Sirius was also surprised by how competitive Carina was at Gobstones and Exploding Snap. They shared a disgust of Wizarding Chess, probably because they were both forced to play it for hours as children so that even at chess, a Black would prove themselves superior.
Blackthorn was no Azkaban or Grimmauld Place, but Sirius still found it confining and claustrophobic. He enjoyed venturing to nearby Muggle towns, especially Muggle bars. A few times Sirius even convinced Carina to accompany him to a shop or a bar.
Sirius wasn't unhappy, but he felt empty. He mentioned this to Carina at dinner.
She pushed her asparagus around her bone china plate, "I do not know what answer you are looking for, Sirius. You know many people in this time, you could reconnect instead of sitting outside the Ministry of Magic for hours at a time."
Sirius drained the last gulp of wine from his glass, "I wish my life weren't so damn complicated."
Carina's expression became challenging. "I have no idea how you feel," she said dryly.
Sirius looked down at his plate and frowned at his asparagus. After having failed miserably at being a semblance of a role model for Regulus, and having been too involved in his own angst to be a real father-figure to Harry, Sirius was filled with regret. Now, he was trying to be an older brother for Carina, which was difficult when Sirius remembered she was 119 years old. "How's work?" He asked, trying to bypass his own self-created issues.
"Fine." Carina carefully placed her utensils on the side of her plate. "Veronica has been especially distracted because her friend is moving back to England. Her friend is James Potter, Harry's son."
A lump formed in Sirius's throat and he looked away from Carina. Even if he lived for a millennium Sirius would never recover from the murder of his best friend, the first James Potter.
"I believe he is visiting the shop tomorrow if you want a glance." Carina said.
"I can't believe I'm going to bloody stalk my best friend's grandson," Sirius spat.
"You could introduce yourself," Carina advised, far too rationally. "I am the one who broke dozens of laws so I could Summon you from the Veil, not you."
The thought of seeing Harry, or Harry's family, after all these years gnawed at Sirius's stomach. That would be a strange reunion.
"I'm going to bed," Sirius decided.
"It is seven o'clock."
"A good night's rest is important."
Carina rolled her eyes.
As it happened, Sirius slept restlessly until the early morning, at which point he finally fell asleep. He did not wake up for breakfast with Carina.
After Sirius had gotten dressed and eaten toast, he realized it was not hunger making him uncomfortable, it was the shame from not seeing Carina in the morning and his bad mood at dinner.
Sirius decided to check on Carina.
Navigating Diagon Alley as a dog was a delight for Sirius, and he took his time investigating and smelling everything before he came upon Burke's.
A customer with a long dirty beard exited the shop, so Sirius slipped inside before the door closed. When Sirius had first visited the shop he had been surprised by how cozy it was. Light filtered in through windows that were decorated with elegant sky blue curtains. Polished wood was everywhere, but not overwhelming. Objects for sale were placed on every available surface, but were interspersed with plush leather armchairs. Scattered on the floor were all sorts of rugs Delphine had collected on her travels, and some tapestries were also hung on the walls. It was an eclectic mix of patterns, colors, and materials, that had the effect of creating a warm, tasteful atmosphere with a hint of mystery and magic.
Carina, wearing her black robes, fit the mystery and magic of the shop. She was stationed behind a wooden counter, looking through a heavy book and occasionally making notes in it with her quill.
Delphine Burke, looking neat and elegant as always, though unusually pale, appeared from the employee's room behind the counter.
"Carina, I've just finished checking our monthly inventory. You are writing the descriptions for the new products?"
"Yes, I am working on it right now."
"I am feeling a bit off, so I am going to have a lie down. Do notify me once Veronica and James get here. I trust you can keep everything from falling apart till then."
"Are you feeling alright?" Carina sounded concerned.
"A nap will do me good, but I am fine," Delphine insisted. "How does your dog appear here every once in a while?"
Carina looked pleased once she spotted Sirius in the corner.
"What is his name?"
Carina shrugged helplessly. "Dog?"
Sirius barked while Delphine chuckled, "I think he deserves a better name, Carina."
"Black Dog?" Carina suggested.
"Hopefully you will think of something better while I am sleeping," Delphine noted, before disappearing into the back room.
Sirius trotted over behind the counter and nudged Carina's leg with his forehead. She absentmindedly scratched the area behind his ear.
"You were not at breakfast," Carina murmured.
Sirius hoped his soft bark resembled an apology.
"How do I describe a Russian tea kettle that makes whomever drinks tea made in it float in the air?" Carina wondered aloud. "It seems as if it belongs in Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Let me think, 'this beautifully decorated tea kettle is perfect if you want people to hate you.' No not quite right. Hmmm, which is better: 'If you want an unforgettable tea-party, use this delicate Russian tea kettle' or 'this wondrous tea-kettle will add excitement to even the most mind-numbing tea party?"
Sirius lay down and put his head on Carina's shoes, leaving just his tail to wag against the floor.
"Perhaps I am destined to work in a joke shop," Carina mused wryly. "On to the next item, this silver bracelet from Peru."
This continued for thirty or so minutes more, and in the warm atmosphere Sirius almost dozed off, until he was startled by the sharp ringing of the bell announcing visitors.
"Hello, Carina," Sirius recognized Veronica Burke's light voice.
"Good morning. Madame Burke is taking a quick nap in the break room. She wanted you to wake her up once you arrived. I am just finishing up the item descriptions." There was a pause, and then Carina said, "hello, Mr. Potter."
Sirius, still laying on the floor, froze when Carina said Mr. Potter.
"And also Mr. Potter," said an unfamiliar person with a cheery voice. "Although most call me James. You must be the newest employee here. Causing lots of trouble, I hope?"
Sirius's hearing was heightened when he was a dog, so he was able to make out Harry mutter, "too much."
"I am Carina, it is a pleasure to meet you. You should know how excited Veronica has been to see you."
"Oh, don't go spilling all my secrets," Veronica teased.
"I would have to know those secrets to be in danger of spilling them," Carina replied, a small smile tangible from her voice. Sirius knew Veronica was one of the few people Carina felt comfortable with.
"Perhaps another day I'll tell you all of Veronica's darkest secrets," James Potter suggested.
"James, don't be a menace right away," Veronica cautioned, "at least wait a day or two. I think I am going to wake Mum from her nap so we can get a spot of lunch. Don't ruin anything while I'm away for the moment." Veronica focused back on Carina, "you're sure Mum was napping? That's unlike her."
"She said she was feeling a bit off," Carina explained.
"Hmmm, I'll be right back then," Veronica excused herself. James and Harry took the time to look at some of the items in the store.
"Dad, Carina doesn't seem insane," James whispered to Harry. Although Sirius heard it with his strong Animagus hearing, he was sure Carina hadn't.
"Just wait," Harry said.
Then all hell broke loose.
If someone later asked Sirius to describe the chaos that erupted he would only be able to give a vague account.
Veronica's piercing shriek still rang in his ears afterwards, as did the crash of the Russian tea kettle James had been examining. Sirius knew James and Veronica had Apparated with Delphine Burke's limp body to St. Mungo's, but he didn't know if that was before or after Harry accused Carina of poisoning Delphine.
Horrifyingly clear in Sirius's mind was Carina's helpless expression and the terror in her wide eyes as Harry clapped a hand on her thin shoulder and harshly announced, "I'm bringing you in for questiong."
Sirius barked and ran from the shadow of the counter, but the only thing left in the shop were the broken china pieces from the kettle sitting desolately on the rug.
Sirius transformed back into human form and swore heavily.
Minutes of worry later, Sirius found himself on the doorstep of a neat house on the outskirts of a Muggle town. He rang the doorbell and fought against his strong urge to become a dog and run away.
The door opened. Sirius couldn't help but grin, relieved at the sight of his cousin, "hullo, Andy. It's been awhile."
Andromeda Black Tonks had aged elegantly, despite the fine lines on her face and strands of silver in her dark hair. Her robes were vintage, but well made, and she wore them well. They stared at each other, making Sirius afraid that Andy would scold him.
"You son of a bitch." Andy greeted him. "The gall of you to appear on my doorstep after being dead for thirty-two years. I should not be surprised the rules of death did not apply to you."
"If it makes you feel better, I wasn't really dead. I was in limbo or something, not quite certain on the details."
"Come in for a cuppa and explain it to me," Andy ushered Sirius inside. After fiercely hugging him, she led him down the hallway. "Harry has been around spouting tales of some long lost Black relative who reminds him of Bellatrix. I do not suppose you know anything about that?"
"Er, Carina Vela Black?"
"Yes, that's it."
"She's real. She was trapped in a portrait for awhile by Phineas Nigellus Black, and then came out of the portrait. She did some fancy magic to get me out of the Veil so I've been staying with her. But she's run into a bit of trouble and I'm hoping you can help."
"You always find yourself in the oddest mixes," Andy said. "What do I need to do?"
"I think Carina's been taken to the Auror Offices," Sirius said, and quickly explained the circumstances to Andy, who had the grace to not look overly confused.
Andy also failed to see the same issues Sirius did. "The Auror Department is run by Harry Potter now, you remember him? Your godson?"
The familiar feeling of shame filtered through Sirius. He wanted to assure Andy that of course he never stopped thinking about Harry, but Andy continued talking, "it is not as if Barty Crouch, or Rookwood, or Scrimegeour is still stifling justice."
"But Carina is volatile. It's like adding too much Syrup of Hellebore to a potion, it's bound to go wrong, but impossible to predict just how it will all go to hell."
"I seem to recall you rushing in to the Ministry thirty-two years ago to save someone else, and that escapade had disastrous consequences. Perhaps you are trying to do it right this time?"
"You've always been too bloody astute, Andy," Sirius grumbled. "Can we just get going?"
"Hold your hippogriffs, Sirius."
Sirius followed Andy through a long hallway decorated with framed moving photographs. He was tempted to examine them, but urgency kept him moving. Until he saw two babies with bright hair absorbed in watching a unicorn plush toy fly around them, then Sirius stopped short.
"Meet my great-grandchildren, Sirius." Andromeda said, while Sirius stood in utter disbelief. "The one with green hair is Andromeda, and the pink-haired one is Nymphadora. The metamorphagus genes are from my grandson, of course."
"Your grandson?" Sirius was bewildered.
"Nymphadora and Remus married and had a child, Teddy, right before they died. I raised Teddy, which was wonderful, especially as," Andy sighed deeply, wordlessly conveying her burden of tragedies, "Ted died in the war, so did Remus and Nymphadora. Raising young Teddy held me together. And now Teddy is all grown with his own twin girls. They might be even more of a handful than my Nymphadora was."
"Merlin's balls," Sirius whispered. Sirius had watched Remus and his cousin flirt and tease eachother at Grimmauld Place, but he had fallen through the Veil before anything happened between them. Sirius hadn't even thought Remus would date Tonks. Remus was always careful with relationships, his lycanthropy making him forever paranoid.
Carina had mentioned that she thought Remus had a child, but seeing the grand-children of Remus was gobsmacking. Sirius could not process that the girls with neon hair were related to the cardigan-obsessed prankster he had known at Hogwarts.
Andy had no time for Sirius's shock. "Pick up Dora, will you? Before we go gallivanting to the Ministry we have to bring these two home."
"Who's their mother?" Sirius wondered, hoping it was someone Moony would have approved of.
Sirius received his answer moments later when they stepped out of the Floo into the cozy living room of a comfortable and obviously domestic flat. Children's toys lay in odd places, a yellow and black blanket peeked out from under an armchair, and a used tea cup was placed in the sink. An empty owl cage was conveniently set next to a window.
Impossible to escape notice, a beautiful woman was sitting at the round kitchen table and studying an immense leather-bound book. One of her hands was holding a cup of tea while the other scratched out notes on a long piece of parchment. She was so intrenched in her work that she did not notice the visitors until the baby Sirius was holding, who he thought was Nymphadora, squealed.
The ethereal silvery-blonde was instantly out of her chair and taking the child out of Sirius's arms.
"Hello, Gran." Even her voice was alluring, like a warm breeze on a spring day. "And who're you?" Her sparkling blue eyes looked accusingly at Sirius.
"Sorry to interrupt your day, Victoire," Andy said. "Sirius this is Victoire Weasley Lupin, Victoire this is Sirius Black, he is. . . .
"You're a Weasley, but. . . ." Sirius wanted to expound on the impossibility of a Weasley not having red hair, but Victoire emphatically interrupted him.
"I know who Sirius Black is, Gran," Victoire said. "I am wondering what he is doing in my kitchen."
"I am surprised to be in your kitchen too, Victoire," Sirius returned testily.
"We are off to defend another Black cousin," Andy explained.
"There are no Blacks left," Victoire argued. She was clearly someone who wouldn't take crap from anyone. "And Sirius Black is supposed to be dead."
"I'm alive, obviously. And there's also the Black who fell out of a portrait a two months back," Sirius corrected.
"Pardon me?"
"Carina has been suspected of mischief, so we are going to defend her good character to the Aurors," Andy said.
Victoire's blue eyes gleamed. "I can help!"
Now it was Sirius's turn to look skeptical.
"I am an advisor for the Wizengamot," Victoire elaborated, "having a law expert with you won't hurt. And I haven't had a good adventure in ages, unless you are under the immensely mistaken assumption that changing millions of diapers is exciting."
"Fine," Andy decided, "but what will we do with the children?"
Victoire twisted her delicate mouth while thinking, "I'm sure Mum could watch them."
"Who is you mother?" Sirius queried, "I haven't kept track of the latest round of Weasleys."
"My parents are Fleur and Bill."
"Fleur Delacour was one of the contestants in the Triwizard Tournament," Andy said.
"The French girl?" Sirius asked, the vague memory of Harry mentioning a Fleur Delacour arising in Sirius's mind.
Victoire bristled, "my mother is much more than some French girl."
"I am sure she is, she's also the girl who rejected Ron when he asked her to the Yule Ball," Sirius remembered.
Victoire's lovely face broke into a genuine smile, "I still find that story unbelievable. Or that Sirius Black of all people knows about it."
Sirius shrugged. It felt like lifetimes ago.
"We should get going," Andy advised.
"Alright, let's get a wiggle on then," Victoire said.
In the interest of efficiency, only Victoire brought her daughters to Shell Cottage. It only took her a few minutes before she returned to the flat.
"We're quite the trio," Sirius noticed.
"You're the only odd one," Victoire retorted, before grabbing both Sirius's and Andy's hands and Side-Along Apparating them to the front doors of the Ministry.
Checking into the Ministry was torturous. Victoire should have gained entry easily, but the overly concerned security guard was puzzled that Victoire was not going through the employees' entrance.
"Just let me in!" Victoire snapped, quickly succumbing to the trademark Weasley temper. "I don't have time for your nonsense. I am trying to give my guests a tour of my workplace, that is not a crime." She then tried to usher Sirius and Andy in with her, but the guard stopped her.
Andromeda actually checked in easily, with the excuse that she was dropping something off for her great-nephew, Scorpius Malfoy, in the Auror Offices.
As usual, Sirius presented the real problem.
"Name," The already irritated guard ordered.
"Sirius Orion Black." The security guard was too preoccupied with filling out the paperwork to take immediate issue with the name.
"Wand."
Sirius uneasily put his wand on the counter so the guard could weigh it.
"Sirius Black. . . ." the guard read aloud the description that appeared on the scale, "you're dead."
"Obviously not, mate," Sirius retorted. Arguing that you were alive became tiresome rather quickly.
"There is no rule against previously believed to be deceased individuals being allowed entry to the Ministry," Victoire argued. "In fact, if you look here," she pulled an enormous book from her tote bag and flipped to a book-marked page, "Law AB671-Q of the Rules Regarding Conduct in the Ministry of Magic states, well let me paraphrase this legal jargon; there is no law disallowing Sirius Black entrance as long he poses no threat. These visitors fulfill the stated expectations of Ministry guests. Furthermore," while Victoire turned a few pages in the books she whispered for Andy and Sirius to make a run for it.
"Let's go," Sirius grabbed his wand and Andy's hand and hurried into the bustling crowd in the Ministry atrium. He smirked as he heard the security guard screech "STOP" only for Victoire to say, "Sir! Excuse me, sir, sit down! Stop the dramatics, they legally have the right to walk! Also, my uncle, Harry Potter, is head of the Auror Department, I work in the Wizengamot, and Sirius Black is a war hero being escorted by Andromeda Tonks, my grandmother-in-law, and a war hero as well. You must be daft to think they are going to cause any harm."
"SIRIUS BLACK IS DEAD!" The guard raged.
"Then why does he look so healthy? Just look at his shiny hair!"
"You always knew how to make an entrance, Sirius," Andy teased as the voices of Victoire and the guard faded away.
I just can't seem to help myself," Sirius grinned. The palpable energy and vitality in the Ministry atrium was infectious.
While the elevator was ascending to the Auror Department reality hit Sirius in a very unsettling way.
"You know, Andy," he mused while leaning against the elevator walls, "I was ready to die before I hit twenty fighting alongside James, Lily, Remus, and that blasted rat, Peter."
"I thought I was going to marry a bigoted arse and end up poisoning either him or myself in despair." Andy said.
"Carina almost married Robert Fawley," Sirius noted.
"Life does not have a rhyme or reason, Sirius. But the war is over, you are not in Azkaban, and you are not dead. I realize there are people missing, but try to make the most of what you have."
Sirius nodded solemnly as the elevator bell rang and the doors swung open.
The Auror Office was busy, so at first no one noticed Sirius and Andromeda. A pale man with sharp features and a thin face was the first to see them.
"Great-Aunt Andromeda, what are you doing here?" The man inquired.
"Scorpius," Andy murmured, gesturing the three of them to a convenient alcove. "Do you happen to have Carina Vela Black here?"
"How do you know that?" Scorpius asked, and then looked squarely at Sirius, "who are you?" Sirius could surmise from this man's manner and presence that he had been raised by people who adhered to strict pureblood etiquette.
"Sirius Black."
Slight color rose in Scorpius's pale cheeks. "Harry was right." He ran a thin hand through his near white hair. "What should I do now? Why are you here? Sweet Salazar, what are we doing? Do we need to find Harry?"
"Scorpius," Andy looked concerned, "are you quite alright? I have never seen you so ruffled."
Scorpius took a deep breath and collected himself. "I am fine, Aunt Andromeda."
"Who are you?" Sirius asked.
"Scorpius Malfoy."
"Scorpius is the grandson of Narcissa, so he is your first-cousin twice removed. He is also married to Albus Potter, Harry's son," Andy said, "so he really is part of the family."
"Huh," Sirius stared at Scorpius, "I've got to admit that's a shocker." While Sirius was surprised, the marriage of two people he did not know was less surprising than seeing the pink and purple haired grand-daughters of Remus Lupin. "I'm actually looking for Carina," Sirius said, "and then I'll focus on all the other shit that needs to be focused on."
"Harry brought her in and put her in a holding cell to await questioning," Scorpius explained, "but this is all strictly Auror business."
"Scorpius, if you get in trouble I will smooth it all over," Andy assured, "and I think people will be more concerned that Sirius is alive than that you let slip a little too much classified information to your Great-Aunt."
Scorpius still looked uncomfortable and unsure. "How did you even come back?" He demanded from Sirius.
"Carina got me out of the Veil."
"Intriguing," murmured Scorpius.
"Why is Carina in a holding cell?" Andy refocused the conversation.
"Delphine Burke is dead," Scorpius said bluntly. "And Harry thinks Carina killed her."
"Bloody hell," Sirius swore, his stomach dropping and his temples beginning to ache.
"Oh dear," Andy murmured, her pursed lips and sorrowful voice clear signs that she was affected by the horrible news. "That is awful."
Scorpius nodded somberly. "Veronica Burke and James brought her to St. Mungo's. The Healers have no idea what she died of, but they believe it was blood magic. Carina has a history of blood magic. There is no real evidence against her, but she is the only plausible suspect."
"The Auror Department gives me the creeps," Sirius announced.
"You have every reason to hate the Aurors who put you in Azkaban, but this is a very different department," Andy reminded him.
The stillness between the three of them was interrupted by Victoire Weasley stepping out of the elevator and joining them in the shadowed corner.
"Hullo, Scorpius. So what's the game plan boys and girls?" She smiled slyly and reached into her tote bag, "I have some handy products from Uncle George with me."
"Perhaps we could go talk to Harry?" Scorpius suggested.
"Perhaps," Victoire mused. "But I prefer a bit of flair in my rescue operations of people who I did not know existed until twenty minutes ago."
Scorpius sighed deeply and raised his eyes to the ceiling, as if wondering what past deed he was doing penance for now. "I am going to sit behind my desk. Please do not be utterly destructive." Scorpius strode away from them into the mass of clamoring Aurors.
"Carina's in a holding cell, so I can just go straight there," Sirius suggested. "And you two can clean up all the fuckery that's bound to happen back here."
"We should act quickly," Victoire advised, "we're going to be noticed soon."
Sure enough, James Potter, supporting a weeping Veronica Burke, rounded the corner and nearly bumped into Victoire.
"Vic, what're you doing here?" James demanded, "did you already hear?"
Sirius stared at Victoire so he could avoid looking at the reincarnation of his best friend.
"Hear what?" Victoire asked, viewing Veronica and James with concern.
"Mum's dead," Veronica cried as she erupted into sobs.
"Fucking hell," Victoire murmured, immediately bringing Veronica into a tender hug, "I am so sorry, love."
"I'm just going to go," Sirius whispered to Andy and started off through the bustling crowd of Aurors.
"Who's that?" He heard James ask.
"That may or may not be Sirius Black," Victoire answered. "By which I mean it is Sirius Black."
"What the HELL?"
Sirius should have been disappointed by the lack of oversight in the Auror Department, but it meant he only had to Stun one lone guard before he found Carina.
She was sitting, curled up, in the corner of a dirty cell, her sniffling the remnant of heavy sobbing. Sirius was shocked by how pallid Carina looked, especially as Sirius had seen her an hour ago. Even her robes were scuffed, and her usually gleaming hair was tangled. She looked broken.
"Carina," he called.
"Sirius?" Carina's usually crisp voice was hoarse from crying.
"I'm getting you out of this damn cage."
"I thought you were biding your time to return to the world."
"I tend toward unplanned, abrupt, and dramatic entrances," Sirius commented wryly. "And you aren't the only Black to have been falsely accused of a crime."
"I believe I have been living on borrowed time here," Carina said. "Everything must come to an end, so perhaps this is the end."
"Perk up, love," Sirius chided, lightly grasping one of the cell bars. "I'm getting you out of here, I promise."
"I really despise small spaces, Sirius," Carina said, her sniffling becoming more pronounced. "And I just cannot believe Madame Burke is dead."
"I know."
After a few minutes of Carina taking deep breathes to control her crying, she finally stood up and approached Sirius. Close up she looked incredibly distraught. "An inverse Alohomora should work on the lock," she said.
"I know how to unlock things."
It took four different unlocking spells for the heavy padlock to open. Sirius had to grasp Carina's wrist and pull her out because she looked unwilling to move.
"How are you?"
"Small spaces remind me of the century I spent trapped," Carina whispered gruffly. "I know the process of law is fair and legitimate in this period, but I cannot help but believe they want to send me to Azkaban. Sirius, I cannot go to Azkaban," Carina shivered, wrapping her arms around herself, "I have too many bad thoughts for Dementors, there are too many things I have done. I would rather throw myself in the North Sea than have Dementors force me to relive the horrific parts of my childhood," Carina began crying again. "Sirius, Dementors make me faint, and frankly I cannot even do a Patronus Charm. I have tried countless times, but I cannot manage even a wisp. I am so completely a Black that I cannot conjure the notion of hope in my mind."
"You're not going to Azkaban," Sirius soothed. "And we can work on your Patronus. Now let's explain that you did not kill Madame Burke and forget this ever happened."
Sirius guided Carina to the exit, but Carina stopped him, "Sirius, I must look like I live in a graveyard."
Sirius had grown up alongside Narcissa, Andromeda, and Bellatrix, so he understood the importance of appearance for women in the House of Black.
"I only have a handkerchief," he pulled the scrap of white cloth out of the pocket of his leather jacket.
Carina took the handkerchief and mopped up the tears on her face. She clumsily ran her fingers through her hair, and pinched her cheeks to give them color. "Perhaps I look like live just outside a graveyard now," she muttered as she handed the handkerchief back to Sirius.
Sirius took back the handkerchief, and reached in his pocket for a cigarette. This whole situation had created a pounding in his temples, causing an overwhelming desire for a few drags of a cigarette.
He was bewildered when he found a small chocolate bar.
"I replaced your pack of cigarettes with milk chocolate," Carina explained, "smoking is a disgusting and unhealthy habit."
"I don't even smoke often!" Sirius protested, "just sometimes taking a drag from a cig feels really fucking good!"
"Since you have the chocolate, perhaps you would like to share it?" Carina interrupted.
Sirius sighed in defeat and broke off two pieces of chocolate, handing one to Carina. She took it gratefully.
The smooth milk chocolate was melting in his mouth when Sirius's godson, followed by an entourage of Aurors, burst into the holding cells.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AN: I have so much love for everyone who is following this story.
Here is the snippet for the next chapter:
[Carina was found outside, looking like a shadow in the damp night time air. She was leaning against the house wall, but lurched towards Sirius when Teddy and Sirius approached her.
"I am sorry I could not hold my tongue," she murmured as Sirius silently hugged her. ]
As always comments, reviews, constructive criticism, and etc. is much appreciated.