Return of Darkness

The warm June days, like golden ribbons, slowly replaced each other, filling the house at the edge of Uerskop with soft light and coziness. The sun rose above the horizon, filling William's room with warm radiance, but there was no peace in his heart. These days were full of tense labor and persistent training, which, like the summer heat, not only brought exhaustion but also an indescribable feeling of striving and tension.

William spent his days honing his magical skills. Every morning, Malcolm would take him to a small forest near their house. Hidden from Muggle sight, they would find a secluded spot on one of the forest's edges where their training would begin. It was a place where they could freely use magic without the fear of being noticed. Each lesson was not just about magic, but also about endurance.

Malcolm taught William spells, defensive magic, and transfiguration with unwavering strictness. Every spell, every movement of the wand had to be perfect. Malcolm allowed no mistakes and demanded that every movement with the wand be flawless.

Their training often involved moments when the crackle of magical duels would fill the forest clearing. His father would set seemingly impossible tasks for William, and they would fight until sweat and blood mixed with magic in a whirl of tension and effort. Each defeat was a new opportunity for the next challenge. Even if William was injured, the training did not stop. Malcolm always said:

— Death Eaters won't give you a break to bandage your wounds. Learn to defeat enemies, despite the pain and blood.

These words felt like a sentence, and William understood that each trial was not just training but preparation for a future where his survival depended on strength and skill.

Charlotte, watching these trainings from the house, felt deep pain. From her side, every wound her son received was like a knife to her heart. She understood that Malcolm was trying to prepare their son for the dangers that might come, but it was hard for her to watch her child endure such harsh trials.

Her tender eyes followed every movement of William, every fall and every rise filled her with sorrow. But despite her internal struggle, Charlotte knew that this harsh school of preparation was their son's chance to survive in the future. She believed that it was better to go through severe trials now than to die at the hands of enemies later. This dual pain of a mother — the desire to protect and the necessity to prepare — was her constant companion.

With each day, as the sun set and the evening shadows filled the forest, William and his father continued their relentless work. The summer days turned into nights filled with thoughts and anxieties. In William's heart, despite the weight of the training, determination grew. He knew that every drop of sweat and blood, every night spent in strenuous exercises, was bringing him closer to what he would one day face in the magical world.

And in this cycle of preparation, every day was a step toward the inevitable future, where every skill and every wound would matter in the battle against dark forces that were not resting and were preparing to return.

Unlike William's strict training, Ketti received a gentler approach from her mother, focusing on potion-making and healing magic. Ketti often shared her achievements with William.

The day after another lesson, when he was back in his room, Ketti entered with shining eyes, holding a glass bottle with a bright red potion.

— Look what I made! — she said proudly. — This is a stamina-restoring potion. I managed to get the perfect consistency. It can be used for severe exhaustion.

William smiled, looking at her enthusiasm. Despite the difference in their training, he was proud of his sister's accomplishments.

— Great! How are we doing with defensive magic? — he asked, pointing to his magic textbook.

Ketti sat beside him, tilting her head in interest.

— As always, the training is going full speed. But, — she hesitated for a moment, — I think you and dad need breaks. Otherwise, how will you manage when you really need to apply magic in practice?

William sighed, lost in thoughts of recent training.

— Dad says real wizards shouldn't look for easy paths. He believes that all the trials we go through make us stronger.

Ketti nodded, understanding that their parents really did set high expectations for them. She wanted to support her brother, but also knew their parents acted with the best intentions.

— I know, Will, — she replied. — But remember, for us, potion-makers, it's important to be ready for any situation. If things don't go as planned, a good potion can save a life.

At that moment, a light breeze blew in through the window, carrying the scent of fresh greenery and forest herbs, filtering through the soft curtain of daylight. Sunlight danced on the surface of the small bottle that Ketti was holding, casting whimsical patterns on the floor.

"What do you think?" Ketti continued. "What's ahead of us? Dad keeps talking about how we need to be ready for something bigger."

William paused for a moment before responding.

"I don't know. But I feel like all of this is leading somewhere. We need to be ready for anything that comes. Dad says times might get dangerous again."

Noticing the seriousness in his voice, Ketti hugged him by the shoulder.

"We'll handle it. We're preparing for this together. And if it's needed, I'll be here to support you, just like you've supported me."

"Here. Drink this restorative potion. You'll feel better," Ketti said, then went to help her mother prepare dinner.

That evening, the Lupins were preparing for a special visit. The family's old friend, Severus Snape, was coming to their home. He was the one who had once helped Malcolm and Charlotte escape from Voldemort when their situation became perilous. They hadn't seen him often, as they preferred a secluded life away from the magical community in Britain. Therefore, Snape was almost the only guest they welcomed into their home.

As dusk fell, the luxurious dining room of the Lupins, with the dining table set with exquisite dishes, filled with the scents of home-cooked food. Charlotte prepared dinner with love and care, while William and Ketti helped set the table. Although Snape rarely showed his emotions, they knew his visit was special.

When there was a knock at the door, everyone gathered in the hallway. As Snape entered, he immediately brought with him his usual mysterious aura. His long black coat and dark hair created an atmosphere of mystique. He was tall and thin, and despite his restrained nature, his eyes searched for familiar faces.

"Severus, it's good to see you," Malcolm said warmly, extending his hand, which Snape shook with a slight nod.

"Malcolm, Charlotte," Snape replied coolly, his gaze briefly sweeping across the home, which was decorated with taste and sophistication.

Charlotte, although a little tense, warmly welcomed Snape, pouring him his favorite drink and offering him a seat at the table. William and Ketti watched with interest as their parents conversed, relying on the old traditions of hospitality.

Once Snape settled at the table, the conversation smoothly turned to the magical education of William and Ketti. Malcolm proudly spoke of his son's achievements in defense magic and transfiguration, while Charlotte warmly acknowledged Ketti's successes in potion-making and healing magic.

Snape listened with evident interest, although he didn't openly display his emotions. His gaze occasionally lingered on William and Ketti as they shared their latest accomplishments.

"Your abilities are quite impressive," he said, tilting his head slightly. "William, I've heard you've made significant progress in defense. And Ketti, your skills in potion-making are truly commendable."

Despite Snape's usual composed expression, William and Ketti felt the warmth in his words and his recognition. Snape was their godfather, though no one else knew this, and that fact added weight to his words. His restraint only highlighted the depth of trust and respect he held for their family.

The evening passed with relaxed conversation, full of memories and plans for the future. Snape shared rare details about his affairs, occasionally jumping to topics concerning the magical world and the changes occurring in it.

As dinner drew to a close and it was time to say goodbye, Malcolm and Charlotte thanked Snape for his visit, and William and Ketti exchanged warm words with him before bidding him farewell.

Before going to bed, William settled into his cozy corner of the room, where a shelf laden with books stood. In his hands, he held his favorite Muggle book about King Arthur. Despite his life being immersed in the world of magic and wizardry, he always found peace in these tales of knights and heroism.

The Lupins respected and encouraged the love for Muggles and their culture. Malcolm and Charlotte, striving to correct the mistakes of the past and provide their children with a well-rounded upbringing, didn't limit themselves to just magical education. They made sure William and Ketti developed interests and respect for the Muggle world.

William and Ketti were friends with the neighboring Muggle children, often spending time at their houses. These friendships opened their eyes to the world of Muggle games and hobbies. They learned to play football and basketball, ice-skate in winter, and roller-skate in the summer. They also became acquainted with television and Muggle music. William particularly grew fond of rock music, which became a symbol of freedom and adventure for him.

Now, engrossed in the pages of the book about King Arthur, William allowed himself a moment of escape from thoughts of magic and school. The soft light from the lamp cast gentle shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of coziness and peace. Every so often, he paused to recreate in his mind the images of majestic knights and their heroic deeds.

Reading the Muggle book had become a kind of ritual for William before sleep, allowing him to escape the harsh reality and find solace in a world of fantasy adventures. He knew that beyond this room awaited challenges and training, but for now, he savored the moment of calm and ancient magic, not tied to a wand.

The Triwizard Tournament was nearing its end. Will and Ketti were cheering for Harry Potter. They really wanted him to win the tournament, even though he was only 14.

On June 24, the evening sun was still casting warm rays on the surrounding forests and fields as the Lupin family gathered for dinner in their dining room. The room was filled with a cozy atmosphere — lively conversation and joyful discussions of the upcoming Triwizard Tournament final filled the air.

William and Ketti, excited about the tournament, were discussing Harry Potter's chances, eager to believe in his victory despite his young age. They were thrilled at the thought of seeing their favorite win, proving his bravery and skill. While Malcolm Lupin favored Cedric Diggory, considering him a worthy opponent, and Charlotte supported Fleur Delacour, the only girl in the tournament, their conversation was filled with lively debates and speculations.

"Harry showed incredible courage," William said, helping himself to a serving of food. "I think he really deserves to win."

"But Cedric has also proven himself to be a great wizard," Malcolm countered, casting a glance at his son. "He's already achieved a lot and deserves recognition."

Charlotte, interrupting them, quietly remarked:

"Fleur, though currently in fourth place, possesses remarkable grace and strength. She deserves recognition for her bravery and perseverance."

The conversation continued, each person voicing their opinion, when suddenly, as if struck by lightning, a rustling sound filled the dining room. Malcolm and Charlotte simultaneously grabbed their left forearms, where the Death Eater tattoos were still visible. These marks, a constant reminder of their past, began to burn with bright fire.

Malcolm and Charlotte simultaneously turned pale, their faces twisted with pain and horror. The room fell into a heavy silence, broken only by the crackling of fire on their skin. Their gazes were glassy and terrified.

"He's back," Malcolm squeezed out through clenched lips, his voice almost unrecognizable.

Charlotte, overcome with panic, simply nodded in agreement, her eyes full of tears.

Immediately, dinner was quickly finished. The Lupins exchanged worried glances, and their eyes conveyed fear and deep concern. The parents stood up from the table and hurried to guide the children to their rooms.

William and Ketti, overwhelmed by the atmosphere of anxiety and the fear of sudden change, didn't dare ask any questions. They silently went to their rooms, their hearts pounding with apprehension and fear for what had come. Soon, their room fell into silence, interrupted only by the occasional sounds from outside.