Chapter 282: The Cave of Endings and Beginnings
Chapter 282: The Cave of Endings and Beginnings
After mastering the Animagus transformation, Vold gradually grew fond of this mode of travel.
The cool and chilly morning air, the freedom of the wind, and the gradually awakening city, overlooking the countryside like a painting, were all experiences beyond the reach of ordinary humans who relied solely on their two legs.
Sometimes he would encounter owls and engage in a battle, or scare flocks of pigeons, causing them to scatter in all directions, a rare delight.
In the distance ahead, numerous city buildings appeared in a scattered yet orderly manner.
The Thames flowed quietly, with narrow alleys and spacious squares intertwining to form the unique texture of the city; the glass walls reflected the morning sunlight, adding a touch of splendor to this ancient city.
Vold gradually lowered his altitude, following the direction and passing through the city center to Surrey County, where he found Privet Drive.
Among rows of identical houses, one stood out with its gold and red exterior, featuring a massive lion head embedded in the wall between the second-floor windows, so lifelike it seemed ready to roar at any moment.
Vold couldn't help but smile, almost able to imagine the Dursleys' expressions upon seeing this house.
The peregrine falcon descended further, landing in a narrow alley between the houses, and a thirteen-year-old boy emerged from within.
Vold's appearance, even in an ordinary neighborhood, wasn't particularly unusual. He approached the distinctive house and knocked on the door.
Remus soon came out.
"Good morning, Vold," Remus said cheerfully. "I knew you'd be here soon."
"Good morning, Remus," Vold replied with a smile. "Is Harry here too?"
"Not yet..."
Before Remus could finish his sentence, both of them turned their heads simultaneously.
"Great, go ahead—"
A loud voice shouted from a nearby house:
"You'd better warn those freaks for me to not visit during the day! Don't come at night either! Stay away from those weirdos! We're a decent family!"
"Great! Why don't you say it yourself?"
Harry shouted back without waiting for a response and quickly ran out of the house, rushing towards their location.
Behind him, Vernon Dursley stood at his doorstep, glaring angrily at the group.
His words were intentionally directed at Lupin and Sirius—Vernon feared and loathed wizards, so he wouldn't speak to them face-to-face, but he wouldn't pretend to be friendly either.
His family strongly disliked being associated with strange occurrences, but ever since those two wizards moved in, Vernon Dursley felt like his family had become the talk of the town whenever he walked down the street.
He detested this.
Harry explained to the Dursleys that Sirius and the others had moved in to protect them, but the Dursleys either couldn't comprehend or refused to accept it, becoming even more unpleasant.
However, after his outburst, Dursley realized that not only the disliked wizards were present but also the boy who had threatened to call the police during his previous visit.
Dursley's expression changed slightly, and without saying another word, he slammed the door shut.
For the Dursleys, the so-called Dark Wizard in Harry's story seemed like a fictional character from a tale, far removed from their lives. The police, on the otherhand, were a real and immediate concern, capable of showing up at their doorstep within minutes.
"Hey, Vold, it's great to see you."
Harry appeared lively, greeting Lupin with, "Is there any breakfast left, Remus?"
"There's sandwiches," Lupin said angrily. "Didn't they give you breakfast?"
Harry shrugged. "A piece of lettuce and half a slice of toast. Just enough to keep me from starving."
Lupin began to breathe deeply, obviously wanting to curse but holding back. He then asked Vold if he wanted anything to eat.
Vold naturally declined.
He didn't ask Harry if he had given the Dursleys any living expenses—
According to the laws and social customs here, the Dursleys were obligated to raise the underage Harry and Dudley. However, even when Harry and Dudley became adults and started working, they wouldn't need to support the Dursleys financially, let alone discuss living expenses.
Moreover, Harry was still a minor.
Aside from the extra household chores he took on, financially speaking, the Dursleys received tax benefits and allowances from the government for adopting Harry, and his education was entirely free, so they didn't actually bear much of an economic burden.
In this situation, if Vold suggested giving the Dursleys living expenses, it would sound rather strange.
...
Kreacher was the one who made breakfast today.
After Vold entered, the elf specifically came out to bow.
It seemed to be specially dressed, and the pillowcase wrapped around it was clean, with the white fur inside its ears neatly combed.
"Welcome, Master Gray and Master Potter... Today's breakfast is porridge and sandwiches. Would you like some roasted potatoes?"
"Anything is fine, bring it quickly," Harry mumbled. "I'm starving."
"Just a cup of tea, please, Kreacher," Vold said.
The elderly elf bowed again before disappearing with a loud bang.
Soon, the table was piled high with food, and Vold's tea was also brewed.
After Harry finished his breakfast, Sirius returned from outside.
He was wearing a black suit, a bow tie, and his slightly long hair was tied in a low ponytail, exuding elegance and a hint of melancholy.
Sirius also carried Regulus' portrait.
"This was his final wish," Sirius said in a low voice. "I want him to witness this moment too."
Lupin silently patted his shoulder.
At the agreed-upon eleven o'clock, a flash of fire suddenly appeared in the room, followed by the sudden appearance of the Phoenix Fox.
It flapped its wings, and one of its claws grabbed Sirius' shoulder.
"Harry, hold on to Sirius!"
Lupin said, grabbing Sirius' arm while tightly holding onto Vold with his other hand.
Harry immediately hugged Sirius' other arm, and Kreacher, without hesitation, hugged Sirius' left leg.
With everyone clinging to him, Sirius had no choice but to reach out and grasp the Phoenix Fox's claw. Seeing that they were ready, the Phoenix Fox let out a gentle cry.
The fire flashed, and Vold felt his surroundings change in an instant.
In the dark, damp cave, the seemingly endless lake remained as dark as before, and the walls still bore traces of the burned Dementors from their previous visit.
Harry curiously examined the surroundings and asked Vold in a low voice, "Is this the place you came to last time?"
Vold nodded. "We found Regulus here."
Harry had heard about that experience, and upon hearing this, he felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.
Right beneath where they were standing, there had been at least several hundred Dementors before.
Dumbledore emerged from the darkness, his silver beard almost glowing.
He took out the locket and said softly, "Let it begin here... and let it end here as well."
(End of Chapter)
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