Translated Chapter
282. The Cave of Ending and Beginning
After mastering the Animagus form, Wade had gradually grown fond of this method of travel. The crisp, damp morning air, the freedom of the wind, and the awakening city slowly emerging from its dreams—along with the countryside spread beneath like a painted canvas—were experiences utterly beyond the reach of those who walked the earth on two legs.
Sometimes he’d encounter an Owl, and they’d fight. Other times, he’d scare a flock of pigeons into chaotic flight, which was a rare kind of amusement.
Ahead, the city’s architecture rose in layered, uneven clusters. The Thames flowed silently, narrow alleys weaving between wide squares, forming the city’s unique texture. Glass facades reflected the morning sunlight, adding a glittering elegance to the ancient metropolis.
Wade gradually descended, following the route through the city center to Surrey, until he found Privet Drive. Among the rows of identical houses, one stood out—painted in bold red and gold. On the second-floor window, a giant lion’s head was embedded into the wall, so lifelike it seemed ready to roar at any moment.
Wade couldn’t help but laugh. He could almost picture the Dursley Couple’s expression when they first saw it.
The Falcon dipped lower, landing in a narrow alley between houses. From within, a thirteen-year-old boy stepped out.
Wade’s appearance was unremarkable even in an ordinary neighborhood. He approached the distinctive house and knocked on the door.
Remus emerged quickly.
“Good morning, Wade,” Remus said cheerfully. “I knew you’d be here soon.”
“Morning, Remus,” Wade grinned. “Is Harry here?”
“No… not yet—”
Before Remus could finish, both men turned toward the sound.
“Perfect. Go,” came a gruff voice from a nearby house.
“Get out of my sight, you lot! You’d better warn your strange friends not to come visit during the day—nor at night! Keep your dark arts and twisted ways far from us! We’re respectable people!”
“Brilliant!” Harry called back, not waiting for a reply. He bolted from his house and sprinted straight toward them.
Behind him, Vernon Dursley stood at his front entrance, fuming.
The outburst had been intentional—Vernon Dursley was terrified of wizards, yet too resentful to pretend friendship. He and his family despised anything magical, but ever since the two wizards had moved in, Vernon constantly worried that their home would become gossip fodder. He hated it.
Harry had explained that Sirius Black and the others were there to protect them. But the Dursleys either couldn’t understand or simply refused to accept it—so their hostility only deepened.
Now, after shouting, Vernon realized the group wasn’t just the hated wizards—there was also the child from before, the one who’d threatened to call the police.
His face paled slightly. He said nothing more, then slammed the door shut with a loud bang.
To Vernon, the idea of a “Dark Wizard” sounded like something from a story—remote, unreal. The police, on the other hand, were tangible, just minutes away.
“Hi, Wade! Great to see you,” Harry said, full of energy. He turned to Remus. “Anything for breakfast?”
“There’s a sandwich,” Remus replied, his tone edged with irritation. “They didn’t feed you?”
“They gave me breakfast,” Harry shrugged. “One piece of lettuce, half a slice of toast—just enough to keep me from starving.”
Remus clenched his jaw, clearly fighting the urge to yell. He turned to Wade. “What about you?”
Wade declined without hesitation.
He didn’t ask whether Harry had given the Dursleys any money.
Legally and socially, the Dursleys were obligated to support the underage Harry and Dudley. But even if Harry had a job, he wasn’t required to support them financially—let alone pay them a living allowance.
And besides, Harry was still a minor.
Not to mention the extra chores he did around the house. From a financial standpoint, the Dursleys actually benefited: adopting Harry brought government tax breaks and subsidies, and his education was completely free. They weren’t burdened by much at all.
So suggesting that Harry pay them would sound absurd—like something from a fairy tale.
…
Breakfast was being prepared by Kreacher. As Wade stepped inside, the tiny house-elf darted forward from the doorway, bowing deeply.
It had clearly dressed up—its pillowcase was spotless, and even the white fur in its ears was meticulously groomed.
“Welcome, Master Gray, and young Master Potter,” it said. “Today’s breakfast is porridge and sandwiches. Would you like roasted potatoes?”
“Anything’s fine—just hurry up,” Harry muttered. “I’m starving.”
“Black tea, please, Kreacher,” Wade said.
The old little sprite bowed again, then vanished with a loud pop.
Moments later, the table was piled high with food, and Wade’s tea was ready.
After Harry finished eating, Sirius Black finally returned.
He wore a black suit with a tie, his slightly long hair tied back into a low ponytail. Elegant, yet tinged with melancholy.
He carried a portrait of Regulus.
“This was his last wish,” Sirius said, his voice low and heavy. “I want him to witness this moment too.”
Remus placed a silent hand on his shoulder.
At exactly eleven o’clock, a sudden flash of flame erupted in the room. Then Fawks appeared—its wings beating once, one claw gripping Sirius Black’s shoulder.
“Harry, hold onto Sirius Black!” Remus called, grabbing Sirius’s arm while his other hand firmly pulled Wade.
Harry immediately wrapped his arm around Sirius’s other side. Kreacher didn’t hesitate—clutching Sirius’s left leg.
With Sirius now surrounded, he reached out and gripped Fawks’s talon. Once everyone was ready, Fawks gave a soft, melodic cry.
The flame flared—Wade blinked, and the world shifted in an instant.
They stood in a dark, damp cave. The lake stretched endlessly, still shrouded in shadow. The walls bore the faint traces of last time’s burning of undead corpses.
Harry looked around, curious. “This is where you came before?”
Wade nodded. “We found Regulus here.”
Harry remembered the story. A chill ran down his spine.
Right beneath their feet had once been hundreds of undead corpses.
From the darkness, Dumbledore emerged—his silver beard glowing faintly, as if lit from within.
He opened the pendant box and whispered, “Begin here… and end here.”
(End of Chapter)
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