Chapter 0: Return
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Somewhere hidden on the vast island of Great Britain, in a dark room barely lit by a few flickering candles, two hooded figures sat facing each other. Gloom and silence seemed to be the only companions of that secret meeting, where the sound of raindrops hitting the windows was the only thing that broke the tense atmosphere. Both men, powerful wizards with a past full of shadows, exchanged words in a low tone, almost in whispers, as if even the walls could betray them.
The air in the room was heavy with secrets and betrayals. The stone walls, covered in mold and ancient engravings, seemed to be observing the conversation with the same coldness with which the two wizards looked at each other. One of them, with blond locks escaping from the hood that covered most of his face, spoke first, his tone icy and authoritative.
"Edward, you should know that continuing to run will only cause the Dark Lord to intensify the search. You cannot run away forever," the blond man said, his voice firm as an order disguised as advice. His gray, piercing gaze revealed more impatience than concern.
The other man, Edward, let out a slight snort of disdain, his honey-colored eyes shining with a malice that seemed embedded in every gesture of his face. The candlelight barely illuminated his dark hair, which fell in messy locks around his face. His lips curved into a sarcastic smile before he answered.
"Of course, Lucius," he said mockingly. "I am so touched by your concern."
Edward's sarcasm only sparked anger in the eyes of the blond man, Lucius Malfoy, whose haughty and controlled demeanor was beginning to crumble in the face of his former comrade's nonchalant attitude.
"You're not taking this seriously, Edward. It's not a simple warning; it's what you must do if you want to stay alive," Lucius replied, his voice dripping with anger. The fingers of his right hand tightened around his wand, which was still hidden under his robes.
Edward closed his eyes for a moment, as if Lucius's advice was a petty annoyance, something he could simply ignore. He stood still, his face cold and calculating, before speaking again.
"Speaking of the Dark Lord," he began with disdain, "shouldn't you be looking for that supposedly invincible leader who was defeated like a mere mortal in his own war?"
Lucius narrowed his eyes, his patience beginning to wear thin. Just because Edward, unlike him and the other Death Eaters, did not bear the Dark Mark on his arm did not mean he was beyond the Dark Lord's reach. Edward Crowley had made a dark deal years ago, one that still tied him to the shadows of Voldemort and his entourage.
"Don't think that just because you don't have the mark on your arm you are untouchable," Lucius replied, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You've already made a deal with him, Edward. You are as vulnerable as any of us. And you know well that sooner or later he will come for you."
Edward let out a soft laugh, as if Lucius' words held no more weight than a dry leaf in the wind. His eyes glittered with a mixture of defiance and mockery.
"You are a bitter man, Lucius. You obsess too much over power plays," Edward replied, no trace of concern in his tone. You know, while you're hiding in the shadows of your mansion, comforting your wife, I've been enjoying the pleasures of life. Just a few weeks ago I was seeing Apolline Delacour. Her husband has recently passed away, and, well, someone had to comfort such a beautiful lady...
Lucius frowned, his expression hardening. Not just because Edward had once again diverted the conversation, but because of the obvious provocation.
"Are you here to tell me about your amorous escapades or to fulfill the deal you made?" Lucius said sharply. "Stop changing the subject."
Edward raised his hands, as if to appease his former comrade.
"Easy, easy, my friend. I'm back to fulfill my part of the deal. I'm here, isn't that enough?" Edward said, unable to contain the mischievous smile on his lips. "Anyway, let's talk about something more interesting. How are your children?" They were... Maldo and Drace, weren't they?
Lucius clenched his jaw. The mockery in Edward's tone was palpable, and he wasn't about to bear it any longer.
"They're Draco and Maleficent," Lucius corrected, his patience hanging by a thread. His hand moved slowly to his wand, not taking his gaze from Edward. "And if you stray from the subject again, I will not hesitate to silence you once and for all."
Edward raised his eyebrows, still smiling.
"Pretty names... for two little heirs to power," he began, but stopped when he saw the deadly expression on Lucius' face. The wand was The blonde's wand was already out, aiming straight for his chest.
The silence in the room grew even thicker. Edward, far from looking intimidated, only smiled more widely.
"Relax, Lucius. You know I didn't come here to fight," he said, raising his hands in a gesture of peace, though the glint in his eyes showed he had no intention of stopping his game.
Lucius lowered his wand with a sigh, but his gaze was still full of warning.
"Just make sure you do what you must, Edward. I can't keep covering for you if you choose to disobey once more. The Dark Lord doesn't tolerate betrayal, not even from those like you who don't bear his mark."
Edward nodded, but his smile didn't fade.
The night continued, full of veiled words and promises in the shadows. Outside, the rain beat down hard, as if nature itself knew secrets and danger were at play inside that room.