The Forbidden Forest was eerily quiet at night, especially around the magically concealed safe house, as if even the wind had softened its steps.
Sagres silently pushed open the heavy wooden door and led Remus Lupin inside.
The flames in the fireplace danced brightly, casting a warm glow that instantly dispelled the chill and dampness carried in from the forest.
Around a long, heavy wooden table, seven or eight figures had already been waiting.
Some were wrapped in hooded robes, their forms hidden deep in shadow. Others wore Muggle-style clothing, appearing relaxed, as if they were attending an ordinary gathering.
As the door closed, all eyes turned in unison.
Several gazes fell upon Lupin, who felt slightly uneasy, as though he were being thoroughly examined by an invisible force.
Sagres walked straight to the head of the table and sat down, gesturing for Lupin to take the seat beside him.
He swept his gaze across the room, his voice calm and clear. "A new member."
No one showed any surprise, clearly having already received the news. Lupin realised that this organisation operated with far more discipline and preparation than he had expected.
Sagres then asked, "Would anyone like to introduce the new member?"
"Me! I will!"
A bright, lively voice immediately broke the quiet atmosphere.
Kestrel even sprang to her feet, a radiant smile on her face, clearly eager.
Lupin instinctively labelled her as "enthusiastic and lively." It felt slightly out of place in this otherwise serious gathering.
"Welcome aboard! I'm Kestrel, but you can also call me Lumina. Don't be nervous. Everyone here shares the same goals, and we're all easy to get along with!"
Lupin nodded politely.
Kestrel then turned to the others and began introducing them one by one.
"This is Nightingale, a Potion Master! She's currently a Potions professor at Beauxbatons. She can brew any potion you need."
Nightingale gave Lupin a slight nod.
He quickly returned the gesture, thinking to himself: This must be the Wolfsbane Potion supplier Sagres mentioned. But a professor at Beauxbatons, and so young? Could she have used some kind of age-reversing potion…
"This is Robin. She works in the International Magical Transportation Department. No Floo Network route or Portkey record can escape her notice. And if she wants to alter them, it's as easy as breathing."
A capable-looking woman nodded at Lupin.
He returned the greeting again, inwardly surprised. The International Magical Transportation Department? That's the core authority managing global wizard travel.
And she can freely modify Floo Network and Portkey records… she must either hold an extremely high position or possess extraordinary ability. Yet she doesn't look very old.
"And this is Thunderbird, from Ilvermorny, one of its Head of Houses! He's not only skilled in wand-making but also knows everything about North American magical creatures."
A dignified-looking elder nodded to Lupin.
Lupin let out a quiet breath of relief. At last, someone who looked like a traditional master.
"This is Stork, who works at the United Wizarding Gazette. He always knows about major events before they happen."
A thin young man adjusted his glasses and nodded expressionlessly.
Lupin returned the greeting, wondering whether he was an editor or a reporter.
"This is Snowy Owl, a very successful businesswoman. She can help you obtain certain… items that are not easily acquired through normal channels. And… she's very wealthy."
An elegantly dressed woman waved to Lupin with composed grace.
Lupin thought to himself, Emphasising her wealth like that… she must not only be extremely rich, but also have remarkable connections and methods.
"This is Swift, the best Curse-Breaker at Gringotts. Ancient curses and malicious seals are child's play to him."
"Kestrel, don't exaggerate," the red-haired young man with a wolf-tail braid said with a laugh.
He leaned casually against his chair and greeted Lupin.
Lupin nodded in return, thinking: A Curse-Breaker from Gringotts… he must have extensive knowledge of magical ruins.
"And this is Hummingbird, the Head Healer at St Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries. With her around, it's like having an extra layer of protection. Roughly speaking, it's like having an extra life."
A gentle-looking woman smiled warmly at Lupin.
Lupin could hardly believe it. The newly appointed Head Healer of St Mungo's was also a member of Bronze Feather.
Finally, Kestrel patted her chest. "As for me, as you can see, I'm a Seer. A core member of Bronze Feather. As a welcome gift, I can give you a free reading!"
Lupin was somewhat dazed by the series of introductions. He could only try his best to remember each codename and their traits, responding politely one by one.
He had never imagined that such a vast force stood behind Sagres.
Though fewer in number than the Order of the Phoenix, every member was an elite in their field, with influence that reached across the wizarding world.
Any one of them alone would be enough to cause a stir.
At that moment, Sagres's voice drew Lupin's attention back. "As per custom, you may choose a codename for yourself, or use your real name."
Feeling everyone's gaze upon him, Lupin thought for a moment before speaking. "Wolf Owl. My codename is Wolf Owl."
The choice subtly combined his past burdens with his hope for renewal.
"Alright, alright, the serious part is finally over!"
Kestrel suddenly pulled out a shimmering crystal ball and a stack of dark red stone tarot cards from her pocket, grinning as she leaned closer.
"Come on, Wolf Owl, a new member's welcome package! Let me see what's hidden within the mist of your destiny!"
She eagerly sat across from Lupin, placing the crystal ball between them.
The others also watched with interest, and even Sagres observed quietly, recalling his own first time here.
Kestrel's fingertips lightly brushed the surface of the crystal ball as she murmured an indistinct incantation, as if whispering to something unseen.
To Lupin, she seemed somewhat eccentric, even carrying a hint of a charlatan.
After a moment, she suddenly opened her eyes. Just as everyone thought the divination was finished, Kestrel exclaimed dramatically, "Oh dear, it seems the Tarot Covenant suits you better!"
Amid the silent eye-rolls of the others, she put away the crystal ball and picked up the thick stack of tarot cards, closing her eyes in concentration.
A deep silence settled over the safe house, broken only by the crackling of the fireplace and the soft sound of cards being shuffled.
After a long pause, she opened her eyes. Four tarot cards flew out on their own, arranging themselves before Lupin.
"'The Hanged Man'…" She flipped over the first card, her tone slightly serious. "Sacrifice and waiting, seeing the world from a different perspective… this reflects your past."
She then revealed the second card and placed it beside the first.
"'The Moon.' Illusion, fear, subconscious unrest, and untamed beastly instincts… this is a theme that runs through your life, an eternal challenge you must face."
As she drew the third card, she paused slightly, a trace of caution in her voice. "'The Tower.' Sudden upheaval and destruction, the collapse of foundations… but also breaking down in order to rebuild."
Finally, she slowly placed the fourth card on top of The Tower, her brows gradually knitting together.
"'Death'…"
On the card, a skeletal knight rode a white horse, holding a banner as it descended, bringing an inevitable end.
Kestrel looked up, her expression unconsciously growing serious.
"Your future is closely tied to an ending. It may be the end of the body, or the collapse of an old order, the forced conclusion of a stage of life. But… something isn't right."
She added softly, a hint of confusion in her voice, "The imagery seems to have been interfered with by some force, becoming blurred. Still… it doesn't matter. Tarot is always ambiguous. Perhaps this time… even fate itself is hesitating."
Lupin was stunned. He had not expected her to possess genuine ability. At the very least, she seemed far more reliable than Trelawney.
And what she had said just now… was it not an accurate reflection of his life?
He remained slightly dazed, his thoughts lingering on the final Death card.
Sagres spoke again, drawing Lupin out of his contemplation. "Very good. Now, introduce yourself to everyone, Wolf Owl."
Lupin nodded and stood. "I am Remus Lupin, currently serving as the Defence Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts. I was once a werewolf, but with Professor Greengrass's help, I have been freed from the curse of monthly transformations. However, to maintain a clear mind, I still need to take Wolfsbane Potion regularly."
He chose to be completely open.
Although everyone present used codenames, they appeared in their true forms. Honesty seemed the best approach.
Moreover, no one showed any surprise at his identity as a werewolf.
As soon as he finished speaking, Nightingale's voice came from across the table. "My alchemy laboratory maintains a long-term supply of various high-level potions. If you require a stable supply of Wolfsbane Potion, I can provide it free of charge."
Her tone was calm, as if it were a trivial matter.
Lupin quickly expressed his thanks, and the others welcomed him.
________
o(*≧▽≦)ツ💫 Read up to 12+ chapters in advance on Patreon/DarkDevil1