The hidden side of the Wizarding World

Prologue

Scene 1: The Mission Begins

King's Cross Station, 1981

Evelyn stood by the entrance to Platform 9¾, her hand gripping the handle of her suitcase tightly. The chill of the March air bit into her skin, but she barely noticed it. Her eyes were fixed on the scarlet steam engine of the Hogwarts Express, parked just beyond the enchanted barrier. It wasn't taking students today, just cargo. And her.

Sirius stood a few paces away, leaning against one of the stone pillars. He hadn't said much since they'd arrived, only watched her with a mixture of frustration and concern. His jaw was set in that stubborn way she knew all too well, like he was biting back a dozen arguments at once.

"You don't have to go," Sirius said suddenly, his voice tight.

Evelyn sighed and turned to him. "We've been through this, Sirius. Dumbledore thinks—"

"I know what Dumbledore thinks," he interrupted, pushing off the pillar and coming closer. His eyes—usually so full of mischief—were shadowed with worry. "I just don't understand why it has to be you. Canada's halfway across the bloody world. Why can't someone else check the wards and secure a safe house?"

Evelyn reached out and took his hand, her touch soft. "Because I know the kind of protection they need," she said. "The kind of magic that could keep them safe if... if things go wrong."

"Things won't go wrong," Sirius replied, his voice lower now, almost pleading. "James and Lily are safe. The Fidelius Charm will hold."

Evelyn bit her lip. "I hope you're right. But Voldemort's growing bolder, and we can't afford to take chances. If Harrison or Neville are in danger, we need somewhere to send them. Somewhere far away."

She could see the battle in his eyes, the war between wanting to argue and wanting to keep her safe. Finally, he sighed, pulling her into his arms.

"Just... come back to me," he murmured against her hair.

Evelyn smiled, her breath warm against his chest. "I will," she promised. "I always do."

The train's whistle echoed across the platform, signalling that it was time for her to board. She kissed him softly and then pulled away, picking up her suitcase. As she stepped toward the train, Sirius called after her

"Evelyn!" She turned, seeing him standing there, looking far more vulnerable than she was used to. "Be careful, yeah?

She nodded. "Always."

And with that, she disappeared onto the train, leaving Sirius standing on the platform, watching as she was carried away into the unknown.

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Scene 2: Arrival in Canada

Remote Canada, 1981

The first thing Evelyn noticed as she stepped off the portkey was the cold. The biting wind stung her cheeks, carrying with it the scent of pine and the faint, metallic tang of magic. She shivered slightly, pulling her cloak tighter around her shoulders as she glanced around the vast Canadian wilderness.

The landscape was raw and untouched, miles and miles of towering pine trees, jagged mountains in the distance, and rivers that cut through the earth like silver veins. Everything felt ancient and untamed, as though magic itself had seeped into the land over centuries, giving it a life of its own.

"Welcome to the middle of nowhere," came a gruff voice from behind her.

Evelyn turned to see Charles—a rugged wizard in his late sixties—approaching her with a crooked smile. His thick grey beard matched the tufts of hair peeking out from under his knitted cap, and his clothing was practical and worn, suited for the harsh conditions of the Canadian wilderness.