Are you sure? that the war was really over

Are you sure? that they really know all the secrets

Vernon Dursley

Chapter 2 :

Letters from the Ministry of Magic and correspondence from old friends

I found a pile of letters on the floor in front of the door, under the mail counter. The post office probably arrived in the afternoon when I was out repairing electrical appliances for customers at home. I picked it up to see what was there: electric bill, water bill, gas bill, records that had been returned from some companies where I had submitted job applications when I was newly unemployed (yep, that's right).

What company would want an old man like me to work?) But there was one issue that shocked me the most. A letter from the Ministry of Magic...that young man hasn't been here for over a year. Why would they send a letter here? But when I look at the recipient's name...

To Mr. Vernon Dursley

Number 4, Soi Privet Drive

Little Whinging, Surrey

I carried all the letters into a pile on the coffee table in the living room. Bills and returned application letters are second nature now. I opened the strange envelope, both anxious and shocked. Why would those people send letters here? And why this time it was my name..and what shocked me was

There was no message in the letter. It's just a blank sheet of paper. with the message at the top of the paper just saying "TOP SECRET"

“Not me..not me..” I mumbled like a lunatic as I crumpled up the letter and the envelope nonchalantly into the kitchen trash can. Yes, I tried not to relate to this for a long time. already But why does it have to come to me? I opened the refrigerator and grabbed the bottle of white wine that was in there and drank straight from the bottle. I thought the alcohol would help calm the confusion and shock I was feeling right now.

“Can't I just live a normal life?” I muttered as I sat with my temples pressed against the kitchen table. Looking around in fear Until I noticed on the answering machine on the food preparation counter that the message light was blinking. I walked over to that machine to take a look.

The device's dial said there was a message left. I immediately pressed the play button.

“Vernon, it's me, Andrew from Ipswich.

Ipswich)

We haven't been in contact for a long time..and I know you don't want to think about those things again. But they contacted me. And I think I'll probably contact you too. Plus something happened to one of us. I think it's our time. You already have my number. Hurry and call me back.” I remember this friend of mine well.

We had worked together on some occasions before, back when I wasn't married to Petunia. Whatever he said, I always knew what it meant. But what was even more shocking was that he said that something had happened to one of us. I knew in my heart that It must be a big deal. The shock from that strange letter was enough.

This time I came across a contact from an old friend who came up with a story that reminded me of the past that I had been trying to forget. I hurriedly picked up the phone and dialed Andrew's number back. Surprisingly, I still remember all his numbers correctly without opening my phone number book. Even though I haven't called him for a long time.

One of the things Andrew told me that immediately shocked and raised my concerns was that one of our old friends, Henry, had been badly injured. He also told the story of being contacted there. I replied that I would go to Ipswich immediately. Because of feeling worried about Henry's condition and thinking about the events that are happening to me and my friends right now.

It requires talking to someone face-to-face: car keys, wallet, cell phone. Great coat Everything is ready for an emergency trip to see a friend. Before I stepped out of the front door after putting on my coat, A thought flashed into my brain. This made me rush to the second floor and into the attic.

My age and weight made it a bit difficult for me to climb the ladder that stretched out from the sky to the attic. Many large, shiny cardboard boxes were scattered in the area. Mostly it's my old stuff and everyone's family. I finally found what my mind was calling me to. An old wooden chest

The last time I opened it was probably two years ago. I opened it Inside were a number of small wooden chests. The condition is old but still looks good because of good preservation. Everything that was in those chests It's something related to my past. A past that I will try not to think about.

I picked out one of those chests. In there is what I think It will probably be needed when traveling to meet my old friends this time.

mobile phone

Mobira Cityman 900

1987 and the camera

pocket

Use 110 size film.

mm Canon 110ED

Year 1975 with flash. In the eyes of others, it might be seen as just an old-fashioned cell phone and camera. But for me, it is part of the memories of the past that no matter how hard I try, I can't completely shake them off. Only for this camera. In the past, it has also saved my life and that of my friends. I put the two pieces in the inside pocket of my coat. Close the chest back in place. then go back downstairs

Prepare for a nearly 2 hour drive from London to Ipswich.

Time passed until 7 p.m. and the sun set very quickly, which is normal in winter. I was driving on an asphalt road through a countryside filled with forests and fields. The car's headlights were the only thing I could see. Eventually I came across a turn onto a dirt road that led to a farmhouse that was Andrew's home.

Less than half a kilometer from the paved road, I arrived at his house. Two-story house with 6 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and a large barn nearby. There were three or four wrecked cars next to the barn. Which is not strange because Andrew uses this place as a car repair shop and doing work.

custom cars

which is another source of income for him I parked the car in front of the front entrance of the house and honked the horn twice. Before turning off the engine and getting out of the car A chubby man with black hair and a mustache like a walrus, a man about my age, came out of the house. It was Andrew, an old friend of mine with whom I had worked some things.

“Hi Andrew, dear friend. We haven't seen each other for a long time." I greeted with a smiling face and hugged each other like friends.

“As well, Vernon. How was the trip?” Andrew asked as we walked into the house.

“It's going smoothly. How about Henry?” I replied and asked about Henry's condition.

“He is in the upstairs bedroom. Sleeping,” Andrew replied. We walked through the living room and climbed up the stairs to a room on the second floor. It was the bedroom where Henry was resting and recovering. The first thing that immediately caught our attention when we opened the door to the room was Henry's body, covered up to his chest, sleeping on the bed. A burly old man

His long, gray hair and beard reminded him of the headmaster of the school he attended. (I also know the story of his death three years ago.) Looking from the outside, right now, there's only Bruises on the face And even though he was under the covers But the wheelchair next to his bed showed that

His legs or feet were probably in serious condition. And there he was, shouting like a madman with his eyes still closed.

“No, please go away, don't mess with me, no, no,” was what he yelled out. Until Andrew and I had to shake him awake. He gasped and looked around in fear after waking up from a nightmare. Which I can guess must have something to do with him causing him to become like this.

He finally calmed down. and focused on me It seemed like a glimmer of hope appeared in his eyes as soon as he saw my face.

"Oh Vernon, thank heavens. Glad you're here. Glad we're still here," he said, hugging me as if relieved from the terrible things he'd been through to hurt him this much.

“I'm glad you're alright, Henry,” I replied as we parted ways.

“Vernon, I know you don't want to deal with those things anymore...but now they're here again. Plus it seems like they're targeting us first.. and you're the strongest person among us to deal with them,” Andrew said.

“In this current situation, if we don't have Mr. It is like a military force without senior officers with field experience,” Henry added. What the two of them said left me speechless. And some of it really hit my heart. They were right, things had gotten to this level now. I can't just pretend that retirement isn't my thing anymore.

“It must be like that..It seems like a prophecy from a long time ago was made about me. It will never be erased,” I responded a little jokingly at the end. before sitting down on a nearby armchair.

“What other details did you tell me?” I immediately focused on the relevant matter.

“It's just a matter of trying to consolidate the power of those remaining in England. In other countries the situation is still normal. And one of their most obvious sub-goals is Take that important item that Ra kept,” Andrew said.

“As for the reason why it has to be now? Probably because of this,” Henry said as he picked up a newspaper that was on the small table next to the bed and handed it to me. The news page that is displayed is a page of knowledge about science and technology.

“People around the world are excited to see the planets align this Christmas,” was the single most prominent headline. I just saw this headline. Some old knowledge I know which is the connection between those who attacked Henry and this astronomical event

immediately popped into my head Made me almost instantly turn pale.

“And if my hunch isn't wrong. Their third reason for consolidating power this time is to destroy us, and I am afraid that will also be their first mission.” That was the worry in my heart at this time.

“Tomorrow morning I think Henry and I will go to Suffolk to get ready.

Suffolk)

We have kept the necessary items. What do you say, Vernon?” Andrew offered his next plan.

“Okay..what about that thing?” I asked, agreed and then asked about that important item. Andrew nodded and handed me a small wooden chest the size of a music box that was in the drawer of the small table next to the bed. Even though I haven't seen what's inside. I immediately felt the negative feelings of what was inside. I opened the chest and took out the contents to examine it with my own eyes.

What's in that box And now in my hand is a small box of photographic film. 110, which is film that has already been photographed. In the eyes of others, it is just an ordinary film container. But for me and Nae's two friends It represents one of the evils we have faced in the past.

And it is a past where the loss of life was involved as well. The events of that time related to this film, none of us will ever forget.

“What about you, Vernon?” Henry asked.

“I'll probably catch up later. I have to go back and collect all the necessary things..and I'd like to keep this film for myself. You guys have been through a lot of bad things and are tired because you've had enough. If something is really serious, I will report it to the main office.” I replied and volunteered to take over the responsibility of taking care of the film from them. Even knowing that it might bring danger to me sooner than expected.

“Thank you Vernon. I'm sorry I had to drag you into this again,” Andrew said.

“Now it's not just about me or you guys. Or the head office But it also has to do with the future of humanity and the people on that side. I can't keep quiet,” I replied.

“Have you eaten anything yet? I prepared some food for you, Vernon.” Andrew changed the subject. As soon as this bloke spoke, A feeling of hunger suddenly came to me.

“There's mashed potatoes with crispy bacon, your favorite, Vernon. With a lot of emphasis on crispy bacon,” Henry added. The atmosphere instantly turned hilarious.

“Invite me like this. If you don't accept it, you probably won't be able to,” I replied in a good mood. Then Andrew and I went to help bring dinner to the bedroom to avoid the trouble of taking Henry downstairs. Then they laughed and laughed a little like friends. But the topic of conversation was inescapable. The work I did in the past

11:00 p.m. I'm on the road again. to head home Now I'm almost halfway through. Even though my 2 friends wanted me to stay there for fear of danger to me. Plus, that film is with me now. Right now I put it in the glove compartment on the passenger side of the front console.

I think there's nothing more than just Driving home with the music playing on the car's cassette radio as my companion. He brought the film back with him, which was an important item. I have mastered this path. Driving at night isn't a problem for me anyway. The car was inspected before leaving. Plus, there was espresso coffee that Andrew so generously brewed in a coffee mug for me to drink to relieve sleepiness while driving.

But in the end, the ride home was smooth. It must come to an end.