Prologue
Yorkshire, 1993
Rain pattered the windows of the little run-down cottage on the outskirts of the small town of Yorkshire, the world blurring to a sea of grey outside. Most of its population had resorted to stay indoors to escape the downpour. But not everyone.
A hunched figure made his way across the puddles forming quickly on the muddy path that led towards the cottage, the hood of his cloak pulled up over his head to hide him from the rain. He nearly slipped a few times, barely catching his balance. Every once in a while, he chanced a glance over his shoulder, letting his eyes roam the area around him as if checking for danger, waiting for an attack. But none came and he hurried forwards again, finally reaching his destination – the doors of the little cottage.
A sigh escaped him once he had entered his little refuge, rubbing his clammy hands, bristling at their coldness. He made to pull off his cloak, muttering something incomprehensible as he saw the puddles of water he had trailed behind him, as he suddenly froze.
Something was different, he could tell. He could not yet point his finger on it, though. Suddenly on the alert, his hand went to the inside pocket of his cloak as he slowly made his way forward on his tiptoes, every single muscle of his body rigid as a board.
It was warm in the cottage. There appeared to be a fire burning in the hearth. But how could this be? He had been away the whole day. And no one had the keys to his apartment. That could only mean one thing… an intruder. But who? An enemy would surely not take the time to light a fire?
The intruder was still here. He could sense them. They were right there, in the living room.
He took a deep breath, leaning against the wall and trying to make up his mind what to do. If they were what he thought they was, calling the police would do him little good. There was only one thing for it, to confront them be they friend or foe. What did he have to lose anyway? Closing his eyes for a second to concentrate, he decided to count to three in his head.
One. Two…
Before he could reach three, though, a very familiar voice rang from the living room.
"Hello, Remus."