Chapter 20: Two Letters and the Hogwarts Express

Chapter 20: Two Letters and the Hogwarts Express

In the days that followed, Leon was like a dry sponge, absorbing every piece of knowledge thrown at him. He mastered new spells at an astonishing rate. Lupin held nothing back, pouring his entire understanding of magic into his new student.

By their final day, Lupin was genuinely reluctant to see the lessons end.

"I must say, the time we had was far too short," Lupin said, looking at his star pupil with genuine regret.

Leon nodded. "I've learned a great deal from you, Mr. Lupin. You are an exceptional teacher."

Lupin rose and opened the door for Moody, who was waiting outside. Mad-Eye limped in, muttering under his breath. "About to set off, and you're still at it with a 'final lesson.' Hasn't a month of this been enough...?"

"Right, lad! Time to go. Any later and you'll miss the Hogwarts Express," Moody said, clapping Leon roughly on the shoulder.

Urged on by Moody, the three of them walked outside.

Waiting for them were several neat rows of men in black suits. Arthur and John stood at the front. The Peaky Blinders, including Leon's brothers, stood in total, solemn silence, not daring to make a sound.

Moody and Lupin exchanged a glance and quietly stepped aside, leaving the space for Leon and his men.

"You all know I'm not leaving for a holiday," Leon's voice cut through the silence. "I'm leaving to secure new territory for the Peaky Blinders."

"Every man here has bled with me. I trust you, just as I trust that the Shelby name will never fade."

"A few years... it's not so short, but it's not so long either."

"When I return, I expect our guns to be sold from Birmingham to the Scottish Highlands."

"When I return, I expect our men to walk down the street with every eye on them, filled with envy."

"When I return, I expect your pockets to be so full of cash they burst at the seams."

"When I return, I expect your wives and your sweethearts to be wearing the finest silks and the most beautiful jewels!"

"When I return, I expect the children of the Peaky Blinders to be in the best schools! Not scrapping for coal in the gutters like we had to."

"I want the name of the Peaky Blinders to ring out across all of England!"

"For the glory of the Peaky Blinders!"

Leon raised his arm high, his voice ringing with passion, his eyes locked on every man.

After a beat of charged silence, the response came as a roar, a single, deafening shout from every throat.

"FOR THE GLORY OF THE PEAKY BLINDERS!"

Leon watched them, satisfied, and then raised his hands for silence. The roar cut off instantly, the echo the only sound.

"One last thing. And this isn't pleasant."

"Glory and money... they change a man. I trust you. But I can't predict the future."

"So I'll say this once. If any man here betrays his brothers... if he runs to the ends of the earth, I will find him."

"I will put a razor to his throat, and I will ask him if he remembers that warehouse, when we split our first score, and the words we spoke: 'Brothers, united.'"

"Alright, lads. I expect to see every one of you when I get back."

"That's all. Now stop standing around like a bunch of old women. Get out of here!"

"Arthur, John. That includes you. Get on."

Leon ended his speech with his trademark abruptness. Arthur and John gave a single, sharp nod and led the men away.

"That was quite an inspiring speech, Leon," Lupin said, clapping softly, his eyes filled with admiration for his student.

Moody just shook his coat and grumbled, "Have to admit, lad. You make a fine boss."

"Right then. Hold on tight," Moody said, placing his hand on Leon's shoulder.

A moment later, Leon, Lupin, and Moody appeared on the platform at King's Cross Station.

"There's a barrier between platforms nine and ten. Just walk straight at it," Moody said gruffly.

Lupin looked at Leon with an expression of deep affection, his lips moving as if to say something, but no words came out. In the end, he just gave Leon's shoulder an encouraging squeeze.

Leon looked at the two men who had become both his mentors and his friends. He formally extended his hand to each of them. "I look forward to our next meeting."

With that, he gave a sharp nod, turned on his heel, and strode purposefully toward the barrier, and his new life.

Behind him, Moody and Lupin watched him go, their expressions full of complex emotion. After a long moment, they turned to leave the station.

"What will you do now, Remus?" Moody asked, his voice low. "Are you just going to disappear again?"

Lupin smiled shyly, understanding the concern and the complaint hidden in his friend's gruff tone. "I suppose I'll travel a bit. You know how it is, Alastor. Few people are keen on hiring a werewolf. I can't stay in one place for long."

"That kid seemed more than keen to have you around," Moody countered, clearly hoping his old friend wouldn't just vanish.

Lupin's smile was bitter. "How many people in this world are like him?"

They fell into a short silence, walking out of the station without another word.

Finally, Lupin broke it. "Alright, Alastor, I promise I won't just disappear. I'll even answer your letters. Until next time."

Moody let out a long breath, gave his friend one last hard look, and then pulled him into a rough, one-armed hug.

The two men said their goodbyes, promising to meet up at least once a year.

Just as they were parting, a loud hoot sounded above them. Two large parcels dropped from the sky, landing perfectly in their arms.

They looked up to see a large, pitch-black Great Grey Owl soaring away.

"If I'm not mistaken, that's Shelby's owl," Moody said, squinting. "The one he calls 'Razor,' isn't it?"

Lupin was already unwrapping his. Inside, he found a letter and a dozen carefully packed vials. He opened the note.

Dear Mr. Lupin,

There were some things I could not say in person. I trust our time together was a positive experience for you, as it was for me. I was a good student, and good teachers tend to like those.

To be brief: I do not know your future plans. If I had to guess, you intend to go back to wandering. I have an alternative suggestion. Shelby Arms is opening soon. It will be short-staffed, and in need of honest, powerful men like yourself. If you are not averse, I would be grateful for your help.

Enclosed you will find twelve vials of Wolfsbane Potion. The time I had was short, so this was all that could be prepared. When the next batch is ready, I will have it mailed to you.

With this, even if you do not take my offer, you will no longer need to wander. I cannot have my teacher living like a homeless vagrant.

Leon Shelby.

Lupin's eyes reddened, and he clutched the letter tightly.

Meanwhile, Moody had opened his own. His note was much shorter.

Good afternoon, Mr. Moody.

Thank you for your protection, and for your lessons (you were a far worse teacher than Mr. Lupin).

If you want to go back to your boring retirement, be my guest.

If you'd prefer a more exciting life, stick around. There will be plenty of fun to be had at Shelby Arms.

P.S. The first time I saw you, I knew. There is one suit that was practically made for you.

Leon Shelby.

Moody shook his parcel, and a perfectly tailored black suit—the uniform of the Peaky Blinders—fell out. He stared at it for a second, and then let out a loud, barking laugh.

Meanwhile, Leon Shelby had already passed through the barrier and was standing on the open-air platform.

He straightened his suit, adjusted his cap, and strode towards the Hogwarts Express.