Ch: 15 [Unveiling the Past]

Mrs. Hilda released Jack from their embrace and looked into his eyes, her own filled with a mixture of sadness and determination.

"Jack, your parents were remarkable individuals," she began, her voice carrying a weight of nostalgia. "They were both skilled wizards, known for their bravery, intelligence, and unwavering dedication to protecting the magical world."

Jack's heart swelled with a mix of pride and longing as he listened to Mrs. Hilda's words. He had always wondered about his parents and the legacy they left behind.

"Your father, David, was a gifted potion-maker," Mrs. Hilda continued, her voice tinged with reverence. "He had a deep understanding of the magical properties of plants and could create potions of great power. Many considered him a prodigy in his field."

A sense of admiration washed over Jack as he imagined his father's expertise in potion-making. He felt a growing desire to explore his own abilities and carry on his father's legacy.

"And your mother, Sarah," Mrs. Hilda continued, her voice now filled with a touch of sorrow, "she was a talented witch with a remarkable talent for charms and enchantments. She possessed a rare ability to imbue objects with protective spells, creating magical artifacts of great significance."

Jack's eyes widened in fascination as he envisioned his mother, her hands gracefully weaving intricate spells. He longed to learn more about her craft and perhaps discover hidden treasures she had created.

Mrs. Hilda paused for a moment, her gaze fixed on Jack, as if searching for the right words to convey the difficult truth.

"Jack, your parents were members of a secret organization known as the Guardians of Enchantment," she finally revealed, her voice hushed with a sense of mystery. "Their mission was to unearth and safeguard powerful magical artifacts and protect them from falling into the wrong hands."

Jack's mind raced with questions as he absorbed this new revelation. The Guardians of Enchantment—the name held a sense of honor and responsibility.

"Unfortunately," Mrs. Hilda continued, her voice tinged with sorrow, "the Guardians faced a great threat from a dark wizard named Malachi Thorn. He sought to possess the artifacts for his own nefarious purposes."

A shiver ran down Jack's spine as he heard the name. He knew deep down that Malachi Thorn was somehow connected to his parents' disappearance.

"In a final act of bravery," Mrs. Hilda continued, her voice steady but filled with emotion, "your parents confronted Malachi Thorn, hoping to stop his reign of darkness. That's the last time anyone saw or heard from them. Even Malachi and the artifact he was after have disappeared along with them. But, Jack, my heart always believed that they are alive, fighting the battle from the shadows and the reason they haven't come to you is because of the danger they fear they might bring on you due to the enemies they had."

A flicker of hope ignited within Jack as Mrs. Hilda shared her belief in his parents' continued existence. The thought of them fighting a hidden battle, protecting him from the dangers they faced, gave him renewed determination to uncover the truth.

"You mean... you think they're still out there, fighting?" Jack asked, his voice filled with a mix of anticipation and concern.

Mrs. Hilda nodded, her eyes filled with a blend of sadness and hope. "Yes, Jack. It's possible that your parents are still alive, working tirelessly to keep the artifacts safe and prevent Malachi Thorn's plans from coming to fruition. They must believe that by staying hidden, they can protect you and give you a chance at a normal life."

Jack's heart swelled with a sense of gratitude and admiration for his parents' sacrifice. They had chosen to put his safety above their own, even if it meant leaving him behind. But now, armed with this newfound knowledge, he was determined to find them, to stand alongside them in the fight against darkness.

"I want to find them," Jack declared, his voice filled with determination. "I want to help them and bring them back, if they're still out there."

Mrs. Hilda placed a hand on Jack's shoulder, her gaze filled with pride. "I knew you would say that, Jack. You possess the same courage and resilience as your parents. But remember, the path ahead will not be easy. There are dangers lurking in the shadows, and Malachi Thorn is a formidable adversary."

"I understand," Jack replied, his voice steady. "But I can't let fear hold me back. I want to uncover the truth, not just for my parents, but for the magical world as well. I want to help protect it, just like they did."

Mrs. Hilda's eyes glistened with tears as she listened to Jack's unwavering resolve. She had always believed in him, and now, he was stepping into his own destiny.

"Then, my dear Jack, you would need to learn magic diligently. You would need allies you could trust and most importantly, Galleons, to support you in your adventures," she said, her voice filled with unwavering determination. She took out a key from her pocket and gave it to Jack.

"What's Galleons?" Jack asked as he took the key.

"Galleons," Mrs. Hilda explained, "are the currency used in the wizarding world. They are gold coins that hold magical properties and are used for purchasing items, supplies, and services within the magical community."

Jack examined the key in his hand, its intricate design catching his attention. It resembled the key he had acquired from the old man inside the Veil, but there were slight differences.

"This key," Mrs. Hilda continued, "is special, Jack. It grants you access to the Gringotts Wizarding Bank, the safest and most secure place in the wizarding world to store your Galleons and other valuable possessions. Inside the bank, you'll find a vault that belongs to your parents, filled with their personal belongings and resources that may aid you on your journey. I have no idea what they left, but they told me to give it to you if you one day decide to venture into the world of magic."

Jack's eyes widened with astonishment and gratitude as he realized the significance of the key in his possession. It was a tangible connection to his parents, a link to the resources they had left behind.

"Thank you, Mrs. Hilda," Jack said, his voice filled with sincerity. "I can't express how much this means to me. I promise to use these resources wisely and to honor my parents' legacy."

Mrs. Hilda smiled warmly, her eyes filled with pride. "I believe in you, Jack. Your journey won't be easy, but with your determination and the support of your friends, you can overcome any obstacle."

Jack nodded, his mind already buzzing with plans and possibilities. He knew that he couldn't embark on this journey alone. He needed allies he could trust, friends who would stand by his side.

"But... How do I go to this bank?" Jack asked.

Mrs. Hilda's smile widened as she anticipated Jack's question. "Ah, that's where your magical education begins, my dear," she replied. "There's a hidden entrance to Diagon Alley, the magical shopping district, right here in London. Once you find it, you'll be able to access the bank and all the other magical establishments."

Jack's curiosity peaked as he imagined a hidden entrance in the midst of the bustling city. "How do I find this hidden entrance?"

*******