WATER FOUNTAIN; Remus Lupin

Prologue

DARKNESS. That's all that the child remembered on that first day of spring. Under the illusive willow branches that concealed the boy from the gentle sunlight, he allowed himself to close his eyes and bask in his small slice of peace. The songbirds trilled a heartfelt melody just for him as butterflies kissed his cherub cheeks—he let the playful breeze coax him into a relaxed state. Lying on his back, he splayed his tender hands on the long grass feeling each hum and vibration of nature. If one were to peer through the curtain of leaves, this soft scene would rival a fine painting of the gods.

Yet, a disturbance was felt and it trembled through the warm air. As if they were aware, the butterflies shielded the boy's face, and the birds had ceased their ballade. The grass beneath the child seemed to engulf him in a safe embrace, holding its breath, awaiting the danger. The boy's eyelashes fluttered on his pale face and he sat up, breaking the protective hold, and nudging the butterflies off his cheeks.

A scream permeated through the field, each leaf shuddering under the intensity. Ignoring the bird's protests he leapt up and tumbled into the field of wildflowers and tall grass. Against his better judgement, the boy sprinted towards the quaint house, not quite noticing the sensation of the long grass cutting his bare arms. His lungs were burning, his head ached, and his heart quivered. He reached the house but noticed the eerie silence that ensued.

Not a squeal of delight from his darling sister, or the faint humming of his mother welcomed him home.

With childlike bravery he pushed open the door leading to the warm living room, except it was ice cold and the sunlight no longer chased its way through the partially drawn curtains. Even their family owl had fled in a flurry of feathers. Time appeared to halt, like a bubble was sectioning off the humble house from the outside world of life and warmth.

But amidst the intruding shadows, a familiar voice lead him to the kitchen. And there between the gap of the old door was his mother kneeling on the ground in tears. A muted gasp and a mask of horror overtook the child. As ever, his mother always knew where he was hiding, and she discreetly shook her head for her son to stay away.

"Give her to me. Give me Apollo!" The addition of a gruff voice startled the boy and seemed to stir the previously sleeping girl. A mop of pure golden hair peeked over their mother's shoulder. She gargled and groped for her mother's hold but was not indulged for the mother had shifted her body to cover Apollo's—vainly hoping the man hadn't seen her.

A low chuckle rumbled like a threatening thunderstorm, warning them of the destruction to come.

"I would advise you to comply, Leto."

In a last attempt of saving her daughter, Leto dived for her discarded wand and braced herself. But before a single incantation had left her lips, she was struck by the most painful unforgiveable curse. Through his mother's grating cries, the boy had to do anything to keep himself away. His hands curled into fists but he was not aware of the blood dripping from his hands.

"You know I never wanted to hurt you."

"But here you are." The boy's mother choked back, punctuated by a well-aimed spit to his face. A growl shook the walls of the house as the unknown man lunged towards Leto with frightening force. After shoving her to the side, the wide-eyed girl gazed at the man and burst into tears. At this moment, an unknown force compelled the boy forwards and he stumbled to protect his sister.

"No Artemis, you should have stayed away," his mother said in faint disapproval. In response Artemis turned to his mother and gave her a reassuring nod.

"Ah the bastard child comes at last. Perhaps it's fated for you and your sister to be tied." The young boy didn't know what any of that meant but he masked his fear and turned to face the man. He was a tall man with greying hair and a milky white eye. Artemis had never seen this man before.

"I'll give you my sister; just let me and my mother go."

"...very well, boy."

As Artemis carefully picked up Apollo, he stroked her head and whispered soft affirmations despite his mother's sobbing protests. But when the man was within reach, Artemis threw a stone at the man's head.

"Is that all you've got, boy?" sneered the man in a patronising manner. After a second, a flock of swallows swooped in from the open window and pecked at the man. Artemis hurriedly grabbed his mother, but couldn't manage to lug both his sister and mother away at the same time. Looking back he saw a pile of dead swallows twitching on the floor. With renewed anger, the man grabbed Artemis and Apollo and pointed his wand at them.

"Deprecor per solem et lunam. This is what you get for crossing me." Both children shrieked in pain as the incantation left them paralysed. "When the world goes dark, they will awaken." Leto could only whimper in response, fearing for her beloved children.

With one last look at the small family he cast one more spell:

"Obliviate."