3 Chapter 3 Comfort of the soul

Hampshire Welfare Village

The village, named after the family, isn't particularly large. Aside from the sprawling manor at the end, there are only a handful of households nearby. What's more, these residents are all Muggles, completely unaware that within the towering fences lies a residence occupied by several wizards skilled in magic. Or rather, they can't even see the estate at all.

A plethora of Muggle-repelling charms, along with ancient protective spells, shroud this place. Even ordinary wizards would only perceive it as an ordinary estate. According to memory, as a child, Tewell often ran around the village to play, disappearing before the astonished eyes of his companions. However, after doing this too many times, his mother no longer allowed him to tease Muggle children.

At the peaceful entrance of the estate, with a light "pop," a figure materialized. It was none other than Tewell, returning from a far-off place. However, before entering England, he had been transported internationally using a Portkey. It must be said, long-distance transportation is much more convenient with a Portkey.

Unlike Apparition, a Portkey isn't a spatial magic for teleportation but rather a rapid flight magic. Therefore, compared to Apparition, Portkeys are more energy-efficient and safer. As soon as Tewell steadied himself, the estate's gates automatically swung open for him, and a diminutive elf stood behind, respectfully bowing to him.

This elf had two bat-like large ears and eyes that protruded slightly. He was the house-elf of the Welfare family, Jeff. However, unlike other house-elves, he wore a clean and tidy white robe.

"Afternoon, Master Welfare, welcome home. The Master and Madam have been eagerly awaiting your return," the house-elf's voice was somewhat sharp, and tears welled up in his eyes as he raised his head.

"Long time no see, Jeff," Tewell smiled. Initially, when he encountered the ring and was weak, it was Jeff who had always taken care of him. Although it was customary for house-elves to care for their masters among wizards, Tewell, as a traveler, couldn't take others' care for granted. Therefore, after persuading his parents and Jeff, Tewell gave Jeff a robe, allowing him to leave the Welfare family and become a truly free house-elf at any time. Of course, with Jeff's attachment to the family, Tewell couldn't drive him away.

Wiping away his tears, Jeff should be happy to see the young master again. "You've been away so long, Madam is going to nag for quite some time," he remarked.

Thinking about this, Tewell began to feel a headache coming on, unsure if his father could help at this time. After pondering the whole way, he could only conclude that his father was entirely unreliable.

"Well, look who's here, the candidate for Minister of Magic?" A finely featured woman leaned against the house's door, her smile unstoppable. Fortunately, time hadn't left too many marks on her face. She was Tewell's mother, Brenda Welfare.

Upon hearing this, a simple-looking man poked his head out from another direction. Upon seeing Tewell standing at the door, his eyes lit up. He opened his mouth to speak but was stifled by a cough from the woman next to him. He gave Tewell a pleading look before retracting his head.

This unreliable figure was Tewell's father, Miles Welfare.

"Of course, it's your son, gentle, kind, beautiful, and elegant," Tewell emphasized the adjectives, then affectionately tapped Brenda's shoulder.

"Oh, stop it," Brenda turned and walked inside, her voice carrying a hint of tears. "My son wouldn't stay away for two years."

Oh no! In order to study the secrets of the curse, Tewell hadn't come back for a single day since last summer.

Also not knowing why, the concept of family affection was particularly heavy at home. During his seven years studying at Durmstrang, exhausted owls could fly around the estate twice. But to be honest, this feeling was heartwarming. Especially under the pressure of racing against Death, the warmth of family affection was the main reason for him to persevere. So Tewell didn't want to break this bond and become a indifferent person.

He caught up with his mother, wanting to explain the prepared speech, but at the moment he crossed the threshold...

"Surprise!"

His father hid behind the door, jumped out with a wave of his wand, and the ceiling of the house was instantly filled with colorful fireworks of various colors. Jeff also jumped out from the side, shouting loudly, "Congratulations, Master, on your eighteenth birthday!"

The originally bright house suddenly became dim. His mother held a large cake in her hands, with the twisted "18" written on it. With a breath, the candles on it were lit up, illuminating her face.

"It may not look very good, I tried for days and couldn't make it as good as your father's, but I can't admit it!" Brenda threatened as she glared at Miles, who was chuckling on the side.

"No, I love it," Tewell said softly.

"I bet you dare not dislike it," Brenda teased herself, "before blowing out the candles, remember to make a wish!"

Wizards don't have the concept of making a wish on birthdays, but Tewell didn't know when he first came here, so he foolishly made a wish for a long life. Since then, making a birthday wish has become a tradition in the Welfare family.

With his hands clasped under his chin, Tewell closed his eyes and silently said, "I hope my parents live a healthy and safe life."

In the expectant eyes of Brenda and Miles, he opened his eyes, slightly leaned forward, gently blew, and the eighteen candles were extinguished. With a flick of the cake, Miles skillfully caught it on the side, but Brenda didn't even look at her husband, she opened her arms and hugged Tewell.

"Happy birthday, son!"

"Thank you, Mom, I'm very happy," Tewell suddenly felt a sense of guilt. The original owner had such good parents, yet he had replaced him. All he could do now was to do better than the original, to alleviate some of the guilt in his heart.

"Don't be too happy just yet," Brenda smirked as she released her embrace, "as a punishment for not coming home for two years—"

Miles timely handed the cake back, "Just finish the cake!"

Tewell: "..."

So, at dinner time, Tewell sat at the table, enjoying the entire large cake alone, while watching his family, including Jeff, savoring the French feast his father had meticulously prepared.

It is well known that the advantage of cake is that it is generally not too bad, but once it becomes bad, it is really bad, and taste alone cannot solve the problem. At home, Miles excelled in delicate French cuisine, Tewell, due to his past life, could also handle some Chinese dishes, and Jeff, as a house-elf, was proficient in various European cuisines.

But Brenda, even the famous British trio of fish and chips, she struggled with, let alone this cake she had supposedly been learning for a week.

"Alright, come try your father's baked cheese fire crab," Brenda looked at her son's crestfallen expression, knowing when to stop, and brought the dish she had originally prepared for him.