**Chapter 2: Shadows Gathering**

The darkness outside seemed to press in, as if it too was trying to intrude on the peaceful slumber of Harry and Bonnie. But for now, their love and the warmth of their cottage kept the shadows at bay. The moon had dipped below the horizon, and the room was bathed in a soft, inky blackness. The only sound was the gentle hum of crickets and the distant hooting of an owl. As they slept, a figure emerged from the darkness, their footsteps quiet on the winding path that led to Harry's cottage. The figure was shrouded in a hooded cloak, making it impossible to discern any features. They moved with a sense of purpose, their eyes fixed on the cottage. The air seemed to grow colder as the figure approached, and the crickets' song faltered, as if they too sensed the presence of something ominous. The figure reached the cottage and paused, their eyes scanning the windows and doors, searching for any sign of life. Bonnie stirred, her eyes fluttering open as she felt a sudden chill run down her spine. She turned to Harry, her voice barely above a whisper. "Harry, do you feel that?" she asked, her eyes scanning the room. Harry's eyes opened, and he sat up, his senses on high alert. "Feel what?" he asked, his voice low and cautious. Bonnie hesitated, unsure of how to explain. "I don't know, but something feels off. Like someone's watching us." Harry's eyes narrowed, and he threw off the covers, getting out of bed to investigate. Bonnie followed close behind, her heart racing with anticipation. As they reached the window, they saw a figure standing in the shadows, their presence seeming to draw the darkness closer. Harry's eyes locked onto the figure, and he felt a surge of protectiveness. He turned to Bonnie, his voice low and urgent. "Stay here, I'll handle this." But Bonnie was already moving, her feet carrying her to the door as if of their own accord. She opened it, and a cold breeze swept in, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and decay. The figure stepped forward, their hood falling away to reveal a face that made Bonnie's heart skip a beat. It was a face she knew, one that she had thought she would never see again. "Merlin," she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. The wizard's eyes locked onto hers, and a small, enigmatic smile played on his lips. "Bonnie Lestrange," he said, his voice low and mysterious. "I've come to deliver a message, one that will change the course of your life forever." As Merlin's words hung in the air, Harry stepped forward, his eyes narrowed. "What kind of message?" he asked, his voice firm. Merlin's eyes flicked to Harry, and for a moment, Bonnie thought she saw a glimmer of something like approval. "The kind that requires your presence, at the old oak tree in the heart of the forest," he said, his voice dripping with an otherworldly authority. "The time is midnight. Come alone." With that, Merlin turned and disappeared into the darkness, leaving Harry and Bonnie staring at each other in confusion and trepidation. The night had just become a lot more interesting, and their peaceful life was about to be turned upside down.