Chapter 16
The Vanishing Children Case
As the carriages rolled to a stop in front of Hogwarts, students began to pour out, their excited chatter filling the cool night air. Qing Yi stepped down from the carriage with practiced ease, his emerald eyes scanning the familiar silhouette of the castle against the starry sky. Lan Xichen disembarked right after him, his gaze thoughtful as he observed the younger boy.
Concern for Qing Yi's well-being after his ordeal in the Marauder's Maze lingered in Lan Xichen's thoughts. Without consciously deciding to do so, he found himself walking alongside Qing Yi towards the castle entrance. His protective instincts, heightened by the night's events, drove him to ensure the younger boy's safe return to his dormitory.
As they neared the grand staircase, Marcus Flintlock waved to the group. "Goodnight, everyone!" he called with a grin, heading off toward the Slytherin dormitories.
"See you tomorrow," Elara Greenwood added, giving a small wave as she made her way toward the Hufflepuff dormitories.
The rest of the group began to part ways as well.
"Goodnight, Qing Yi!" Wei Wuxian called, his usual grin flashing brightly in the dim light. "Try not to wander into any more mazes without me."
Qing Yi smiled and waved. "Goodnight, Wei Ying. Next time if I disappear in the maze again, I’ll make sure to drag you along."
Jiang Cheng gave a quick nod, his arms crossed but a hint of warmth in his voice. "Take care, Qing Yi. Don't cause too much trouble in Slytherin."
"Goodnight, Jiang Cheng," Qing Yi replied, amused. "I’ll try to behave… no promises, though."
Jiang Yanli smiled gently at Qing Yi as she stood beside her brothers. "Goodnight, Qing Yi. Rest well, okay?"
"Goodnight, Yanli-jie," Qing Yi said softly, appreciating her kindness.
Lan Wangji gave a brief nod, his eyes lingering on Qing Yi for a moment before speaking. "Goodnight."
Qing Yi returned the nod, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "Goodnight, Wangji."
As his friends headed toward their respective dormitories, Qing Yi noticed that Lan Xichen was still walking beside him. Qing Yi looked at him curiously. "Aren’t you going with Wangji to the Ravenclaw dorm?"
Lan Xichen smiled gently. "I’ll see you to your dorm first," he said, his tone light but with a hint of protectiveness.
Qing Yi blinked in surprise, but there was no denying the appreciation that flickered in his eyes. "You really don’t have to—"
"I insist," Lan Xichen interrupted with a soft chuckle. "After everything that’s happened tonight, I’d rather make sure you’re alright."
Qing Yi grinned mischievously at him, his eyes twinkling. "Oh, don’t worry about me, Senior Lan. I’m not some helpless girl. I sleep next to creatures of the deep every night—my dormitory is under the Black Lake, after all."
He laughed heartily, his lightheartedness infectious, then added with a playful smile, "But... if you really want to, I wouldn’t mind the company."
Lan Xichen chuckled softly, shaking his head in amusement. Qing Yi really did seem to be back to his usual self, his playful nature shining through despite everything that had happened. The sight brought a sense of relief to Lan Xichen, who had been worried ever since the ordeal in the maze.
As the two continued toward the Slytherin dormitories, they exchanged light-hearted conversation, the tension of the night easing with every step. Qing Yi found himself smiling more freely, grateful for Lan Xichen's comforting presence.
When they reached the foot of the staircase, Qing Yi paused and turned to face Lan Xichen. His silver hair gleamed in the torchlight, creating an almost ethereal halo around his face. "Thank you for taking care of me through the Hogsmeade trip," he said, his voice tinged with both gratitude and lingering embarrassment. "And... I'm sorry again for making you miss the parade."
Lan Xichen's smile was warm and reassuring. "You're most welcome, Qing Yi. And please, don't worry about the parade. There's always next year."
Qing Yi returned the smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "Good night, Senior Lan," he said, turning towards the stairs.
"Wait," Lan Xichen called out softly, reaching out to gently grasp Qing Yi's wrist. The younger boy turned back, surprise evident on his face. "Try to take some Sleeping Draught tonight, if you can. It might help ease your mind and give you a peaceful sleep. It's been... quite a stressful night for you, and no one expected any of this to happen."
Qing Yi nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you again. I will." He hesitated for a moment, as if wanting to say more, but then simply repeated, "Good night," before descending the stairs.
Lan Xichen stood at the top of the staircase, watching Qing Yi's retreating form until it disappeared into the shadows. His expression remained calm and serene, but inside, his mind was churning. The strange encounter with the dark figure in the maze and its possible connection to the kidnapping case from seven years ago gnawed at him, refusing to let go.
****
The Ravenclaw common room was a sanctuary of midnight blue and bronze, the warm glow of the fire casting dancing shadows across the elegant furnishings. Despite the late hour, a few students still lingered, their hushed conversations a gentle backdrop to the brothers' meeting.
Lan Xichen quietly settled into one of the plush armchairs near a tall window, with Lan Wangji occupying the matching chair opposite him. A small, low table sat between them. Moonlight spilled across the floor, mingling with the warm glow from the fireplace. Their cozy nook offered views of both the starry sky and the crackling flames. Outside, the soft rustling of the trees and the distant, serene view of the grounds added to the quiet atmosphere.
Lan Wangji's stoic expression remained calm, though his sharp eyes held a contemplative edge. He leaned back slightly, his gaze momentarily drifting to the window before turning to his brother.
“What do you make of Qing Yi’s case?” Lan Wangji asked, his voice low and steady.
Lan Xichen sat back, his brow furrowed slightly as he gathered his thoughts. “As you already heard, Qing Yi mentioned a recurring dream he’s been having. But before you and the others returned from the parade, he went into more detail.”
Lan Xichen explained, leaning in slightly. "He told me that in the dream, he saw a bright, glowing tree in a dark forest... and children being thrown into it. It wasn’t just a nightmare—it felt more like a memory."
Lan Wangji sat back, his expression thoughtful as he absorbed what his brother said. He wasn’t one to jump to conclusions, but the details weighed on him. "Dreams, especially recurring ones, often hold significance," he remarked quietly, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "And this one seems far too vivid to dismiss as coincidence."
Lan Xichen nodded in agreement, his gaze distant. "It reminded me of the Vanishing Children case from seven years ago. The details... they're too similar. I've been pondering it all night."
Lan Wangji’s eyes flickered with recognition. He gave a slow nod. “Yes, I remember that case. It sent shockwaves through the wizarding world. Hundreds of children... gone. It's a tragedy that's seared into our collective memory."
He paused, his voice lowering slightly. “It didn’t sit well with me either. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for a long time.”
There was a brief silence between them, the weight of their thoughts hanging in the air. Then Lan Wangji shared a glance with his brother, a flicker of concern crossing his face. “Do you think... Qing Yi...?” He trailed off, the question heavy with implication.
Lan Xichen glanced at his brother, and for a moment, the two shared a silent understanding. There was no need to say more; they both knew the gravity of the situation. Then, Lan Xichen nodded slightly, the look in his eyes turning more serious.
“I... think so. Either Qing Yi was one of the kidnapped children, or… perhaps the case affected him deeply when he learned about it. Either way, it seems to have become a part of him, manifesting in his dreams."
Lan Wangji's typically stoic expression shifted, a flicker of doubt crossing his features. "Can a mere story, no matter how tragic, truly cause such recurring nightmares?" he asked, his voice low and measured.
Lan Xichen met his brother's gaze, a look of dawning realization in his eyes. He remained silent, but his expression spoke volumes, acknowledging the weight of Lan Wangji's point.
After a moment of contemplation, Lan Wangji continued, his tone measured and thoughtful, "Let's consider the possibility that he was indeed one of the victims. If so, why doesn't he seem to remember it consciously? And why do these memories only surface in his recurring nightmares?"
Lan Xichen exhaled slowly, his brow furrowing as his thoughts deepened. His fingers absentmindedly tapped the edge of the table, betraying his own unease.
“Who knows... trauma can be buried deep. It’s possible that he’s repressed it. Or...” His voice trailed off for a moment as he considered the possibilities. "There's a chance his memories might have been... altered in some way. We can't rule out magical intervention, though for what purpose, I couldn't say."
Lan Wangji’s gaze drifted to the darkened window, where the faint reflection of the room flickered against the glass. His thoughts seemed to settle into the night’s quiet, yet something stirred beneath the surface of his calm expression.
“It’s strange, isn’t it?” he finally said, his voice a soft murmur. “We know hundreds of children died... but many were also rescued. And yet... we don’t know who they are. Not a single name. It’s as though they’ve been hidden away from the world—on purpose.”
The words hung in the air like a lingering shadow, and Lan Xichen, too, found himself lost in thought, his brow furrowing. “You’re right.” His tone was thoughtful, laced with curiosity. “I looked into the case before... But no matter where I searched, there was no information about the survivors. Not a single mention of who they were or where they ended up.”
He paused, leaning back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. “Why would the authorities hide such vital information? You’d think it would be public, especially after such a tragic event.”
Lan Wangji remained silent for a moment, his posture stiff, as if weighing the implications. Then, without breaking the quiet, he turned his gaze back to his brother. “We should ask Mother.”
Lan Xichen blinked, caught off guard by the suggestion. “Mother?”
Lan Wangji gave a small, definitive nod. “She was one of the best Aurors before her retirement, and this case was one of the most infamous. If anyone would know more... it would be her.”
Lan Xichen considered this, his mind turning over the idea. The thought of involving their mother in such a matter felt both reassuring and unsettling. She had always been fiercely protective, and though she had retired at their father’s request, her sharp instincts remained. If they were to seek her advice, she would certainly have insight beyond what the public knew.
The fire crackled softly in the hearth, the warmth contrasting with the dark and unsettling thoughts swirling in their minds. The brothers sat in silent agreement for a moment, the weight of their decision hanging between them.
Lan Xichen finally stood up and strode to his room, returning moments later with the two-way mirror in hand. As he re-entered the common room, he glanced at his brother, who remained deep in thought, fingers lightly tapping the arm of his chair.
“I’ll contact her now,” Lan Xichen said quietly, retrieving the mirror and preparing to call. His brow was still furrowed with concern as he braced himself for the conversation to come. “Let’s hope she has some answers.”
Lan Wangji gave a curt nod, his gaze unwavering as he watched his brother activate the mirror. They waited in silence, the flicker of the flames in the hearth casting dancing shadows across the room. The soft hum of magic reverberated from the mirror as Lan Xichen tapped the surface, speaking softly to initiate the call.
The mirror glowed faintly, but no image appeared at first. The brothers exchanged a glance, both of them holding their breath as they waited. The seconds stretched out, the stillness of the Ravenclaw common room punctuated only by the crackling fire.
Then, just as Lan Xichen began to wonder if their mother would answer, the mirror flickered once more. Madam Lan’s familiar face slowly came into view, her sharp eyes scanning the mirror before softening as she recognized her sons. She appeared slightly disheveled, as though she had just been getting ready for bed.
"Xichen? Wangji?" Her voice was warm, though tinged with surprise. "What a pleasant surprise! It’s rare that you boys call home during term. Is everything all right?"
Lan Xichen let out a small breath, relieved she had picked up. "We’re fine, Mother," he replied, though his tone carried an undercurrent of tension. "We’ve just returned from Hogsmeade."
Madam Lan raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "And here I thought I’d be asleep by now," she teased lightly. "But when my boys call, I can’t help but answer. You’ve caught me just before bed—what’s going on?"
Lan Wangji remained silent, his gaze fixed on the mirror, while Lan Xichen shifted slightly, trying to ease the tension in his shoulders. "It’s late, we know," he said, managing a small smile in return. "But we wanted to check in on you."
"Uh-huh," Madam Lan replied, narrowing her eyes in that motherly way that said she wasn’t fooled for a second. "You boys don’t call this late just to check in. What’s really on your mind? Spit it out."
Lan Xichen shared a glance with his brother, a hint of guilt flashing across his features. He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to find the right words, but Lan Wangji, ever direct, leaned forward and got straight to the point.
"Mother, we wanted to ask you about the children’s kidnapping case from seven years ago."
Madam Lan's eyebrows rose, surprise evident in her expression. "Well," she said, her voice measured but curious, "that's certainly not a topic I expected to discuss tonight. What brought this on?"
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji exchanged a meaningful glance before turning their attention back to their mother's face in the mirror. Lan Xichen leaned forward, his voice soft but urgent.
"Mother, I was wondering if you could tell us more about the case. The details that perhaps... didn't make it into the official reports."
Madam Lan's brow furrowed, a mix of confusion and concern crossing her face. "It was all over the news, Xichen. I thought I had told you about it." She paused, her eyes distant as she recalled those dark days. "I remember that case all too well. It was one of the most disturbing cases we ever faced.” she began, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and gravity.
"A group of dark wizards, their origins unknown, gathered to kidnap children for their sinister rituals and sacrifices."
Lan Wangji, his face impassive but his eyes sharp with interest, interjected, "Why were they sacrificing children, Mother?"
Madam Lan's expression grew grim, the weight of old horrors evident in the tightening of her jaw. She let out a heavy sigh, her gaze flickering between her two sons. "According to the newspaper…”
"The newspapers provided limited information, mother." Lan Wangji interjected politely, his voice steady, "They mentioned dark rituals and child sacrifices, but the reasons remained unclear. Do you have any additional insights?"
Madam Lan gave a brief, knowing nod. "You're correct, Wangji. The reports were vague because... no one knows the full reason."
Lan Xichen, sensing there was more to the story, pressed gently, "Why didn't the Ministry try to make the captured wizards confess?"
Madam Lan's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of past failures evident in her posture. "Because, Xichen... most of the dark wizards we captured either took their own lives or erased their own memories. We were left with more questions than answers."
The brothers shared a look of surprise and concern before turning back to their mother. Lan Xichen's voice was barely above a whisper as he asked, "Then... you don't know why they kidnapped the children?"
Their mother shook her head, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "At the time, your father and I were focused on keeping you kids safe. And after what happened to your grandmother..."
Her voice broke, the pain of old wounds resurfacing. She took a moment to compose herself before continuing, "All I could focus on after that was capturing the criminals and rescuing the children. As for their motives..."
Madam Lan glanced around furtively, as if checking for eavesdroppers in her own home. When she turned back to the mirror, her voice was low and urgent. "Well, I have my theories, but... it's complicated. We should discuss it later, when you're both home."
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji exchanged a meaningful look, a silent conversation passing between them. They could feel the weight of their mother's unspoken words, the gravity of secrets yet to be revealed. Lan Xichen nodded slowly, his expression a mixture of understanding and reluctance.
"Alright," he said softly, his voice tinged with a hint of disappointment. But there was one more thing gnawing at his mind, a question he couldn't leave unasked. "One last question, if I may. The children you rescued... were they alright afterwards?"
Madam Lan's face clouded over, a shadow of old pain flickering across her features. She let out a long, sad sigh, her shoulders sagging slightly under the weight of memory. "Yes, presumably they are okay," she began, her voice heavy with a mix of relief and regret. "After going through such an ordeal, the Ministry made a difficult decision. They performed memory charm on all of the rescued children, erasing those terrible traumas so they could have a chance at a normal life."
The revelation hit the brothers like a physical blow. Lan Wangji's usually impassive face showed a flicker of shock, while Lan Xichen's eyes widened in disbelief. The implications of this information swirled in their minds, pieces of a puzzle slowly falling into place.
Madam Lan continued, her voice softening in an attempt at reassurance. "So rest assured, all of those children are now safe, living normal everyday lives. They've been given a second chance, free from the burden of those horrific memories."
Lan Xichen's mind raced, connecting this new information to Qing Yi's mysterious behavior and fragmented dreams. Could this be the reason why Qing Yi didn't remember anything? The thought both relieved and troubled him. He glanced at Lan Wangji, seeing his own concerns mirrored in his brother's eyes.
In that silent exchange, both brothers grasped the implications of their mother's words. The secrecy surrounding the rescued children's identities suddenly made sense - it wasn't just about protecting them from their traumatic past, but also shielding them from any chance of those memories resurfacing. The Ministry's decision, while ethically questionable, was a desperate attempt to give these children a chance at normalcy.
Lan Wangji gave an almost imperceptible nod, encouraging Lan Xichen to pursue this line of questioning further. The older brother turned back to the mirror, his expression carefully composed despite the turmoil of emotions beneath the surface.
Taking a deep breath to steady himself, Lan Xichen addressed their mother once more. "Mother," he began, his voice carefully controlled to mask the urgency he felt, "given the circumstances, I understand why this information might be sensitive, but... do you recall the names of any of the children you rescued?"
Madam Lan's brow furrowed in concentration, her hand absently moving to her chin as she tried to remember. After a moment, she shook her head, a look of frustration crossing her face. "I'm afraid I don't, Xichen. It was all such a blur, and we were focused on their safety rather than their identities at the time." She paused, then added, "But I'm fairly certain the Ministry kept a list of names of those rescued children in their filing cabinets. Standard procedure, you know."
As the brothers absorbed this information, a change came over Madam Lan's face. Her eyes sharpened, the instincts of a seasoned Auror kicking in. She leaned closer to the mirror, her gaze intense as she studied her sons' faces.
"Now, boys," she said, her voice taking on a more authoritative tone, "I've answered quite a few of your questions. It's time you answered one of mine." Her eyes narrowed slightly, a mix of curiosity and concern evident in her expression. "Why this sudden interest in a closed case? Have you... encountered someone connected to the kidnappings?"
The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji exchanged another glance, silently debating how much to reveal. The crackling of the common room fire seemed to grow louder in the tense silence, casting flickering shadows across their troubled faces as they considered their response to their mother's probing question.
Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji shared another meaningful look, the weight of their suspicions heavy in the air between them. Lan Xichen took a deep breath, steeling himself for the revelation he was about to make.
"Mother," he began, his voice steady but laced with concern, "I suspect... a first-year student at our school might be a victim of that case."
Madam Lan's expression transformed instantly, her eyes widening with surprise and a flash of something deeper – perhaps fear or recognition. "A student?" she breathed, leaning closer to the mirror.
Lan Xichen nodded, his brow furrowing as he continued, "He doesn't seem to recall the events clearly, but he's been experiencing dreams... dreams that seem to echo that time."
"Dreams?" Madam Lan repeated, her voice barely above a whisper. The brothers could see the gears turning in her mind, connecting dots they couldn't yet see.
Lan Xichen nodded again, his voice growing softer as he recounted what Qing Yi had shared. "He said he saw himself inside a cage in a dark forest."
Madam Lan gasped audibly, her hand flying to her mouth. The reaction wasn't lost on either brother, and they exchanged another quick glance.
Lan Xichen pressed on, his heart racing. "Dark figures were everywhere – I assume those were the dark wizards. And then... there was a bright, big tree in the middle of it all..."
"And the children were being sacrificed to the tree?" Madam Lan finished, her voice hollow with a horrified recognition.
Lan Xichen's surprise was evident, but he nodded slowly. "Something like that, yes."
Madam Lan's brow furrowed deeply, worry and concern etching lines into her face. She let out a long, heavy sigh, the weight of old memories and new fears evident in her posture. "If the boy can see this so clearly in his dreams, then... it's very likely he was among the kidnapped children back then. You said he's a first-year?"
When Lan Xichen confirmed with a nod, Madam Lan's expression grew even more troubled. She seemed to be doing mental calculations, her lips moving silently. "Then... yes, that's very likely. He would have been the right age at the time of the kidnappings."
She fixed her gaze on Lan Xichen, her eyes intense with a mixture of maternal concern and professional caution. "Xichen, I think... it's best that you don't delve much deeper into this case. Especially when you're around that boy." Her voice softened, tinged with sadness. "Something as horrible as that... it shouldn't exist in a child's memory."
Lan Xichen felt a knot forming in his stomach, torn between his desire to help Qing Yi and the wisdom in his mother's words. Lan Wangji, usually stoic, shifted uncomfortably beside him.
Madam Lan continued, her voice heavy with the weight of experience. "As you can see, it must have been an incredibly traumatic event. Even after being Obliviated, he still recalls it through his dreams." She paused, her eyes searching Lan Xichen's face. "If you can, Xichen, try to... ease the boy's mind. Help him extinguish such thoughts and memories. It's for his own good."
The brothers sat in stunned silence, the implications of their mother's words sinking in. Lan Xichen felt a conflict raging within him – the instinct to protect and help Qing Yi warring with the advice of his mother and the potential consequences of unearthing such traumatic memories.
Lan Wangji, sensing his brother's internal struggle, spoke up for the first time in a while. "Mother," he began, his voice low and measured, "if these memories are surfacing on their own, is it not our responsibility to help him understand them? To help him heal?"
The question hung in the air, challenging the accepted wisdom of Obliviation and forced forgetting. Madam Lan's expression softened, a mix of pride and concern in her eyes as she regarded her sons – no longer children, but young men grappling with complex moral dilemmas.
"My boys," she said softly, "you have kind hearts. But sometimes... sometimes kindness means protecting people from their own past." She paused, her gaze distant. "However, I understand your concern. This is a delicate situation, one that requires careful consideration."
Lan Xichen leaned forward, his brow furrowed with confusion and concern. "Mother, when you say ‘help him’... do you mean we should try to exterminate these memories? How would we even do that? Perform Obliviate again?"
Madam Lan's eyes refocused on her son, a weary sigh escaping her lips. She closed her eyes for a moment, deep in thought, the weight of years of experience evident in the lines of her face. When she opened them again, there was a determined glint in her gaze.
"No, not Obliviate. That's clearly not been entirely effective," she said, her voice low and thoughtful. "If you can, bring the boy over during your fall break. I'll... I'll see what I can do."
The brothers exchanged a look, surprise and a glimmer of hope passing between them. Before they could respond, the sound of a door opening echoed through the mirror, followed by a familiar voice.
"Dear? Why are you still awake at this hour?"
Mr. Lan's tall figure appeared behind Madam Lan, his eyebrows raised in curiosity. His eyes widened slightly as he caught sight of the two-way mirror, a smile spreading across his usually stern features.
"Ah, Xichen, Wangji," he said, his deep voice warm with affection. "What a pleasant surprise. Missing home already after just three months away?"
Lan Xichen felt a rush of warmth at the sight of his father, a mix of homesickness and comfort washing over him. "Father," he greeted, a small smile tugging at his lips. "We just wanted to check in. How are things at home?"
Mr. Lan chuckled, placing a hand on his wife's shoulder. "Oh, you know. Quiet without you two troublemakers around. The house feels a bit too big these days."
Even Lan Wangji's stoic expression softened at his father's words. "We miss you too, Father," he said quietly.
The family fell into easy conversation, exchanging news and anecdotes. For a few moments, the weight of their earlier discussion seemed to lift, replaced by the simple joy of family connection. Lan Xichen found himself relaxing, the tension in his shoulders easing slightly as he listened to his father's deep, rumbling laugh and his mother's gentle teasing.
As the hours slipped by, Mr. Lan glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, his expression turning slightly stern. "Boys, it's getting quite late. I know it's Sunday tomorrow, but you should still get some rest. If you need anything, you know how to reach us."
Lan Xichen nodded, feeling a mixture of reluctance to end the call and appreciation for his father's concern. "Yes, Father. We understand."
Mr. Lan smiled warmly at his sons through the two-way mirror. "Goodnight, kids. I think I'll turn in now. Don't keep your mother up too late." With a final nod, he moved out of view momentarily. The soft rustling of sheets could be heard as Mr. Lan slid into the bed next to his wife. He leaned over, his face reappearing in the corner of the mirror as he gave a final wave to Lan Xichen and Lan Wangji before settling in for the night.
After a moment, Madam Lan's expression turned serious once more. "Boys," she said, her voice soft but firm, "try to enjoy your time at Hogwarts. But if anything happens - anything at all - contact me immediately, alright?" Her eyes shimmered with emotion as she added, "We love you both. So very much."
"We love you too, Mother, Father," Lan Xichen replied, feeling a lump form in his throat. Even Lan Wangji nodded, his usually impassive face showing a flicker of emotion.
As the mirror's surface faded back to a normal reflection, the brothers sat in silence for a moment, the weight of the conversation settling over them once more. The crackling of the common room fire seemed unnaturally loud in the quiet.
Lan Xichen turned to his brother, his voice barely above a whisper. "Wangji, what do you think about all this? About Qing Yi?"
Lan Wangji's brow furrowed slightly, a rare display of open concern. "It's... troubling," he said slowly. "If Qing Yi is indeed one of the victims, he deserves to know the truth. But..."
"But the truth might be more harmful than helpful," Lan Xichen finished, running a hand through his hair. "I can't help but wonder if we're doing the right thing, keeping this from him."
The brothers sat in contemplative silence, the enormity of the situation weighing heavily on their minds. The warm glow of the fire cast dancing shadows across their faces, reflecting the turmoil of their thoughts.
Finally, Lan Wangji spoke, his voice soft but clear. "Brother, watch over Qing Yi closely."
Lan Xichen looked at his brother, his eyes intrigued. "Me? Wouldn't it be better for you to look after him too, since you're in most of his classes?"
Lan Wangji gave Lan Xichen a knowing look, his response careful and measured. "You're more suited to this task, Brother."
Lan Xichen felt a slight warmth creep into his cheeks, suddenly aware of the implications in his brother's words. He simply smiled at Lan Wangji and nodded, understanding the unspoken message perfectly.
As they rose to retire for the night, both brothers felt the weight of responsibility settling on their shoulders. Their minds were filled with thoughts of Qing Yi, of dark forests and glowing trees, of the fine line between protection and truth. As they climbed the stairs to their dormitory, they knew that sleep would be elusive, their dreams haunted by the echoes of a mystery that was only beginning to unravel.
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