The laboratory was tidied up, the runic symbols on the wall were removed, and with a wave of Anton's wand, a line of words appeared on the wall: "Nagini's rescue plan".
Anton leaned forward, his serious expression conveying the weight of his words as he began to outline the plan. "The plan is quite simple," he explained, his voice carrying a tone of calculated determination. "The key is to be cautious and discreet, ensuring that Anna and Andre in the past do not discover any trace of our presence."
His words hung in the air, the implications resonating with each individual in the room. Anton continued, his voice unwavering, "Once our presence are imprinted in their memories, unpredictable changes may occur."
Anton maintained a serious expression as he addressed everyone in the room.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
"First and foremost," Anton began, his voice steady and composed, "We know that after Anna wakes up from her bed, it takes her about five minutes to find her mother near the debris in the corner of the garden."
He paused, allowing the significance of the timeframe to sink in before continuing. "This means we have at least five minutes to administer the potion to Nagini." he explained, emphasizing the importance of utilizing this precious time to their advantage.
Anton's tone grew more serious as he delved into the complexities of dealing with Nagini. "It is crucial to emphasize that Nagini possesses considerable strength," he warned, his words carrying a note of caution, "If she senses danger and transforms into a viper, her speed becomes incredibly swift, making it even more challenging to subdue her."
He then turned his attention towards Anna, addressing her directly. "Anna, this task falls upon you," he stated, his voice filled with unwavering confidence. "Although you may look slightly different from when you were six years old, Nagini was in a trance at that time. Additionally, with no moonlight on a cloudy and rainy day, she wouldn't notice any changes. Even if she did, she wouldn't harm you."
Anton reassured Anna, offering his unwavering support. "Of course, I will be nearby," he affirmed, his voice laced with determination. "If she attacks you, I will cast Protego charm to protect you. Lead her towards me, and I will come to your aid on a broomstick."
Anton tapped the table with a firm yet measured rhythm to emphasize his point. "Nagini cannot fly, but we can," he stated, his voice carrying a hint of determination. "We will maintain the shortest distance possible and lead her away from this location."
"I have tested it, and my Protego charm is capable of defending against Nagini's attacks." Anton asserted, his voice brimming with assurance.
Pedro, taken aback by Anton's statement, voiced his surprise "When did you test it?" he inquired, a mix of curiosity and skepticism coloring his words.
Anton shrugged dismissively, nonchalantly brushing off the question. "After living here a month, there's always an opportunity," he explained. "I needed to assess the defensive capability of my Protego charm. If the chance arises, I will test it. Let's not dwell on irrelevant matters."
Shifting his attention to Anna, who nodded solemnly. "Anna can do it!" She declared, her voice brimming with confidence.
Anton acknowledged her response, a nod of approval accentuating the gravity of the situation. "Very good," he commended, his voice reflecting his confidence in Anna's capabilities.
As his gaze fell upon Pedro, Anton's expression turned solemn. "We are playing a small game in front of the powerful dark wizard Andre," he cautioned, his voice laced with caution and urgency. "He is a force even you cannot contend with."
Pedro's displeasure was evident, and he voiced his frustration. "Thank you for the reminder. Hell, I can't even remember how I became his friend." he retorted, his tone filled with a mix of annoyance and resignation.
Anton continued, recounting a past encounter. "We were in Knockturn Alley at the time," he recalled, his voice tinged with contemplation. "Past Pedro covered us with a cloak, and neither Andre nor anyone else noticed us."
Pedro nodded, a knowing smile gracing his lips. "That's our goblin's treasure. It's not just any cloak, in fact..."
He paused for a moment, hesitating before deciding against further explanation. "Why should I explain it to you!" he exclaimed, brushing off the need for elaboration.
Anton's smile remained in place, unfazed by Pedro's reaction. "Do you know where past Pedro is now?" he inquired. "Good, go to him. Use any means necessary to retrieve that cloak. Once Anna feeds Nagini and returns with the potion, you will be responsible for restraining Nagini and covering us with the cloak."
Pedro nodded in agreement, a sense of determination fueling his resolve. "Okay," he acknowledged.
Anton's attention shifted towards Fiennes, his voice steady and purposeful. "Your task is to keep watch and hide in the large tree," he instructed. "If you spot Andre's presence, signal a finger from the tree. Pedro will always keep an eye on your hiding spot."
He then assigned Fiennes an additional task. "For the next two days, you will also be in charge of teaching Anna the Levitation charm," Anton continued, his voice filled with confidence. "If Nagini cooperates and drinks the potion, she will fall asleep. Anna can then use the Levitation charm to transport Nagini to Pedro's side."
Fiennes chuckled, a smile playing upon his lips. "Great, I can contribute as well." he remarked, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
Anton then pointed to himself, his expression resolute. "And i'll be responsible for ensuring Anna's safety," he declared, his voice unwavering. "Both the present Anna and the past Anna, to prevent either of them from being harmed by Nagini."
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Anton placed his hands firmly upon the table, his eyes meeting the gaze of each individual in the room. "We have three days remaining." he stated, his tone laced with a sense of urgency. "Demand the highest and most rigorous standards from yourselves. This is my approach to this matter, and I hope you share the same mindset."
With his final instruction given, Anton announced, "Dismissed!"
Everyone got to work.
Anton locked himself and Nagini in a room, continuously casting the 'Avis' charm on both himself and Nagini. They transformed into 'Morpho Aves,' a state that Andre would be unable to detect even after years.
This was a contingency plan in case the original plan failed. Regardless of who appeared, they would cast a spell to make them vanish in front of Andre.
...
...
Three days passed in the blink of an eye.
Night descended silently.
The sky was filled with thick clouds, obscuring the moonlight and causing everything in sight to appear blurred.
Anton and his group walked down the stone steps near the fountain at the manor's entrance, exchanging determined glances.
With a hushed voice, Anton emphasized the importance of teamwork. "Let's stick to the plan!" he whispered, the urgency palpable in his tone.
Fiennes floated towards the garden gate where Andre would appear. He merged into the tree, extended his translucent hand, gestured "OK," and retreated back into the tree.
Behind Pedro, a massive goblin golem with purple skin materialized. With its ten hands, the golem grabbed a large transparent cloak and a large snake. The cloak fluttered, covering Pedro and vanishing from sight.
Pedro would position himself in the corner of the rubble, coordinating and forming a strategic formation.
Anna appeared a bit nervous, clutching the potion bottle and taking deep breaths. Calming her racing heart.
Sensing her unease, Anton stepped closer, offering reassurance. He gently patted her shoulder, his smile warm and comforting "Don't be nervous, you can do this," he encouraged, his tone gentle yet firm. "Elegant and proud Anna, you are an incredibly resilient individual. Not everyone can endure working at a factory facing such a machine at your age."
Anna's gaze lingered on Anton, gratitude welling up in her eyes as she mustered a heartfelt smile. Softly, she expressed her appreciation. "Anton, thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with sincerity.
Anton's eyebrow quirked in playful surprise, a glimmer of amusement shining in his eyes. "You're welcome," he quipped, allowing a touch of lightheartedness to ease the weight of the moment.
Anna's smile grew sweeter. In the two years following her mother's death, she thought of her mother every single moment.
Now, having traveled to this point in time, she could observe her mother from a distance every day, which already brought her immense happiness.
But being able to touch her, talk to her, and embrace her now... Anna felt an overwhelming sense of satisfaction.
Success is imperative. Her mother who can still be saved must be brought back 52 years later. Even if she remains in the form of a snake, she represents hope!
"You have brought hope to so many people," Anna whispered, her voice filled with genuine admiration. Her vibrant blue eyes, mirrored Anton's image, reflecting his unwavering spirit. In a tender gesture, she leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against his cheek. A display of gratitude and admiration.
With determination, they moved forward.
Anton stood there, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected gesture, his hand instinctively touching the spot where Anna's lips had graced his cheek. A smile, equal parts surprise and amusement.
"To be honest," Anton murmured, his voice filled with vulnerability, "I just wanted to find someone to lean on."
Fate always seemed to play tricks on him. He had intended for Lupin to be his guardian, meticulously planning and investing all his efforts into it.
In the end, he successfully became Lupin's guardian.
He shrugged.
All he could do was smile at fate.
What else could he do? There were no more tricks up his sleeve. He could only choose to let go, no longer concerned about safety, life, or death. No longer concerned about the future.
He would do what he wanted, without regard for personal gain, unafraid of life or death.
Pulling out his wand, he took measured steps towards the pile of rocks.
...
"Aaahhh!"
Past Nagini covered her mouth to stifle the pain, not wanting to wake her daughter in the cabin.
Her body underwent constant transformations, forcibly reverting back to a human form, but she found herself losing control.
She could no longer switch between human and snake at will, sometimes even reacting after the transformation had already occurred.
The most dangerous aspect was that she discovered that once she transformed into a snake, she would lose her human consciousness and become a wild beast driven solely by instinct!
She needed to escape from this place as soon as possible, fearing that she might harm little Anna.
"No!" Nagini exclaimed, her voice filled with desperation. "I have to get out of here!"
She staggered forward, reaching a pile of rubble, and eventually collapsed to the ground, unable to support herself any longer.
Violent changes continued to unfold within her body. She felt herself elongating and stretching, transforming into a snake, while her human consciousness was gradually swallowed up by the snake's body.
She fought against this sensation, forcing herself to revert back to her human form.
The struggle caused her to twitch uncomfortably.
Lying on the ground, panting heavily, her eyes filled with despair, she whispered, "Andre, please come back quickly. Don't search for Pedro anymore. Come back quickly."
At that moment, a figure appeared before her.
She opened her eyes, her vertical pupils scanning the area, and she vaguely saw Anna's figure.
"Mother!" Anna exclaimed, her voice filled with a mix of relief and concern.
With unwavering determination, despite her trembling form, the young girl removed the lid of the potion bottle, holding it steadily near her mother's lips. "Quick, mother, drink it," Anna urged, her voice laced with urgency.
No! It was futile. Back then, at Hogwarts, Dumbledore had tried every possible means, but she couldn't be cured. In the end, she had to leave disappointed.
"Anna!" A gasp of despair escaped Past Nagini's lips as her trembling hand reached out, and touched her daughter's cheek. Her convulsing body seemed to unleash an immense power as she forcefully pushed her away.
Bang!
Anna's small body shot through the air like a cannonball, propelled far into the distance, and was gently lowered to the ground by a gust of wind.
"Anna!" Past Nagini's voice reverberated with a mix of urgency and desperation, shouted with every ounce of strength she have left. "Quick, Ana, run! Run far away!"
That push carried a magical force. Although she had sent Anna far away, Past Nagini could no longer hold on. Her body underwent rapid transformation.
In an instant, she fully transformed into a large snake.
Then, the eyes of the serpent opened, its icy vertical pupils filled with madness, as it sought its prey.
The potion in Anna's hand slipped from her grasp and shattered on the ground. She stared blankly at the potion sinking into the soil, panic rising within her. "No, don't!" Anna's voice trembled with desperation as she frantically rushed forward, and started digging into the ground, attempting to salvage the spilled potion.
The shards of glass cut through her fingers, causing them to bleed, but she continued to dig without hesitation.
"Mother?"
The voice of 6-year-old Anna, innocent and full of longing, echoed through the garden, carrying a sense of confusion and concern. "Mother, where are you?" the young girl called out.
...
...
Fiennes floated out of the tree, his expression filled with astonishment.
As Pedro lifted the cloak, a stark expression of fear etched upon his face, the weight of defeat settled upon his shoulders. "It's over," he lamented, his voice filled with a sense of resignation. "I knew that trying to change what cannot be changed would only make things worse. I shouldn't have done this!"
Anton, in response to Pedro's despairing words, rolled his eyes in exasperation. With a determined resolve, he reached into his backpack and retrieved another potion bottle, refusing to admit defeat. "I knew it wouldn't be that simple." he remarked, his voice laced with unyielding determination.
Quietly, he approached a spot near the large snake and drew out his wand. With a resolute determination, he whispered softly, "Giving up is not in my vocabulary."