"I discovered traces of Nagini through time, and I tried every possible means to guide her back to me. But no, time continuously corrected everything," Andre's voice resonated with a bitter undertone, his gaze clouded with sorrow. "I pondered all along the way, searching for a way to make a change, but it only led to her continued suffering."
"So I went back to the earlier time when I brought Nagini to Pedro, hoping to make a change." Andre recounted, his voice laced with determination.
"After numerous attempts, I finally succeeded!" Andre announced with a hint of triumph, his weathered features lighting up with a childlike grin.
"It's incredible. I altered countless things, only to have them corrected in the end. However, after the Grimoire I left behind was acquired by Fiennes, things quietly changed." Andre revealed, his tone thoughtful.
Confusion reigned among the gathered group as all eyes turned towards Fiennes, awaiting an explanation.
Observing the scrutiny, Fiennes cast a discreet glance at Anton, a myriad of secrets and ancient lore swirling within the pages of the mysterious book in question.
At that time, he had casually used the body of this young apprentice for experimentation, merely for his own amusement.
"I don't know, I don't remember. It was so long ago, I'm not even sure if I've seen it," Fiennes smoothly deflected, his denial seamless.
Andre, unruffled by Fiennes's response, clapped his hands to refocus attention on himself.
"A slight change occurred in time, and I witnessed signs of its usage in my manor." Andre shared, his tone contemplative.
"So, I kept going back to this specific point in time, and finally, I found all of you." Andre disclosed, his voice carrying a profound sense of purpose.
"I don't know if you will succeed, but I have enough patience to wait 52 years to witness if a miracle can happen." Andre expressed, his resolve unshakable.
"Of course, I can't solely rely on others for hope. I will also go back to an earlier time. Since Pedro was able to invent the blood curse, the prominent figures of that time must have a way to lift it." Andre mused.
"The laws of time, they still elude me." Andre admitted with a sigh, his touch gentle as he caressed Anna's head.
"My child, believe me, time travel can only lead to despair in the end. Don't engage with it in the future. It will only cause you to miss out on your real life." Andre advised, his tone tender and sincere.
Anna clasped Andre's hand firmly. "Well, as long as my parents are by my side, Anna won't go anywhere." she affirmed resolutely.
Andre's face softened with tenderness. "Wandering through time freely, my appearance remains frozen in middle age, but my body is growing old. I will cherish every moment with Anna." he vowed, his voice tinged with warmth.
Anna's eyes widened in a mixture of awe and affection, her grip on Andre unyielding as they embraced.
In any case, it's a happy ending.
Before Pedro could reach out his hand, Anton swiftly grabbed the pendant and placed it around his own neck.
"That's mine," Pedro objected, his gaze fixed on Anton with a mix of frustration and bewilderment.
Adjusting the pendant with a nonchalant demeanor, Anton secured it beneath his shirt and offered a wry smile. "You still need me to use it to help you find your lost memories." he remarked, his tone laced with subtle amusement.
Rising wearily from his seat, Anton stretched his fatigued muscles. "I need to go back to sleep. You all can continue talking amongst yourselves. We'll begin when you're all feeling better." he announced before making his way to rest, succumbing to the overwhelming exhaustion that followed the extensive use of the spell.
Anna led Andre to Nagini's room.
Meanwhile, Pedro remained deep in contemplation in the hall, his mind grappling with the repercussions of his time-travel exploits. "This is madness. No wonder I've been experiencing major issues after entering time over 5,325 times." he mused aloud, his voice tinged with a sense of resignation.
Amused by Pedro's predicament, Fiennes couldn't help but chuckle. "You brought it upon yourself. If you hadn't invented the Blood curse, none of this would have happened." he pointed out, a hint of playful banter in his words.
"Yeah," Pedro sighed, his expression laden with contemplation. "Sometimes I really wish I could travel back in time and slap myself."
Fiennes laughed even harder.
Lupin packed up. After listening to so many anecdotes, it was time for him to get back to work.
That's just how he is. He can always blend into a lively crowd, yet everyone unintentionally overlooks him.
But as Anton had said, he has to forge his own path of survival.
A life of his own.
In life, he is the protagonist.
He walked down the stairs of the residential building, circled around to the front, and ascended the stairs from the lobby on the first floor to the second floor.
Everyone greeted him, and he responded with a smile.
"Manager, Andorra Machinery Company is on the verge of defaulting on their debt. Mrs. Andorra claims that our company provided only one sentence, and they would have to pay an exorbitant price. It's unreasonable," A young secretary hurriedly approached with a notepad in hand, appearing anxious.
Acknowledging the greetings from his colleagues, Lupin turned his attention to the secretary. "Inform them that the information service fee cannot be lowered beyond a penny. If they are unwilling to comply, we are more than willing to offer intriguing information to other competitive firms," he directed calmly.
"It's just a minor issue, no need to be nervous." Lupin reassured.
The secretary nodded and diligently recorded their exchange in her notepad, filling the pages with notes as they progressed through their discussion.
"Anything else?" Lupin remained composed.
"No, that would be all, manager," the secretary remarked, marveling at her filled notepad. "You're truly amazing. You can solve so many difficult problems with such ease."
"It's nothing," Lupin downplayed his abilities with a modest wave of his hand.
"I didn't know it at first, but with patience and careful consideration, you can find a solution to any problem. These challenges have kept me thinking throughout the night." Lupin shared.
"If you have nothing else to attend to, go ahead and get to work." Lupin instructed.
The secretary nodded, aiding in opening the office door. "Wishing you a pleasant day, sir," she bid farewell.
Lupin nodded with a smile.
As the day unfolded, an unexpected event triggered a flurry of commotion outside the office, prompting Miss Lisa's sudden entrance.
"Lupin, have you heard?" Lisa's urgent tone filled the room.
Lupin regarded her with skepticism, awaiting the gravity of her news.
"The US headquarters is planning to dissolve the British company!" Lisa's words hung heavy in the air, revealing a shocking development.
"What kind of gossip is this?" Lupin chuckled lightly, though a flicker of concern danced in his eyes. Information managers like him were accustomed to hearing whispers of varying authenticity, but this particular piece struck a nerve.
Lisa persisted, her certainty unwavering. "It's confirmed news, Lupin. The US headquarters is indeed considering dissolving our British branch," she insisted, her urgency palpable.
Furrowing his brow, Lupin contemplated the implications, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the desk. "This doesn't make sense," he mused aloud, voicing his disbelief. "Our British branch's performance is exemplary, with rising profits and consistent support to the headquarters."
As the weight of the situation settled upon him, Lupin couldn't help but wonder about the motives behind the abrupt decision. 'To see the business flourish, only to face dissolution—what could be the reason behind this sudden turn of events?' he pondered, a sense of unease creeping over him.
Determined to uncover the truth, Lupin took matters into his own hands. "I shall contact Mr. Smith directly at the US headquarters. Our rapport may shed light on the matter," he declared, his tone resolute.
"Go outside and inform everyone. We will have a meeting later." Lupin instructed, his focus unwavering amidst the unfolding crisis.
"Regardless, we all need to calm our hearts first." Lupin advised, his words carrying a note of reassurance amidst the chaos.
Lisa hurried out to inform the rest of the staff, pausing briefly at the door to offer Lupin a parting remark.
"Is there anything else?" Lupin inquired, prompting a momentary pause in their exchange.
Lisa's playful demeanor shone through as she complimented Lupin. "You're so composed and calm, it's quite charming." she remarked with a smile, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
Her long eyelashes fluttered as she winked playfully, then she turned around and walked out.
Lupin's lips curved into a knowing smirk as he absorbed her words. "She said I was charming. Hehe, she said I was charming!" he mused to himself, a hint of amusement coloring his thoughts.
...
"Are you sure about this?" Anton inquired, his expression reflecting a hint of doubt.
Lupin's frustration was palpable as he recounted the alarming news. "Anton, did you hear correctly? The American company is planning to dissolve our company." he voiced with a hint of exasperation.
"It does seem unusual," Anton noted casually, slicing a piece of sausage, spearing it with his fork, and chewing thoughtfully.
Lupin's expression was full of disbelief. "Several young heirs in the family are fighting for the inheritance rights. They're going to all the companies to make a show of it, while I just want to live a carefree life, away from the center of power." he lamented, a glimpse of weariness seeping into his tone.
"Indeed," Anton muttered, clicking his tongue, before returning to his meal.
Sighing deeply, Lupin ruminated on the predicament at hand. "Other companies may find buyers, but the information company in London can't find one at all. Everyone is at a loss, including myself. There's only one information consulting company in London, and we can't find a suitable match to work with." he divulged, a sense of helplessness seeping into his tone.
The solemnity of the situation hung heavy in the air as Anton offered a different perspective.
"Lupin!" Anton exclaimed, setting down his utensils and reaching for a napkin to tidy up. "Have you ever considered the resources at your disposal?"
Lupin's surprise was evident. "Do you truly believe I can take on such a responsibility?" he questioned, uncertainty clouding his thoughts.
"Have faith in your capabilities," Anton reassured, massaging his temples wearily. "It's your life, you get to decide. This is just a suggestion. I need to go back to sleep. I'm really curious about what Snape gave me. The potion helps me feel at ease the next day after I've used too much magic." he divulged before his departure.