Chapter 42: CH: 42 The Expected Future
As tears streamed down Pedro's face, his laughter continued to mingle with his sobs, creating a bittersweet symphony of emotions. With a heavy sigh, he reached for his chest, his fingers closing around a radiant rope of ethereal blue-violet light.
"I've been pondering over who I made this 'Unbreakable Oath' with," Pedro mused, his voice tinged with a mix of frustration and realization. "Now that I think about it, it must have been Andre who compelled me to make it. This must be the damn agreement he made me take care of Anna."
As the rope of light pulsed and shimmered, it transformed into a tiny, luminous speck of life before gracefully sinking back into Pedro's chest.
A heavy silence settled upon them, stretching out into an eternity as Pedro's gaze remained fixed upon Anna, his expression etched with the weight of solemnity. "Child, I also want to know if I am your grandfather," he admitted, his voice resonating with a weighty conviction. "I am centuries old, burdened with the weight of goblin history. I have carried it for so long, but I am nearing my limit. Perhaps my life will quietly come to an end."
"As one grows old and comes face to face with mortality, individuals grow increasingly fixated on preserving the legacy of their bloodline," Pedro continued, his voice carrying both a sense of nostalgia and a tinge of resignation. "However, in this world we inhabit is no longer the world that belonged to the goblins of ancient times. The goblins of Gringotts are but a faint echo of their ancient predecessors. The history I bear as a goblin will only bring forth catastrophe for them. Allow me to carry this history to my grave, eradicating any thoughts of its continued existence."
Anna's grip tightened on Pedro's sleeve, her voice trembling with anxiety. "Please, don't speak of dying! Anna doesn't have a mother, and I cannot fathom a life without my grandfather," she pleaded, her voice laced with desperation and concern.
Pedro's heart ached as he observed Anna's distress. With a gentle touch, he tenderly tousled her little head in an attempt to soothe her fears. "My dear Anna," he spoke softly, "Ancient goblins have the longest lifespan. I can't promise that I will be able to care for you and your children in the future."
A sudden blush painted Anna's cheeks as her innocence gave way to a newfound realization. "Ah? Children?" she stammered, surprise coloring her voice.
A warm smile graced Pedro's features, his eyes shimmering with adoration. "Hehe." he chuckled affectionately. "Anna will grow up, find love, and one day, she will walk down the path of matrimony. It is only natural that the joy of children will bless your life."
"Trust me, I will regain the memory of the Blood curse and ensure that you can live a normal life." Pedro vowed earnestly, his words resonating with determination and a deepening sense of responsibility.
With that, Pedro turned to look at the others.
His gaze settled upon Fiennes, his lips curling into a faint smirk as he found a semblance of amusement within the unfolding circumstances.
Finally, his gaze settled on Anton.
"While I was in a coma, I could still receive information from the outside world," Pedro spoke, his voice laced with gratitude. "Thank you for not abandoning me on the island," Pedro expressed, his words filled with genuine appreciation.
A faint smile graced Anton's lips as he responded, his voice carrying a touch of humility. "It was a small sacrifice to make for the sake of your salvation."
Although he spoke in English, Fiennes couldn't comprehend it. However, the experienced goblin understood.
With a nod of acknowledgement and a genuine smile, Pedro responded, "The 'Avis' charm you created is quite intriguing, but it seems you haven't discovered the secret of Fiennes's 'Oculus' potion."
Fiennes' expression shifted into one of bewilderment. "What secret are you referring to?" He inquired, clearly caught off guard by Pedro's revelation.
Pedro let out an exasperated sigh, the weariness evident in his eyes "I have no interest in speaking to you. Go away," He stated bluntly, rolling his eyes in an act of dismissiveness.
Refocusing his attention on Anton, Pedro spoke with a renewed sense of purpose. "With the Oculus potion and the Avis charm combined, you can learn the magic of the goblins." he explained, his voice ringing with anticipation.
Anton's gaze remained fixed upon Pedro, a glimmer of fascination dancing within his eyes. "Are you suggesting that you would teach me goblin magic?" he questioned, unable to conceal his intrigue.
There is no such thing as a gift without a reason in this world. This is the lesson Pedro has learned during his year-long journey.
Knowledge, in particular, holds immense power and wealth in the wizarding world, creating deep divisions among various social classes.
Affirming with a resolute nod, Pedro acknowledged, "I am well aware that I did not erase the memory of the blood curse. It must still reside within my mind, even though I cannot recall it. Therefore, I need someone to help me remember and retrieve it."
"You will drink the Oculus eye potion," Pedro elaborated, his tone imbued with a sense of purpose. "In doing so, you'll learn my 'Oculum Mutatio' spell, and then use this spell to delve into my memories."
Anton's expression morphed into one of perplexity as he grappled with the unfamiliar terms. "Oculus potion? Oculum Mutatio?" he echoed, his voice tinged with uncertainty.
Pedro shrugged nonchalantly, a touch of amusement slipping into his expression. "It seems that my foolish apprentice believes he could surpass his mentor and concocted his own variation of the spell," he relayed, a hint of bemusement in his tone.
Fiennes, unable to contain his pride, straightened his posture and proclaimed with a self-assured grin, "And I succeeded!" The gleam of accomplishment sparkled in his eyes as he revelled in the affirmation of his own ingenuity.
Now, here comes the problem.
The Oculus potion requires various rare ingredients that have been accumulated by Fiennes over his 70 years of life.
The question is, where can they find these ingredients now?
A glimmer of excitement illuminated Anna's eyes as a realization dawned upon her. "They must be in the Cranleigh cabin!" she exclaimed, a glimmer of hope igniting within her.
With a sense of nostalgia in her voice, Anna continued, her words carrying a touch of melancholy. "My mother never liked living in the manor. My father built a wooden house outside, and they rarely visited the cabin. Last year, for my birthday, my father gifted me this cabin, and I know the way in and out," Anna disclosed, her voice carrying a sense of understanding as she reveled in her knowledge.
...
With the powerful presence of Pedro, the group's journey became much more convenient.
With a soft crack, several individuals materialized on the mountainside near the cabin.
With a snap of his fingers, Pedro summoned a sudden chill that washed over Anton, casting a shiver down his spine as if he had been drenched in cold water. "It's a goblin's spell, combining an Disillusionment charm similar to that of a wizard and a Confundus charm." Pedro explained, his voice laden with an air of expertise and authority.
Drawing closer, Pedro placed a hand on Anton's shoulder, his gaze focused and intense. "Remember, the most important rule of time travel is to avoid contact with anyone, especially your past self." He warned, his voice tinged with solemnity and caution.
Anton's brows furrowed in puzzlement, a sense of bewilderment creeping into his features. After all, he had witnessed Pedro interacting with his past not long ago, making his confusion understandable.
Fiennes, never one to miss an opportunity for a mocking remark, couldn't resist interjecting with a sardonic tone. "Ah, how amusing it is to hear such sage advice from you," He jested, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Uncharacteristically, Pedro refrained from engaging in a retort. Instead, he released a weary sigh, his tone tinged with a sense of resignation. "Yes, I am a prime example. I have had frequent contact with my past self, and it has caused issues with my memory." He admitted, the weight of his experiences evident in his voice.
The cabin stood grand and imposing, with a fountain at the garden's entrance.
Within the fountain stood a sculpture of a beautiful mermaid goddess. Her fish tail gracefully swayed in the water, creating a colorful halo.
Anna stood on her tiptoes, placing her small hand on the hand of the goddess. Magic light flowed between their hands, and a gate appeared beside the pool. Inside the gate, stone steps extended downward.
"Hee hee!," Anna chimed gleefully, a sense of pride coloring her voice as she introduced the path to Anton. "Only by following this path can we safely enter the cabin. Inside the gate, there are activated puppets that are quite fierce." She warned, a mix of excitement and caution rippling through her words.
Anton looked up in awe. The cabin appeared exceptionally tall, adorned with various sculptures atop its pointed roofs. Against the backdrop of the sun, it exuded a majestic and weighty presence.
A wry smile spread across Anton's face as he observed Anna's surroundings. "I only just realized now that you're quite the wealthy little lady," He remarked, a touch of playfulness lacing his words.
Anna, embracing her newfound role with elegance, gently clasped her hands behind her back, her neck poised gracefully as she offered a shy yet radiant smile. "Shall we proceed inside, then?" She proposed, eager to uncover that awaited them within the cabin's welcoming walls.
The interior of the cabin boasted a luxurious layout. Dark golden photo frames adorned the wooden walls, bearing the marks of time and representing the ancient heritage of the Rosier family in every intricate detail.
The only drawback was the darkness that enveloped the cabin.
And the coldness that filled the air.
Anton finally understood why castles were not commonly built in ancient wizarding world. The robustness of such structures seemed more suitable for magical fortresses in the midst of ongoing battles. Apart from its strength, Anton couldn't help but feel as if he were walking through a majestic monument of magical history.
Especially with a headless ghost floating beside him, the atmosphere became even more eerie.
Anna didn't possess magical abilities yet, and Pedro, the old goblin, maintained his reserved demeanor and refrained from taking action. Everyone looked at Anton expectantly.
"..." Anton hesitated, the weight of expectation resting upon his shoulders. His mind raced, searching for the right words to express his dilemma, before finally settling on silence. A pregnan
Furthermore, Anton had not yet learned the Lumos charm, and his schedule was already packed. Who had the time and inclination to learn it? Wouldn't it be simpler to just turn on the lights?
Fiennes, ever perceptive, caught on to Anton's predicament and couldn't help but sport a wicked grin, dropping a subtle hint. "A wizard is akin to a god."
The mention of wizards being akin to gods ignited a fire within Pedro, causing him to erupt in a fit of frustration. "You ignorant human!" He bellowed, his voice filled with incredulity. "Gods? Are you wizards so arrogant now?"
Anton, seeking to alleviate the escalating tension, interjected with a serene smile, effectively putting an end to their needless argument. "Anyone can be likened to a god, not because of their background, but because of their own character." He proclaimed.
He closed his eyes and fell silent for a moment, then opened them and waved his wand.
"I command you!" He declared, his voice commanding and filled with unwavering conviction.
"Lumos!" Anton exclaimed, channeling his willpower into a single incantation infused with his intentions.
Countless beams of light burst forth from his wand, and then, as if a gust of wind swept through, all the beams exploded.
In an awe-inspiring display, a multitude of radiant beams of light erupted from his wand, illuminating the surroundings with a dazzling brilliance. However, just as swiftly as they appeared, a sudden gust of wind swept through, causing the vibrant beams to explode in dazzling flashes of brilliance, leaving behind a gentle lingering glow.
Fiennes' hands came together in a resounding applause, his admiration evident in the exuberant expression on his face. "Bravo!" he exclaimed with heartfelt enthusiasm.
Anna's eyes lit up with a mesmerizing sparkle, reflecting her awe and delight at Anton's display of skill.
Pedro, momentarily taken aback by the unexpected prowess, found himself at a loss for words, his usual reserved demeanor subverted by a mix of surprise and intrigue.
Anton, his brow furrowed with determination, contemplated his newfound abilities. "This time, I can conjure two sets of Shield charms and the Patronus charm." He mused, his voice resonating with quiet confidence.
Amusement danced in Fiennes's eyes as he chuckled, savoring the moment. "As you often say yourself, the future holds great promise, doesn't it?" He remarked, a subtle touch of playfulness lacing his words.
Weekly Power Status
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