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Chapter 56 - CH: 56 Memory of Nerida

"Pedro, let's talk honestly," Anton's expression turned grave.

"I did acquire some knowledge from your memories," Anton began, raising his fingers as he elaborated point by point. "Firstly, the antidote. Although I gleaned it through the 'Oculus' potion, delving into your memory provided a deeper understanding of this potion."

Pedro nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing Anton's earnestness.

"I've also learned two types of goblin potions, namely 'Sealing' and 'Stubborn Phelps,'" Anton grimaced in discomfort. "That 'Stubborn Phelps' potion is a tough drink. It leaves me feeling incredibly uncomfortable afterward, and I have no desire to partake in it again unless absolutely necessary."

"It instills a sense of unwavering persistence in life, devoid of joy or creativity," he noted, his tone reflecting a mix of unease and reluctance.

Anna, wide-eyed and apprehensive, glanced nervously between Andre and Pedro.

Andre shrugged nonchalantly, "I've grown accustomed to it; it's fine."

Pedro grimaced, a hint of frustration evident in his expression, "I can't even remember."

Anna breathed a sigh of relief.

"Lastly," Anton continued, a glint of excitement in his eyes, "I've also picked up on your illusion magic."

Pedro rolled his eyes, dismissing it as a mere parlor trick. "It's just a sleight of hand, nothing noteworthy."

Anton disagreed, his enthusiasm apparent, "Since delving into magic, this has become my favorite!"

He sighed softly, a hint of humility in his tone, "In reality, my knowledge is quite limited."

Observing the perplexed expressions around him, Anton couldn't help but roll his eyes. "What led you to believe I possess great power?"

"I've received lessons on Fiennes potions and the 'Oculus' potion from my teacher, and I've developed my own 'Avis' charm. Currently, I can mimic a bird, a viper, and even a werewolf," he explained, a touch of pride creeping into his tone.

"Additionally, my spell repertoire is rather meager, encompassing light and dark magic, as well as spells for navigation—though these two are rather basic. The more significant spells include the Levitation charm, the Protego charm, the Cruciatus curse, and the Soul-shifting curse," he acknowledged with a sense of seriousness.

"Oh, the last three are not to be taken lightly," he cautioned, his voice tinged with gravity.

Spreading his hands wide, Anton concluded, "As you can see, despite my extensive learning, I have yet to master a few crucial spells."

Fiennes, floating alongside him, exuded a sense of resignation. "I've taught you everything I know, but it's mostly my teacher's fault for not teaching me enough."

Pedro scoffed in disbelief, "I can already teach you human spells..."

"Huh?" Pedro's body bristled with goosebumps, a shiver running down his spine as he stared wide-eyed at the group. "Why would I take on a human apprentice?"

In a state of alarm, he recoiled, taking a step back. "Do I really hate humans that much?"

"I...I don't remember!!!!"

Seeking an answer from Andre, Pedro was met with shock as Andre, too, appeared bewildered. "Don't look at me. When I introduced Nagini to you, you had an apprentice!"

A moment of silence passed as everyone exchanged puzzled glances.

Pedro pressed on, "Andre, you said I mentioned before that, besides my own memories that I'm okay with sharing, no one else, including me at different times, can use magic to look into them, right?"

Andre nodded gravely, "Because of the Blood Curse, you kept saying you were okay with letting me in, but we kept running into problems in our attempts."

"But the circumstances have changed," he added, his tone weighed with significance.

Pedro sighed heavily, turning to Anton with a look of acknowledgment, "Anton, you're correct. This era no longer belongs to the goblins. As a wise member of the goblin community and their guide, I must pave the way for their survival!"

"I yearn to delve into this history!" he proclaimed with fervor.

"Consider why I am accepting human apprentices and why I..." Pedro trailed off, his gaze shifting to Nagini beside Anna, his expression complex. "Why did I marry a human woman and have a child?"

"Follow me."

Anton led the group to the rooftop, where a one-meter-high wall entwined with Devil's Snare vines stood. "These vines possess a natural repelling charm, barring entry without permission."

"I've waterproofed the roof and had soil brought in," he explained, his tone filled with a sense of careful preparation and attention to detail.

Eyeing the soil curiously, Anna voiced her surprise, "Are we planting flowers? My mother and I both enjoy gardening."

Anton casually shrugged, "No, if we were to plant, it might be vegetables, onions, or cabbages. However, my schedule is too hectic. If you wish to plant, feel free to do so."

Approaching the central platform, Anton closed his eyes and waved his wand.

Like a conductor, numerous human wizards and goblins emerged from the ground.

"This is the site of the final battle between humans and goblins, if I recall correctly," Pedro exclaimed with eager anticipation. "Can you still utilize it in this manner?"

Anton's face lit up with a smile, radiating genuine enthusiasm. "As i've mentioned, I am particularly fond of this illusion magic."

"From now on, everything I see in your memory will show up at the same time in this pensieve, so you can see what I'm looking at." he explained with a hint of excitement.

Pedro looked puzzled, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Although you seem quite honest..."

A flicker of tension crossed his face as his lips twitched, "I still believe it's unnecessary. It would just let more people see my memory."

Andre interjected firmly, "Pedro, I believe both Nagini and Anna have the right to see this memory."

Fiennes chuckled lightly, a trace of bemusement in his tone. "Like Anton, I can't remember my childhood memories, probably because of all those complicated potions you gave me. I'm also wondering why I ended up being your apprentice."

Pedro shrugged nonchalantly, his demeanor relaxed as he conceded, "Alright, fair enough."

With a flick of Anton's wand, ripples appeared before his eyes, as if peering through a magnifying glass into the depths of Pedro's memory.

The goblin pendant around his neck glowed and levitated.

Various scenes materialized on the ground, eventually settling in front of a gate.

"Open!" Pedro's voice resonated with unwavering determination.

...

["Why bother saving me? Just let me die. My people are all gone, so why am I still here?" Pedro's body was swathed in bandages, resembling a mummy in despair.

"Pedro, don't give up so easily, you coward. Hiding behind a bookshelf isn't a heroic way to go." a witch strode in, a potion in hand, her flowing locks tumbling around her with an air of disdain as she surveyed him.]

...

"Hold on!" Andre's voice cut through the air, his eyes locked on the witch in astonishment. "I recognize her!"

All eyes turned towards Andre.

"Nerida Vulchanova! The founder of Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry!" Andre's eyes widened, disbelieving yet filled with recognition. "Our Rosier family oversees Durmstrang School of Magic, and we are well-versed in the school's history. There's no mistaking her!"

"Tsk tsk tsk," Anton's voiced laced with intrigue, his eyebrow arching as he turned to Pedro, Nagini, and Anna. "Remarkable to witness the passage of three generations among you."

"Impossible!" Pedro's voice rang out, disbelief evident in his tone. "Durmstrang School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was established in 1413. Even if she birthed Nagini, she wouldn't have lived centuries ago. Humans typically live up to a maximum of 100 years."

Andre's grin widened, a mischievous glint in his eye. "You still have that Stubborn Phelps potion, my old friend."

"..."

Fiennes let out a light chuckle beside him, "I can't deny that possibility."

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