CH: 39 Missing for 52 Years

The world is always filled with geniuses.

From what Anton knows about the Harry Potter world, the gay couple Dumbledore and Grindelwald were incredibly gifted in their youth.

During Voldemort's era, the Dark Lord had already grasped the intricacies and profoundness of dark magic, including the creation of Horcruxes, during his studies.

In Harry Potter's father's generation, the group of four effortlessly mastered the complex art of becoming Animagi and created the magical Marauder's Map. Snape even invented a new spell called "Obscurus Umbra."

In Harry Potter's generation, Harry himself, skilled in disarming spells, and the Weasley twins, adept at magical objects, achieved levels of mastery that were challenging for ordinary wizards to reach.

Under the guidance of Fiennes, Anton embarked on the path of researching the fusion of potions and magical spells.

As for Anna, a young girl who hadn't even experienced a magical outburst, fully inherited the complete time-turner technology from the goblin Pedro and created a super-sized device that even the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries couldn't achieve.

Yes, Anna finally completed the super-sized time-turner, with Pedro's assistance in crafting the core components.

She spent her days peacefully in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows, basking in the sunlight, sipping tea, and tending to her flowers. She eagerly awaited moments when Anton was free to accompany her on various adventures.

Anton couldn't leave immediately because the night of the full moon had arrived. He had to drink the Polyjuice potion and transform into Lupin.

Lupin, as the manager of his own company, had his own unique strengths, even though he didn't possess the same exceptional business abilities as Anton.

However, he had a kind and accepting heart.

In his company, everyone believed in him as their leader. The energy that radiated from the entire company surpassed Anton's individual hard work and dedication.

Anton was delighted to witness such a transformation.

It was evident that Lupin was truly finding his own path to success.

The most noticeable change was the newfound wealth of the family. Lupin had purchased the ground floor of the building and transformed it into a family restaurant, complete with a delightful and plump chef.

Finally, they were able to part ways with the troublesome restaurant delivery boy.

Lupin's presence had become an integral part of everyone's lives, so Anna happily followed Anton's lead and affectionately referred to him as Uncle Lupin.

"Damn, that Lisa is just too persistent!" Anton exclaimed as he returned home, seeking solace in a refreshing shower, and vented his frustrations to Anna.

With a smile gracing her lips, Anna remarked, "Perhaps it's because of your kind-hearted nature?"

Anton furrowed his brow, appearing puzzled as he shrugged in response. "I won't interfere in Lupin's personal matters."

Although Lupin still resided in the room upstairs that Anton had arranged for him, he had also set up a specially reinforced secret room in the suite he purchased downstairs.

Otherwise, Anton would have teased him endlessly.

Once again, Anton slung his dragon-skin messenger bag over his shoulder, filled it with potions, and secured his wand in the hidden buckle. He tightly gripped his wand and declared, "I'm ready."

As the night breeze gently rustled the hem of Anna's dark red velvet skirt, she tilted her head, her deep blue eyes fixed on Anton. She grinned and softly expressed her gratitude, saying, "Thank you."

Anton waved his wand, causing a pot of vines in the hallway to rapidly grow. In an instant, the entire house was enveloped in lush greenery, and vibrant flowers bloomed in abundance.

These were Elephant Vine plants from Africa, possessing potent magical resistance and a natural repellent spell that kept all creatures at bay. The house was now shielded by their protective presence, ensuring a sanctuary for those within.

This type of plant is typically unable to thrive outside of Africa, and Anna is unsure of how Anton manages to sustain it.

Leading Anton to his room, they opened the suitcase and entered the vast machinery factory.

Anna's fingers delicately brushed against the intricate machinery, her expression a mix of emotions that were difficult to decipher.

"When I was a child, my mother loved me dearly," she began, her voice tinged with a hint of melancholy.

Anton nodded, sensing that her story would be one filled with sorrow, and he remained silent, allowing her to continue uninterrupted.

"A massive snake attacked me, and my mother selflessly sacrificed herself to shield me from harm." Anna revealed, her voice filled with a mixture of sorrow and gratitude.

Anton took a deep breath, his eyes locked on Anna, his voice tinged with remorse. "I'm sorry, I didn't know... Maybe I shouldn't have kept that snake at home. I..."

Anna gently shook her head, her touch comforting. "I simply need to find the strength to endure the fear and disgust in my heart. As long as you can save it, I believe it is a sacrifice worth making."

From that moment on, she no longer dwelled on the presence of the large snake in their home.

"In my childhood days, I resided in the Ightham Mote Manor, nestled on the outskirts of London. My mother had an immense fondness for the blossoms that adorned our backyard," Anna shared, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "During that time, I would accompany her, with a small watering can"

Her fingertips grazed the intricate machine, lost in the memories that flooded her mind. "Later on, my father took me to various places in search of a cure for my illness. He always referred to it as a peculiar ailment."

Anton's brows furrowed. "A peculiar ailment?"

Anna nodded gently, her expression solemn. "My father never told me what it was exactly, but he mentioned that it would manifest after my magical abilities awakened."

"He would always put on a humorous facade in front of others, but in private, he would drown his sorrows in alcohol. He often became drunk and called out my mother's name."

As Anna shared this part of her story, a heavy sorrow draped over her, causing her to close her eyes.

"I didn't have the courage to mention my mother in his presence, fearing it would only deepen his anguish. But oh, how deeply I miss her," she confessed with a vulnerable tone.

The glimmer of hope shone in her eyes. "I wish to see her once again."

Anton sighed deeply, his lips pressed together. "Through the time-turner, we are unable to alter anything."

The remaining time-turners hidden in the Ministry of Magic's Department of Mysteries were always seen as the last glimmer of hope for desperate wizards in the Chaos Land, but the more astute wizards knew that time-turners only brought despair.

"I understand," Anna's voice held a blend of tenderness and unwavering resolve. "Even if it's just a fleeting glimpse."

"That's good!" A grin tugged at Anton's lips as he gently clasped the young girl's hand. "Let's go."

Anna locked eyes with Anton, giving a slight nod, and firmly pulled the lever of the machine.

Countless gears and mechanical structures whirred into motion, while magical light spread like wisps of blue smoke, effortlessly enveloping the two of them.

Unbeknownst to them, the magical smoke continued to spread.

It crept along the walls, seeped into every corner of the room, reached Pedro's bed, slithered beneath Nagini's bed, and even made its way to the Fiennes's bathtub.

Eventually, the smoke encountered resistance from the ivy vines.

Whoosh~

With a soft thud, the smoke swiftly retracted into the mechanism, leaving the entire house eerily silent, as if devoid of any presence.

...

...

1938, London, England.

In that year, Voldemort, a young and eager Tom, walked through the gates of Hogwarts with a small satchel in hand.

Meanwhile, Grindelwald found himself trapped within Numengard's walls, betrayed by his lover who had broken their oath. It was his final year at Hogwarts.

Anton stood in disbelief, his eyes fixed on the display through the window of a quaint shop. The desk calendar unmistakably showed the date.

"When were you young?" he exclaimed, his voice filled with astonishment and confusion.

Over half a century ago? So she's not a young girl, but an old witch?

Anna's smile deepened as she replied, "You have uncovered my secret."

She observed Anton's wide-eyed expression, reminiscent of someone who had swallowed an entire egg, and could not help but giggle. "After my mother's passing, my father took me to our family's secluded frozen realm, where I entered a deep slumber."

"Two years ago, my grandfather grew concerned and commanded that I be awakened. He could not bear to see his granddaughter robbed of a life of her own."

Anna wove her fingers in the imitation of an old man's facial expression, delightfully creating a mixture of humor and seriousness. "For better or worse, it is my destiny!"

"My father tirelessly sought a solution for fifty long years. Although he never faltered in his efforts, he eventually ceased keeping me in frozen slumber."

"What the fuck..." Anton looked at her, his eyes still wide with shock, at a loss for words.

A hint of melancholy flickered across Anna's face. "In a few days, I will celebrate my tenth birthday. My life has only spanned ten years, but fifty years have passed in between, and everything has changed."

Anton fell into a momentary silence. In his previous existence, he had come across the adage, "All precocious children endure unfortunate lives. Yet, it is these very experiences that shape them into extraordinary and gifted individuals."