63. Insight

"These are the Siren's tears," Tina said, standing in front of Aurelius and holding up the black pearl.

Aurelius looked at her, confusion evident on his face.

Although he wasn't a mermaid researcher or a professional, he did have some knowledge on the subject. He knew that mermaid tears were considered a magical material, but nothing more.

In the Muggle world, mermaid tears were legendary, but in the wizarding world, they weren't considered precious item.

Furthermore, mermaid tears didn't always look like the one Tina was holding.

"These tears are an alchemical product. My mother was cursed, which also caused the girls in our family to be blood-cursed. We started studying blood-cursed at a young age, hoping to find a solution to the curse. But it's not easy. Until my mother is fully transformed into a sea monster, there's no hope," Tina explained.

"It wasn't until I turned twenty that the Sebastian family and the Sirens worked together to create this alchemical artifact - the Siren's Tears. It can't completely remove the blood curse, but it buys us time," Tina continued.

Aurelius's eyes lit up. This was exactly what he needed. Could it completely lift the blood curse?

While the blood-cursed longed to be free from something that constantly threatened their lives, Aurelius wasn't so quick to make a decision. He believed that obscurus, while also a threat, could be a powerful talent as long as it didn't endanger lives.

He had seen Tina transform and understood that she had found a way to maintain her consciousness while still being able to transform.

"I remember. I want all your research results and information," Aurelius said, looking at the numerous tears Tina handed over.

Tina asked in surprise, "Are you also interested in learning how to make the Siren's Tears?"

"Yes, but not just that," Aurelius replied, shaking his head.

Tina hesitated, "I can't give it to you. The method of making Siren's Tears uses unique Siren magic that you can't learn. I can give you my grandfather and father's notebooks if you want. They're useless to me now."

"I want to do some research and maybe even earn the Order of Merlin medal," Aurelius smiled.

Tina questioned him, "Don't you want to save your companions, though? Look at Nagini."

Nagini believed in Aurelius.

"I'm sorry, Ms. Sebastian. We've only known each other for two days. You must understand that trust is not easily earned between us. So, I think I should make my judgment. As for the Siren's Tears... I don't think we're in a hurry, right? As a show of good faith, I've fulfilled our agreement, and now it's your turn," Aurelius said. Tina smiled as she listened to Aurelius's words. At first, they didn't sound promising and he seemed suspicious, but his subsequent proposal was perfect for Tina.

While they stood under the eaves, Tina's urgency became Aurelius's main motivation for helping her.

Aurelius's generosity gave her confidence in their collaboration.

It's better to address any potential problems upfront rather than keep them to yourself.

"Okay, I'll get you the notes right now." Tina hastily put away Siren's tears and left.

Nagini watched Tina leave and asked, "Are you worried that she has ulterior motives?"

"It's not about intentions, it's about precautions," Aurelius replied. "I judge others based on my actions. If I were her, and my partner wasn't showing sincerity, I would take precautions. When she gives me the antidote for the blood curse, what if I betray her immediately? If it were me, I would have a plan B. Maybe I wouldn't cure her all at once, or maybe I would keep her as a hostage, or perhaps I would give her something, but it wouldn't be a good deal for her."

"Is that why you asked for the notes? Are you planning to study them yourself?" Nagini asked.

Aurelius smiled at her and replied, "Do you trust me?"

"There's no one I trust more than you," Nagini answered without hesitation.

The notes were delivered promptly, and it was a large stack.

Aurelius placed them in his box. They didn't stay long as they had plans to leave.

By being entrusted by others, they remained loyal to them.

Aurelius had promised to introduce them to senior officials from the Ministry of Magic in various countries. As a middleman, he would ensure that any trouble caused by Tina Sebastian wouldn't affect his position.

This was an honest transaction and Aurelius had no intention of taking advantage of anyone.

He had initially planned to travel the world in search of alternative materials for the Crystal Hub. However, the trip to Egypt might have to be postponed now that he had research materials to review.

After obtaining the information, Aurelius and his group didn't plan to stay for long. Tina Sebastian's eyes were filled with anticipation and urgency.

Aurelius stopped delaying and led the group directly along the road.

Riding on the back of the Zouwu, they traveled at lightning speed. This method of transportation, akin to Apparition, was smooth and comfortable, almost like riding in a sports car.

"I sense her urgency," Aurelius said as he chatted with Nagini.

"I feel it too, Aurelius. But there's something about her behavior that seems a little odd," Nagini explained, feeling confused."Haha, so you're saying that she came to us to handle something as important as this, right?"

"Yes, I don't have much knowledge on the subject, but personally, I believe that if it were up to me, I would have started lobbying the Ministries of Magic in different countries and seeking allies well in advance. Nowadays, it always feels like she's on the brink of starting a rebellion. It's quite similar."

Aurelius chuckled and replied, "You're quite astute. You're correct. She'll likely stage a revolt within a month, at the latest."

"How do you know?"

Of course, Aurelius knew how he could talk to a stranger about a rebellion deal without any reason.

Last night, Aurelius released his black mist, and the mark had already been placed on Tina Sebastian.

Let's put it this way, if Aurelius's conjecture yesterday was just a conclusion based on what he saw and heard in Siren City these days, using very daily information, then now, Aurelius may be better aware of her arrangement than Tina.

"She started arranging it decades ago," Aurelius couldn't help but sigh. Longevity means willfulness. "Starting from decades ago, Tina Sebastian began to make the siren conscious. Cultivating orphaned wizards, but there are not many such orphans, and they can find even fewer. These orphans are raised by mermaids and then sent back to human wizards when they are about eleven years old, to go to school, grow up, and join the workforce. The sole purpose of these orphans is to get close to the powerful figures in the Ministry of Magic and promote alliances with them."

"Ah? Then why does she want to find us?"

"Oh, of course, it's because of bloodline - orphans can be traced from school to work. Since many wizards are of Muggle origin, it's normal that little wizards under the age of eleven are not admitted. This also makes the Siren spy go unnoticed." Aurelius smiled sarcastically. "It holds for success and failure. The lineage theory in the wizarding world is booming now, and it is difficult for a wizard who has been labeled as 'Muggle-born' since childhood to be promoted."

"What about the Minister of Magic?"

"Seeing that the uprising is approaching, the spies she had high hopes for have disappointed her time and time again. Can she not be anxious?" Aurelius smiled.

"But this also made her understand that in the magical world, it is important to have a noble background?" Nagini asked.

"Yes," Aurelius nodded. "I met Siren the day we first came to her.

"Oh?"

"There is a Leviathan in the Siren tribe. This Leviathan felt the aura of Obscurus. Therefore, she noticed me, fearing that my appearance might disrupt her plan. She tested me, but she didn't succeed, but she also realized that my power is far superior to hers." Aurelius threaded the needle and connected all the abnormalities in these days together.

"She was uneasy, so she performed a divination prophecy. I guess she wanted to know if I would affect her plan, but she accidentally discovered my name."

"The Dumbledore surname is too famous. With Albus Dumbledore becoming famous all over the world, Siren City being a seaport city with a strong commercial atmosphere, it is normal for her to know."

"She realized the opportunity. A drifting Dumbledore. Even if I didn't grow up in the Dumbledore family, as long as I have this surname, I can easily get the courtesy of the heads of the Ministry of Magic of various countries." Aurelius concluded. "Her trouble is that she has no way to contact these people, not whether she can lobby successfully."

"You are only a guide, and you are both crucial and unimportant in her plan. Is this why?"

Nagini was relieved. What she feared most was unknown.

It's easy to understand what Tina is planning and then weigh the pros and cons.

Aurelius felt that this was something he could do, so he agreed.

"Then where should we go first?"

"Portugal--".