The process took five agonizing minutes. Blake observed as Nagini's body and soul were being reshaped, transitioning from a serpent to a human form. "This potion is overbearing..." he muttered, watching the transformation unfold. Nagini's case was unique. Most magical creatures could be put to sleep for the process, but Nagini had to remain conscious.
The ground was drenched in foul-smelling blood, with scales and bits of flesh scattered around. It was a gruesome sight. Amidst the mess, however, was a figure with skin as white as jade, curled up in stark contrast to the horror around her. Blake quickly pinched his nose, trying to stay composed. Even after all this, you can't lose your nerve now!
Suddenly, Nagini stirred. She coughed, expelling two puddles of dark blood, which evaporated into black smoke upon hitting the ground. Slowly, she raised her hand, staring at her now human palms in disbelief. "I... I did it? Did it work?"
Blake sighed in relief. "Yes, Nagini, it was a huge success!" he said, waving his wand to clean the room. He removed his cloak and wrapped it around her. "I didn't expect the potion to be this powerful. The results far exceeded my expectations," he admitted, helping her sit and handing her a cup of tea.
"Your body has transformed completely into human form. Your blood has been replaced, and your soul reshaped into a human one. The snake soul is gone, which means your blood curse is lifted. But even better, your physical body retains the powers of your previous snake form," Blake explained.
Nagini stared at the cup in her hands, which she had unknowingly crushed. "So... I'm a human with the power of a snake?"
Blake chuckled. "Not quite. You're a human with the power of a serpent, yes, but more than that, you're a beautiful witch with those abilities. You can use your snake powers in human form, and if you want, you can transform back into a snake, like an Animagus. It's entirely up to you."
Nagini, overwhelmed by the transformation, felt the absence of the curse that had plagued her for so long. Her eyes welled with tears. Without warning, she hugged Blake tightly. "Thank you, Blake! Thank you!" she cried, nearly suffocating him in the process.
Blake struggled for air as Nagini's grip tightened. His face turned red as he gasped, "Nagini... you're... too strong!" Realizing what was happening, Nagini let go immediately. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to!"
Blake, catching his breath, waved it off. "I'm fine. Really. You just don't know your own strength yet."
Nagini, horrified at what she had done, pointed to his nose, which had started bleeding. "Oh no, I hurt you! You're bleeding because of me!"
Blake wiped his nose nonchalantly. "It's not what you think," he muttered, knowing the nosebleed wasn't from the hug. Yet, considering the situation, he figured it was best to let it slide.
After cleaning up and changing into fresh clothes, Nagini reappeared, now dressed in a simple white gown, a stark contrast to her usual black attire. She looked more at peace, no longer weighed down by her curse. Blake couldn't help but smile as he watched her.
"Now that you're back to normal, we should let Professor Dumbledore and Mr. Scamander know. And we need to figure out where you'll stay," Blake suggested. "After all, you can't stay at the school forever."
Nagini frowned at the thought. "But... I don't want to be far from you," she confessed, her expression soft but serious.
Blake's heart skipped a beat. He realized then that the potion may have had side effects. Nagini's soul had been completely merged, meaning her emotions were now influenced by the remnants of her beast soul. This attachment to him, her benefactor, was stronger than he had anticipated.
"Well... it's not necessarily a bad thing," Blake mused, his thoughts racing.
Nagini wanted to walk the halls of Hogwarts, so Blake accompanied her. As they wandered through the familiar corridors, Nagini marveled at how little had changed. "It looks just like it did when I was last here," she remarked, recalling a time when the world had been on the brink of collapse under Grindelwald's reign.
"Some things never change, and that's a good thing," Blake replied with a smile. "But we also hope that the bad things—like painful memories—fade away."
Nagini nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, it's a new beginning," she agreed, her smile bittersweet yet hopeful.
As they approached the entrance to the Headmaster's office, Blake confidently stated, "Lemon sherbet."
The stone gargoyle did not budge. "Password incorrect, child," it said flatly.
Blake frowned. "Seriously? Has Dumbledore already changed the password?" he muttered, pulling out a list of possible alternatives. "Cockroach clusters? Peppermint humbugs? Zizi fizzing candies?"
Before he could continue, Dumbledore's warm voice interrupted from behind. "Actually, it's bubble tea today," the Headmaster said, smiling kindly.
Blake turned, startled but relieved. "Professor! We were just coming to see you!" he said, stepping aside so Nagini could speak.
Dumbledore, always perceptive, immediately noticed the change in Nagini. "It seems, my dear, that things have gone better than expected," he said gently, his eyes twinkling with understanding.
Nagini, no longer the cursed being she once was, felt lighter than she had in years. She smiled, truly and freely, for the first time in decades. "Yes, Professor. I'm free."
Blake stood back, watching the scene unfold. He knew there was still much to do, but for now, this moment of peace was enough. Nagini had been given a second chance, and perhaps, so had he.