บท 289: Black Magic Is Nothing, The Magic Of Love Is The Most Powerful!(1)
"It seems, Blake," Dumbledore began, his voice tinged with mild surprise, "I must admit that your work in Potions is remarkable—perhaps even surpassing Severus' abilities."
This statement held considerable weight, as Severus Snape was widely regarded as one of the most gifted Potion Masters of his generation. To surpass him in this regard was no small feat.
Dumbledore had just completed his diagnostic spell, and the results were unmistakable. The dangerous blood curse that had afflicted Nagini was gone—completely eradicated. In its place, a subtle but potent new form of magic now radiated from Nagini, one that was strengthening her soul and body in ways no ordinary magic could.
Blake responded with a modest smile. "No, Headmaster. I can't compare to Professor Snape's mastery of Potions," he said, his voice humble but confident. "I've just been fortunate to find inspiration where others might not have."
Dumbledore chuckled, his eyes twinkling with their characteristic warmth. "If Severus heard that, I imagine he might not take it kindly. It's almost as if you're suggesting he lacks the creativity to reach the same conclusions."
Blake shrugged nonchalantly. He wasn't about to delve into the complexities of how he'd developed the potion. There was no point in explaining what others wouldn't understand. After all, the potion he had created didn't exist in any known texts; it was the product of unique creativity and a blend of magical principles that only he could fully grasp.
Dumbledore, however, had long suspected that Blake possessed a talent beyond even what most wizards could comprehend. He had heard of Blake's abilities from none other than Nicolas Flamel himself. The famed alchemist had spoken not only of Blake's talents but also of his boundless imagination—a quality that set him apart. It wasn't just raw skill or technical knowledge that made Blake formidable; it was his willingness to push the boundaries of what was possible, even in fields as established as Potions or Alchemy.
For someone like Nicolas Flamel, who had lived through centuries and encountered numerous exceptional wizards, it took more than just talent to capture his attention. Blake's creativity had done just that. Dumbledore, who knew Flamel well, trusted his judgment. He wasn't surprised that Blake had managed to concoct a potion that could defy the curse that had held Nagini captive for so long.
"Whatever the case may be, it's clear that your potion has worked wonders," Dumbledore said, nodding approvingly. "Nagini, you are free."
Blake turned to Nagini, his eyes soft with understanding. "That's right. You no longer need to hide. You're no longer bound by the curse, and the world doesn't see you as a monster anymore. You're human—a healthy human."
For a moment, Nagini remained quiet, her eyes flicking between Blake and Dumbledore. Her expression seemed conflicted, and a faint frown crossed her features. "So... you're sending me away?"
Both Blake and Dumbledore blinked in surprise at the question. "What? No!" Blake exclaimed, his voice rising in concern.
Dumbledore tilted his head, equally puzzled. "Of course not, Nagini."
Nagini's brow furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line as her emotions bubbled to the surface. "It just... feels like you're letting me go. That I'm being pushed away now that the curse is gone."
Blake's face softened. He had expected some emotional response from Nagini but hadn't anticipated this particular fear. "No, that's not what we mean at all," he reassured her. "We're saying that you're free from the chains that have held you back. You can finally live life on your own terms. You can go wherever you want or do whatever you've always dreamed of."
For a moment, Nagini's posture relaxed, but her eyes still held a flicker of uncertainty. "I've had dreams in the past... but those dreams are long gone now. Time has taken them away. I think... it's time to let them go."
Blake listened intently, sensing the weight of her words. Nagini was a person who had been shaped by years of suffering and isolation. The dreams she once had had been eroded by the passage of time, leaving her unsure of what she wanted or where she belonged. Blake could see it in her eyes: the dreams that once fueled her were no more, replaced by an uncertain future.
Understanding this, Blake spoke gently. "Well then, if you're not sure what to do next, how about staying here for a while? Professor Dumbledore, you wouldn't mind if I hired Nagini to help out at my shop, would you?"
Dumbledore smiled kindly, his eyes crinkling at the edges. "Not at all, Blake. It's your shop, after all. You can manage it however you like. The school merely takes a small dividend from the profits, but the decisions are yours."
Blake turned back to Nagini, his voice light but sincere. "So, how about it? Would you be willing to stay at Hogwarts for a while and help me run the store? It's not much, but it's something."
Nagini looked at Blake, her expression softening. After a moment of contemplation, she nodded. "Yes. I'd like that."
"Wonderful," Dumbledore chimed in. "I'll make arrangements for your living quarters. Hogwarts always provides housing for its faculty and staff, and you'll have your own place to call home."
Blake beamed. "Great. I'll take Nagini to the shop now to show her the ropes."
As they exited the headmaster's office, the sound of their footsteps echoed softly down the castle's corridors. The air between them was quiet but not uncomfortable. After a while, Nagini broke the silence. "Thank you, Blake," she said softly.
Blake turned to her, smiling warmly. "You've already thanked me, Nagini. Remember?"
"I know," she responded, her voice carrying more emotion this time. "But I'm not just thanking you for helping me break the curse. I'm thanking you for keeping me here—for giving me a place in this world when I feel like I don't belong."
Blake's expression softened further. "The world may have changed, Nagini, but that doesn't mean you don't have a place in it. And you're not alone. We'll figure this out together. We're friends, right?"
A warm smile crossed Nagini's face, though there was still a hint of sadness in her eyes. "Yes. Friends."
Blake laughed lightly, trying to lighten the mood. "Besides, if you keep thanking me, I'll never get any work done. And don't forget—I'm your boss now."
Nagini chuckled softly. "Yes, boss."
As they made their way toward the shop, Blake's friend Bob Akingbade came into view. Upon spotting them, Bob's eyes widened in shock, and he rushed over. "Blake! You did it?!"
Blake grinned and nodded. "Yes, Bob, we did it."
Nagini smiled faintly at the exchange, but Blake quickly introduced them. "Nagini, this is Bob Akingbade. He helped me gather crucial data for the potion that saved you. And Bob, this is Nagini."
Bob gave a broad, toothy smile. "Pleased to meet you, Nagini."
Nagini gave a polite nod. "Thank you, Mr. Akingbade. Blake told me how much you helped. I'm deeply grateful."
Bob waved his hands, dismissing the formal tone. "Ah, no need for 'Mr.' Just call me Bob. I prefer it that way."
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