This experiment did not yield the anticipated success, but a sufficient supply of surgical materials had been amassed.
In the ensuing days, Lupin endured a recurring nightmare, requiring daily visits.
Nonetheless, the results were evident. He could now freely select the day to transform into a werewolf when the moon was not at its fullest in the sky.
This development lifted everyone's spirits.
Meanwhile, Pedro continued to endure the torment of the 'Oculum Mutatio' charm.
The wisdom of Nerida Vulchanova proved to be exceedingly advanced. Anton merely scratched the surface of her knowledge. With each new discovery, he found himself revisiting his memories to validate and seek further insights.
Despite the challenges, Pedro persevered, as hope was within reach.
On a particular day, an owl flew in through the window, delivering an admission letter from a wizarding school to Anton.
"Hahaha," Andre's laughter filled the room as he indulged Pedro and Lupin with the Rosier family's exquisite cigars, his eyes shimmering with pride as they landed on the letter clasped in Anton's hand.
"Anton, no need to thank me. You really deserve this opportunity." Andre expressed warmly, his tone laced with genuine admiration.
"The Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry specializes in nurturing successors from pure-blood families. They emphasize potent and profound magic, making them more receptive to dark magic. You will receive top-notch education there. I have ensured that Headmaster Karkaroff will take special care of you..." he explained, emphasizing the prestigious aspects of Durmstrang.
Lupin interjected sharply, his tone firm, "No, Hogwarts is the best wizarding school!"
At that moment, Anton turned with a perplexed expression, raising the letter in his hand and examining it closely.
The thick parchment envelope, emerald green ink address, a wax seal bearing the emblem of a lion, eagle, badger, snake, and a symbol encircling the capital 'H'.
"By Merlin's beard, Hogwarts!" Lupin exclaimed excitedly, gazing at the wax seal. "Haha, Hogwarts!"
In a flurry of activity, two more owls swooped in, dropping two additional letters onto the table.
Lisa, engrossed in caring for the owl feasting on a piece of bread, lifted her gaze with intrigue at the unfolding scene. "One is from the Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry," she noted, pointing the letters addressed to Anton and Anna.
As the daughter of the school director, Anna had no choice but to attend Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
However, Anton found himself holding two letters in his hand.
Andre, with a cigar clenched between his teeth, strode forward, shaking his head disapprovingly. "Karkaroff, the headmaster, seems to be getting slower. The owls from our school have never been outpaced by those from Hogwarts!"
"This is an acceptance letter and a contract. Upon responding to the school, you will enter into a form of agreement. Only then will you be able to perceive the school with the naked eye. Ordinary individuals cannot penetrate the Fidelius charm of a wizarding school." he explained.
Andre adviced, "Each school has its distinct focus. Hogwarts annually produces numerous talents for the Ministry of Magic, primarily replenishing the ranks of Aurors who face imminent danger, with few advancing to higher positions within the ministry."
"The Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry places greater emphasis on delving into long-term magical potential, aiming to nurture wizards deeply engaged in magical research. Many graduates from Durmstrang have emerged as leading figures across various magical fields." he added.
"Anton, you're smart, you should know that the Durmstrang Institute of Magic suits you better." he affirmed, his words brimming with conviction.
Moved by the sentiment, Anton paused, deep in thought.
Having weathered numerous challenges and encountered the darker aspects of the wizarding world, he had long abandoned any fantasies about the original book's plot.
Moreover, Hogwarts was destined to become the most perilous place in the wizarding world, with none to rival it.
The formidable Voldemort posed a threat that even Dumbledore had to confront with his life on the line, far from the mere rural terrorists trivialized on the internet due to his immense power.
Only within the wizarding realm could one grasp the desperation of a mighty wizard.
While Voldemort's ambitions might be subject to ridicule, underestimating his strength would be a grave error.
Avoiding direct confrontation and allowing the original storyline to unfold independently was the wisest course of action.
Lost in thought, Anton remained silent.
Observing Anton's demeanor, Lupin, brimming with anticipation, stated, "Dumbledore stands as the greatest wizard globally. Under his guidance, Hogwarts undeniably offers the finest education, encompassing all that you aspire to learn."
Noting Anton's contemplative silence, Lupin cast an anxious glance at Lisa.
"Oh dear, I don't really feel like giving advice right now." Lisa admitted with a shrug. "The Ministry of Magic has assigned me to Beauxbatons in France. The British wizarding community wasn't particularly fond of me. Although France isn't my preferred destination, Beauxbatons holds a special place in my heart as the finest school."
"Dumbledore is great, but we've got Nicolas Flamel at our school. He's just as good as Dumbledore in every way." she emphasized wistfully.
Lupin's expression reflected a mix of emotions.
Anton lifted his gaze, scanning the room before settling on Anna.
With a graceful smile, Anna expressed, "When picking your preferred school, don't overthink it too much."
Turning to Andre, Anton inquired, "Is there a potions professor superior to Snape at Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry?"
Andre fell silent, eventually shaking his head.
"In that case, I choose Hogwarts," Anton declared definitively.
Lupin, now irate, questioned, "Why did Snape choose to teach at Hogwarts?"
Anton set down the admission letter from Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry with a tinge of regret.
"Because..." Anton began, his voice weighted with determination, "I must immerse myself further in potion research to uncover a comprehensive cure for your affliction," he affirmed, his resolve unwavering despite the difficult choice before him.
"My teacher was right; I gave you hope and can't let you feel down when things go wrong. I'll keep my word." he vowed solemnly.
With resolve, he tore open the envelope, retrieved the letter, and arched an eyebrow involuntarily.
"It's quite intriguing that my name is Anthony Weasley." Anton mused, a hint of curiosity lacing his tone.
"Weasley?" Lupin, taken aback and somewhat excited, inquired, "Which Weasley?"
Andre, with a heartfelt sigh, clarified, "The ginger-haired Weasley, who else could it be? Anton, as a member of the pure-blood family, you are better suited for Hogwarts than Durmstrang Institute of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
"I understand my decision may seem self-serving. I wholeheartedly support your choice to further your studies on treatment methods at Hogwarts." he continued earnestly.
Bowing deeply as a gesture of respect and gratitude towards Anton, he conveyed with sincerity, "Thank you sincerely."
"No, no, Mr. Rosier, there's no need for this," Anton interjected, helping him to his feet.
Beaming brightly, he shared, "I'm not that special and it's hard for me to help others."
Glancing around, he continued, "I have always been an orphan, navigating life without support. Now that I have a family, I will cherish it deeply."
Lupin's expression shifted into a thoughtful demeanor, "Weasley? I recall, Arthur had two brothers—one deceased and the other estranged. They had a falling out. What about your father?"
"Hehe," Fiennes chimed in from outside the wall, his voice carrying a hint of amusement, "Passed away, quite old."
He clearly intended to give Anton's father a dignified farewell, refraining from specifying the exact cause of death. Drifting over, he inquired, "So, you're heading to Hogwarts?"
Anton nodded affirmatively.
"Hoho, what an unexpected turn of events. The group has extended an invitation for me to visit Hogwarts. I was on the verge of saying my goodbyes to you all," Fiennes remarked jovially.
With Fiennes having no further lessons for Anton, Lupin, preoccupied with his clingy girlfriend, sought companionship elsewhere, rarely remaining at home.
Balancing love downstairs with research upstairs left Lupin with little room for mingling.
...
With the decision made, Anton swiftly retrieved a clean piece of parchment, penned a response, and dispatched it via owl.
Rolling up his sleeve, he checked the watch Pedro had gifted him, a sense of urgency flickering in his eyes.
"We have two and a half months until the school term begins," Anton announced, addressing the group. "We must hasten our preparations!"