Upon hearing Newt's words, Wentworth stood frozen on the spot, utterly bewildered. What in Merlin's name is going on with this world?!
As Newt learned that Wentworth had no knowledge of how to create a Horcrux, he turned his attention back to Yukina. Then, slowly, he said:
"Actually, I've had a rather bold idea regarding Yukina's condition. But I've never dared to attempt it."
"Since the Obscurus is gradually fusing with her soul, what if... we simply remove that part of the soul?"
Wentworth's eyes widened in sudden realization.
"I see what you mean, Mr. Scamander! You're suggesting we do something akin to creating a Horcrux, separating the portion of Yukina's soul that's merged with the Obscurus and removing it!"
Newt Scamander nodded, affirming Wentworth's understanding.
But Wentworth fell silent, deep in thought. After a long pause, he finally said:
"But… wouldn't that be far too cruel to Yukina?"
Newt understood what Wentworth was getting at. Wentworth was afraid that severing a part of Yukina's soul might not only alter her personality but could also change her physical appearance, just like it did with Voldemort.
After all, Tom Riddle had once been a strikingly handsome young man… but he later became a noseless monster.
Faced with Wentworth's concern, Newt sighed and replied helplessly:
"But this is the only method I can think of…"
Wentworth turned toward Yukina instinctively, only to find her smiling brightly at him. Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Yukina interrupted him:
"Wentworth, you don't need to say a word. If you agree, then so do I. I trust your judgment! Yukina will always trust Wentworth!"
Hearing those words, Wentworth couldn't help but smile. At last, he made up his mind. He turned to Newt and declared:
"Mr. Scamander, please, go ahead!"
To his surprise, Newt shook his head slowly and said:
"I can't."
Wentworth was stunned, barely able to believe what he'd heard.
"You… can't? Then why bring it up?!"
With dignified calm, Newt replied:
"I only proposed the solution, I never claimed I could execute it."
"Wentworth, don't overestimate me. Truth be told, I've always been more of a specialist than a generalist. Back at Hogwarts, my overall grades probably weren't even as good as yours. Magic that involves the soul is extremely complex… and I'm afraid I'm simply not capable."
Wentworth furrowed his brow. After a moment's hesitation, he asked tentatively:
"Then… what about Headmaster Dumbledore?"
Hearing Dumbledore's name, Newt paused in thought before replying slowly:
"Albus Dumbledore is indeed the most powerful wizard alive today. He may very well have the ability to split a soul… but such magic leans heavily toward the Dark Arts. That's not exactly his specialty."
Newt's words made Wentworth visibly agitated.
"You can't, and Dumbledore's not adept in that area either. So what, you want me to go find Voldemort? What am I supposed to do? Track him down, hit him with a Cruciatus Curse, and threaten him with an Avada Kedavra unless he helps split Yukina's soul?"
"Even if I could find him, even if I could defeat him, who's to say he'd cooperate? And what if he tried something underhanded? Yukina would be in even greater danger!"
Seeing the worry and frustration on Wentworth's face, Yukina stepped forward and gently grasped his hand, calming him slightly.
Then, Newt Scamander said in an unhurried tone:
"Who ever said you had to find that Dark Lord? Is he the only Dark Wizard in the world?"
Wentworth blinked. Then, suddenly, a look of realization lit up his face, replacing his earlier panic with renewed confidence.
"I see now, Mr. Scamander… You're saying I should go to my grandfather?"
Newt Scamander nodded slowly, replying:
"That's right. Though he and I were once adversaries, I must admit, he's the only wizard I've ever met whose power rivals Albus Dumbledore's. And unlike Dumbledore, your grandfather has a particular talent for the Dark Arts."
Wentworth nodded in understanding, then turned to Yukina and said firmly:
"Don't worry. I won't let anything happen to you. As soon as we finish up here, I'll take you to Austria to see my grandfather. He'll know how to help you!"
Yukina's cheeks flushed a warm pink. She looked down shyly and murmured:
"Ah?… Meet your grandfather? That's… so soon—no, I mean… I'll go wherever you go, Wentworth!"
Just as Wentworth and Yukina exchanged a tender smile, Newt gave a pointed cough from beside them.
Wentworth glanced at him, raising an eyebrow.
"Mr. Scamander, are you feeling unwell? Do you need me to whip up a potion for you?"
Newt replied dryly, "...I was merely trying to remind you, until the threat within Yukina is fully resolved, she must not use the Obscurus's power again. In fact, she should minimize her use of magic altogether. Otherwise, the fusion between the Obscurus and her soul will only accelerate."
Wentworth nodded quickly in acknowledgment.
Just then, a cheerful voice called out from behind them:
"Success! First try!"
They turned to see Nala holding two potion bottles, beaming as she approached them.
"Well?" she asked with a triumphant grin. "Can you tell which one is mine and which was given to us before the competition?"
Wentworth and Yukina leaned in to examine the potions more closely. After a moment, Wentworth gave Nala a thumbs-up and said with admiration:
"Brilliant work!"
Pleased with the recognition, Nala puffed up proudly.
But before the trio could celebrate further, a shout rang out from behind them:
"Watch out!"
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This fanfic has been fully translated!