Harry finally finished combing through Brewess's long mory.
The witch's face turned deathly pale, her body collapsing limply to the ground.
Without hesitation, Harry raised his sword and beheaded her.
"How was it?" Hermione asked.
Harry smiled. "A worthwhile haul—Professor Snape will definitely be pleased."
Brewess had mastered many rare and arcane potions, ancient and mysterious—completely distinct from those passed down among modern sorcerers and alchemists. It was practically a separate alchemical system entirely.
No potion master could resist such a treasure trove—not even Harry.
The Baron crept over, standing pitifully in front of Harry, saying nothing.
But his expression said it all.
"Don't worry. We'll handle it once we're back," Harry said softly.
The Baron nodded.
Harry turned to Hermione. "You'll head back first. You'll be fine?"
The group had grown quite large—with the Baron, Ciri, and five children. One apparition trip couldn't carry them all.
Ciri frowned. "Apparition again?"
"You can take two kids back with a portal spell," Harry told her. "I'll handle the rest."
Ciri gave a sharp whistle and glanced at Hermione.
This ti, not only Harry, but Hermione also noticed the aning in Ciri's gaze.
"My Apparition isn't as refined as Harry's," Hermione explained. "I can't bring others with yet."
Ciri nodded. "Alright."
She raised her hand to the children. "So, who wants to co with ?"
The kids were still wiping away tears.
One boy looked up at Harry. "Mister Witcher, can you really save Granny Anna?"
While Harry and the others fought the crones, the Baron had explained everything to the children: Anna's care had been genuine, but she was cursed, forced to serve the witches.
Children could sense real love from falsehood. They knew she had truly cared for them.
"Of course," Harry nodded.
The kids sniffled but obediently chose three to go with Ciri.
Hermione also apparated away.
Harry was last.
He cast a spell, erecting a barrier to enclose the hut and the surrounding area.
"Harry, what's this?" the Baron asked.
"Anna's curse may be tied to this place," Harry said. "Better to protect it in case we need it later."
The Baron nodded seriously.
After casting each protective enchantnt, Harry apparated with the remaining group.
At Crow's Perch—
The Baron crashed down with a thud, groggy.
Even after a second trip, he still couldn't adjust to Apparition.
Two of the children toppled onto him.
He forced himself up. "Harry, what do you need to lift Anna's curse?"
"Just a room," Harry replied.
The Baron pointed upstairs. "Use our bedroom—it's spacious. Do what you need."
The bedroom was on the top floor, with a large carved stag's head mounted above the door.
The Baron threw it open and stepped in first—making it clear he would witness everything.
Ciri followed.
With a flick of his wand, Harry floated cucumber-sized Anna from his hat, then restored her to full size with another gesture.
"Hermione, take a look too," Harry called.
She ca in, tapping her wand gently to examine Anna.
"This seems sowhat like Avalach's curse," she said softly. "Her body's been altered. It's strange—the curse feels both strong and weak."
Powerful yet feeble—two conflicting sensations.
"But the strength isn't from the curse," Harry noted. "It's from the body."
Hermione understood imdiately. "So the curse itself isn't that strong?"
The Baron looked lost. "Strong? Weak? What's going on with Anna?"
Hermione explained, "There are two curses on her. One is more like a contract—it links her to the crones. There's a vessel tied to her body. Damage to it reflects on her."
"That one's easy to break—just find the vessel."
The Baron listened in silence.
"The other curse affects her soul," Hermione continued. "If triggered, she'll transform into a powerful monster."
The Baron was stunned, clenching his fists.
"Avalach had the sa type," Hermione said gently. "It's tricky, but we cured him—this one's less severe."
The Baron exhaled in relief.
Hermione turned to Harry. "I'll use the Patronus Charm, and you'll..."
Harry shook his head. "Hermione, I trust you. This curse isn't that strong."
"You want to do it alone?" Hermione blinked. "I—"
"You saw how we handled Avalach," Harry said coldly. "Anna's not as cursed as he was. And she hasn't transford yet. It'll be easier."
Hermione hesitated. "But doing it alone might hurt her more..."
"And isn't that what she deserves?" Harry countered. "I still need to return to find the vessel."
He didn't hide his feelings from the Baron.
The Baron didn't react.
Ciri blinked. "Harry... you dislike Anna?"
"Very much," Harry said flatly. "Did you see Triss when you went to Novigrad?"
Triss, a young sorceress—only thirty or forty—and once linked to Geralt.
Ciri shook her head.
Harry continued quietly, "Then you should. Since you left, sothing... regrettable happened."
Ciri frowned, confused. What did Triss have to do with any of this?
Harry said no more. He raised his wand. "Hermione, I believe in you."
She took a deep breath. "Alright. I'll do my best."
The Baron muttered, "Witcher, maybe it's better if you..."
"Trust Hermione. She's an excellent witch. She can lift the curse," Harry said.
With a flick of his wand, he Disapparated.
Ciri turned to the Baron. "So, what exactly happened between you and Anna?"
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Powerstones?
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