"How is it?" Daphne, the elder sister, was even more nervous than Astoria.
"I can only sense the presence of the blood curse," Tom admitted honestly. "But as for how to lift it… I don't have the slightest clue."
He chose to tell the truth. False hope was far crueler than a blunt reality—if he promised now and failed later, what then?
Daphne's disappointment was plain to see, but surprisingly, it was Astoria who comforted her.
"It's alright, sister. I have Tom's potion now. Even if I can't be completely cured, my body is already much stronger than before. I can live a normal life."
Tom looked at the silver-haired girl, thinking how rare such a mindset was.
If it had been him suffering from a blood curse—even with his 'cheat'—he doubted he could face it so calmly without clear hope in sight.
Perhaps being tormented for over a decade had already made her see through life.
"But potions have resistance over time," Daphne said with a hint of grievance, hugging Tom's arm as if to defend herself. "Tom, I'm not blaming you. I'm just… worried for Astoria."
"I understand how you feel."
Tom patted her head gently. "That's why I brought a better solution this time. It still can't completely solve the problem, but at least it can guarantee there'll be no issues for the next twenty years."
…
Half an hour later, in the banquet hall.
The entire Greengrass family was wide-eyed, staring at the bright red stone on the table. Only Tom remained unbothered, enjoying the exquisite dishes that the family's house-elf, Parra, had prepared for him.
"This… this is the Philosopher's Stone?" Madam Greengrass's voice trembled.
"So Dumbledore gave it to you after all," Daphne murmured. She hadn't heard this before—Tom had saved the revelation for now, intending to surprise her.
"It is the Philosopher's Stone," Tom explained, swallowing a mouthful of truffle-baked escargot. "But it's not complete. Much of its energy has already been used up. At most, it can produce eighteen years' worth of Elixir of Life."
"That's enough. More than enough." Madam Greengrass clutched the stone tightly, almost reverently.
Eighteen extra years of life—added to the life-extending potions Tom had been brewing for Astoria, plus her natural life expectancy of over twenty more years—meant she could live to around fifty or sixty.
For a witch, that still wasn't long, but it was enough for her to experience the full arc of life from childhood to old age.
And those added years also meant more time to find a permanent solution.
With that thought, Madam Greengrass could no longer contain herself. She rose solemnly and gave Tom a deep bow.
Astoria quickly followed suit, and even Daphne joined in.
"Mr. Riddle, I don't even know how to thank you," Madam Greengrass said gravely. "From this day forward, the Greengrass family is your most loyal friend. Whatever you need—if it is within my power—it will be done."
In normal conversation, calling him Tom was fine, but in such a formal moment, she switched to his full name.
"Thank you, Mr. Riddle," Astoria added respectfully.
"Eh, Daphne—you can skip the formalities," Tom said quickly, catching the little witch's hand before she could bow—almost pulling her into his arms.
Daphne's cheeks flushed pink, and she leaned over to plant a quick muah on his cheek in thanks.
"From now on, we're family. One thank-you is enough," Tom said warmly, accepting their gratitude this time so Madam Greengrass and Astoria would feel better.
"In that case, there is something I could use your help with," he continued without hesitation. After all, if they were now family, it would be a waste not to tap into the vast resources of the Greengrass household.
"Usagi has become terribly picky—aside from meteorites, he refuses to eat anything else. Could you help me gather some?"
"Of course," Madam Greengrass replied without missing a beat. "There are some meteorites in Weit Castle's storage; you can take those first. Tomorrow, I'll speak with some friends and quickly acquire another batch."
In the wizarding world, meteorites could be used as alchemical components or potion ingredients, with far more applications than in the Muggle world.
Madam Greengrass then presented the gift she had prepared for him.
"I heard you'll be going to America soon. This is a registered international Portkey—completely legal. However, you'll need to make a stop in Canada for transit. Here's the Ministry of Transportation's approval. Once you arrive, they'll give you the next Portkey for your final destination."