Chapter 1123: The Crowded Suitcase
Chapter 1123: The Crowded Suitcase
On the flight to France, Herbert was chatting quietly with his seatmate, Daisy, discussing their son's wedding. Although the Andersons had anticipated and mentally prepared for this day long ago, they still felt a bit uneasy as the time approached, as Albert's wedding seemed quite different from what they had imagined.
They had never attended a wizard's wedding before.
Now that they thought about it, ever since Albert became a wizard, their family felt like they had been living in a long, fantastical dream.
As the plane began its descent, it gently bumped and then smoothly landed on the runway.
Herbert, along with his wife, parents, and daughter, disembarked and joined the crowd, dragging their small suitcases toward the security checkpoint.
In the past, they would always pick Albert up from King's Cross Station, but now the tables had turned, and Albert was the one welcoming them.
Time sure flies! Herbert looked around, trying to spot that familiar figure in the crowd, but it was too busy, and Albert was nowhere to be found.
It wasn't until they had moved away from the security gate that they finally caught sight of that familiar figure waving and smiling at them.
Nia put down her suitcase and quickly walked over, spreading her arms for a warm embrace with Albert.
"Why are you alone?" Daisy asked, giving her son a hug before expressing her confusion.
"It's more convenient for me to be by myself," Albert explained to everyone with a smile as he hugged his father, "Come with me, things are a bit unstable in Europe lately, and this isn't the best place for a chat."
"Where are we going? A hotel?" Nia asked, perplexed.
"No, it's not safe there. I'll take you to a safe house," Albert replied apologetically, gesturing for them to follow him.
The family exchanged glances and silently complied, having no objections to his choice of accommodations.
When they reached a secluded area, Albert placed his suitcase on the ground, opened it, and motioned for them to step inside.
Nia was the first to enter the suitcase, and the others soon followed. This wasn't their first time experiencing the Disillusionment Charm used to transport them.
It was faster and safer this way.
In the blink of an eye, they arrived at the safe house Albert had mentioned.
Herbert surveyed the old, dilapidated villa in front of him and turned to Albert, "It looks like it's been abandoned for a long time."
"We'll be staying in the suitcase," Nia reminded him, recalling their previous experience at the Quidditch World Cup.
"This is the safe house," Albert explained to the group. "Only the Secret Keeper can reveal its existence; otherwise, no one can find this place."
"That note earlier…"
"It was from the Secret Keeper, indicating their willingness to share this secret with you," Albert pushed open the door and turned to explain, "This is currently the most reliable protective magic."
"The most reliable protective magic?" Herbert mumbled.
"Yes, very reliable," Albert continued, offering an explanation they could understand, "However, once the Fidelius Charm is cast, this place is effectively erased from reality. Only those who obtain the key—in this case, the Secret Keeper's permission—can know of its existence and enter."
"So, to enter this place, we need to find the Secret Keeper?"
"Yes."
"What if two Secret Keepers keep each other's secrets?" Nia suddenly asked.
"Then no one would be able to find them," Albert smiled, "Of course, this place is already half-abandoned. We just need to borrow its protective magic."
As he spoke, Albert opened his suitcase and placed it on the ground, gesturing for them to enter.
They all stepped into the suitcase, finding the interior surprisingly comfortable.
In the afternoon, Isabelle also arrived and spent time with Albert's family, discussing the current state of the British magical community and mentioning some specific matters they should be cautious about.
"So, that evil wizard, Voldemort, has truly been resurrected?" Herbert found it hard to comprehend that wizards could bring the dead back to life.
Unlike Herbert, Luke quickly accepted this information, having lived in the magical world himself and being aware of Voldemort's existence.
"The British magical community is in a state of war, which is why we chose France as the location," Isabelle explained.
"War?"
"It may sound exaggerated, but the situation is indeed grim," Albert said apologetically, "For safety reasons, we'll have to stay here temporarily. At the latest, Mrs. McDougall will also arrive in France the day after tomorrow."
"Is there really nothing we can do to help with the wedding?" Herbert asked Albert as they enjoyed their post-dinner fruit.
Leaving their son's wedding entirely in Mrs. McDougall's hands made Herbert and Daisy feel somewhat embarrassed.
"Don't worry about the wedding; I'll handle everything," Albert reassured them, understanding their concerns.
"After the wedding, do you plan to return to Britain?"
"Yes, we'll go back."
"Is the new house ready?"
"It's ready and protected by the Fidelius Charm as well, very safe.
"Albert said.
"Actually, you're still young, and there's no need to risk your future for adventure." Daisy fell silent for a moment before suddenly speaking up again, "I still think you should leave Britain for now, find a safe place to stay elsewhere in Europe, and return after the war is over here?"
"We're very safe in Britain." Albert reassured them, "And, your son is actually quite capable."
"That's enough, Albert is all grown up now. He has his own mind, and we shouldn't interfere with his decisions." Herbert stopped Daisy, who seemed inclined to say more, and patted Albert on the shoulder. "You do what you want, but remember, after you're married, you're not alone anymore."
...
The next day, Albert secretly returned to Britain and brought Katrina and Mrs. McDougall to France. The hand-held trunk suddenly became crowded, and Albert had never imagined that so many people would be staying there.
Fortunately, he had already asked the house-elves to temporarily vacate the laboratory, converting most of the rooms into temporary guest rooms to accommodate everyone.
Something magical happened when the two sets of parents met; they were both surprised to find that they knew very little about Albert and Isabelle's wedding plans, and they weren't even sure who was helping with the preparations.
During this time, Mr. Moag came by to discuss the wedding and brought along the bridesmaids' dresses for Nia and Katrina.
"Thank you, Moag." Mrs. McDougall said complexly.
"You're welcome. I really wanted to be their witness, but unfortunately, I didn't get the chance." Moag smiled and changed the subject.
"Is the wedding all prepared?" Herbert asked hesitantly, "And the expenses..."
"Yes, everything is ready, and Albert has taken care of the expenses. It didn't cost much, and many of Albert's old friends are coming to celebrate." Moag smiled. "The biggest problem now is screening the guests to avoid any strange folks causing trouble at the wedding."
"That's not a problem." Albert said, "I've already taken care of it."
"Then take them to the manor tomorrow and see if there are any other issues."
Moag came and left in a hurry, leaving the Andersons perplexed. However, they could all tell that Mr. Moag and Albert had a close relationship, and he was definitely more than just a relative of Mrs. McDougall's, or Albert wouldn't have entrusted him with such an important task.
Over the years, Albert's changes had made them feel a little estranged from him.
In fact, both Mrs. McDougall and the Andersons felt as if they were merely guests at the wedding.
In the following days, Albert became busy as well. He first released misleading information on the silver card and secretly visited Scrimgeour to discuss their plan to ambush the Death Eaters.
During Albert's stay in France, some changes occurred in the British magical community as well. Perhaps influenced by the Bones murder, most British wizards leaned towards Scrimgeour, hoping that the tough-minded Head of the Auror Office could lead them through the difficult times.
Scrimgeour was also very concerned about this operation and intended to use this opportunity to solidify his position and restore confidence in the Ministry of Magic.
While Albert was busy with wedding preparations, something unexpected happened within the safe house. Anderson and Mrs. McDougall actually proposed the idea that Isabelle should have a baby as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, Nia and Katrina were discussing beauty potions, thinking that they should combine Muggle and wizarding beauty methods to find a better way to maintain their appearance and figure.
"Has Albert gone out again?" Daisy asked, looking at Isabelle, who had sat down with a bowl of chilled watermelon.
"He said he had to go back to Britain to handle wedding matters." Isabelle didn't deny it.
"Albert has always been a very independent and sensible child, and he's never given us much to worry about. But once he makes a decision, he rarely changes his mind." Daisy took Isabelle's hand and said softly, "I hope you can help us watch over him and keep him from doing anything too dangerous."
"I will." Isabelle said.
"How about going to Hawaii for your honeymoon?" Herbert suggested.
"I'm afraid that won't be possible." Isabelle explained, "Given Albert's character, he will likely want to stay with the Le Mes until the very end of their lives."
"As long as you don't go back to Britain, I don't see a problem." Daisy exchanged glances with Mrs. McDougall and continued, "Also, please don't be angry, but we all hope that you can have a baby as soon as possible."
"About that..." Isabelle lowered her voice, "Albert and I have discussed it, and we don't plan to actively try for a baby just yet..."
(End of Chapter)
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