Chapter 1151: A Terrifying Turn of Events
Chapter 1151: A Terrifying Turn of Events
"Dear..."
Isobel looked up from her newspaper and sighed softly as she gazed at her husband, who was perusing some documents.
The day's issue of the Prophet was filled with major news stories, all stemming from Albert's excursion the previous night.
Though Albert had returned early, Isobel knew about the Time-Turner he possessed.
"What is it?" Albert asked, turning to her.
"It's not safe to go out at night in Britain these days. From now on, don't go out after dark, or I'll worry," Isobel said, leaning in to kiss Albert's forehead.
"Sorry for making you worry," Albert said helplessly. It was no surprise that Isobel had deduced the situation from the newspaper.
"Okay, I forgive you," Isobel said, holding up two books and waving them in front of Albert. "But later, you have to read this with me."
"'The Baby Care Guide?'"
"Yes, everyone in the family is reading it, and you should join us too."
"Of course, no problem. I'll finish reading this manuscript first, and then we can read that together," Albert replied, feeling a twinge of guilt for his neglect. He knew he had to shoulder his responsibilities as a father and not leave everything to Isobel.
Besides, Isobel was right—he had no experience in this regard. Although he had intended to leave the task of caring for the infant to others, he still needed to understand and fulfill his duties as a father.
This was actually quite a pleasant prospect.
Even Katrina occasionally joined in the discussions, and with the help of Mrs. McDougal, they compiled a list of necessary items. The whole family was preparing to welcome the newborn.
They had even decided on names. If it was a boy, they would name him Blair, after Isobel's father. And if it was a girl, they would name her Alice, inspired by a Muggle fairy tale. Isobel hoped her daughter would live a happy life, free from the troubled childhood she had endured.
"Do you have a preference for a boy or a girl?" Isobel looked up from her book and turned to Albert, who was consulting with Mrs. McDougal.
"Boys are too boisterous," Albert said with a smile. "Daughters are a father's little angels."
"A daughter?" Isobel murmured, gently caressing her belly.
"What about a daughter?" Katrina asked, puzzled.
"If you prefer a boy, we can always have another one later," Albert said softly, comforting Isobel. He truly didn't mind the child's gender.
"That's cheating," Katrina muttered.
She was more curious about how Isobel had guessed.
Had she used Legilimency?
Or...?"
"For important matters, Albert usually does a divination in advance," Isobel explained, meeting her sister's gaze. "Given Albert's personality, the baby's gender would likely influence his preferences."
Katrina's mouth hung open slightly as she realized the unique connection between Albert and Isobel.
"Then, will this book sell well?" Katrina changed the subject.
"I don't know," Albert shook his head. "But I think the sales won't be too bad. After all, as long as it's practical, most families would be willing to keep a copy on hand."
"Alright, dear, don't worry too much about the baby," Isobel said.
Albert kissed Isobel's dejected cheek and said, "We're still young, and even if we have several more, we can take care of them. Besides, I prophesied that we'll definitely have more than one child."
"I'm not a pig," Isobel said, a little glum. She knew Albert needed an heir.
"The Weasley family has a lot of children."
"Where are you going?"
"I think there's news about me."
Albert took the two-way mirror from the house-elf and saw Percy Weasley's tired face in the mirror.
"You look like you need some rest."
"I've been working overtime these past few days," Percy said with a bitter laugh. "Congratulations on your marriage."
"Thanks. I know you didn't contact me just to say that," Albert cut to the chase.
"The appeals of the Duke of Bees and the owner of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes have been rejected by the Ministry of Magic due to insufficient evidence," Percy said after a moment's thought. "As for the instigator behind the attack on your shop, they've caught him. Remember Kenneth Towle?"
"That guy's father?"
"Yes, Mr. Towle tried to make a quick buck in the Dark Magic Defense market, but he almost lost his pants due to the Ministry's monopoly. He rallied a bunch of similarly unlucky losers to try and bring down your shop and reclaim the market. There were even Death Eaters behind the scenes, and a few competing shops that provided financial aid in some way."
"The Duke of Bees and the owner of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes?"
"They only have confessions, so it's hard to make a move against them," Percy warned.
"I understand. Please thank Minister Scrimgeour for me," Albert said, not giving Percy a chance to continue as he closed the two-way mirror.
"That guy's becoming more and more like a politician in just a few months," Albert muttered.
As he walked towards the study where the two-way mirrors were kept, he contacted Fred and George.
"Is everything settled over there?" Albert asked.
"Yes."
"You'd better move out as soon as possible," Albert advised. "This incident has the shadow of Death Eaters, and it's no longer safe for you to stay there."
"Well... Sirius invited us to move to the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix, and the family also hopes we'll move there," George said.
"It's up to you," Albert interrupted. "But the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix is protected by the Fidelius Charm, and we can't get in."
Fred and George froze for a moment, understanding Albert's implication.
"Yeah, you're right. We still need to supply the specialty stores, so it would be inconvenient to stay at the Order's headquarters. It might disturb others," George nodded. "It would be much more convenient to go to the safe house you've prepared."
"When you have time, try to contact Zacharias and see if he's willing to join us," Albert instructed.
"I don't think he'll agree," Fred shook his head. "That guy probably hates us now."
"Their monopoly appeal has been rejected," Albert reminded them.
"When did this happen?"
"I just received the news," Albert continued. "Tell Zacharias directly that if he doesn't want his shop to go bankrupt and wants to stay in this business, joining us is his best option right now. As for the distribution issue, if he's willing, we can discuss it later."
"What if he's not willing?"
"Then we'll wait for his shop to go bankrupt, buy out his storefront, and reopen a branch in Hogsmeade," Albert said calmly. "If Zacharias is rational, he'll agree to our mutually beneficial proposal."
"By the way, have you seen the latest newspaper?" Fred asked excitedly. "Malfoy Manor seems to have been burned to ashes. I wonder if that little ferret, Malfoy, was burned to a crisp as well."
"It's probably retaliation," Albert said, speaking the truth. "After all, Lucius Malfoy used to be the right-hand man of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. With all the evil deeds he's done, he must have made quite a few enemies. It's not surprising that someone would take advantage of his current situation and kick him while he's down. I'd do the same."
(End of Chapter)
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