Chapter 1206: Albert, the Agony Aunt
Chapter 1206: Albert, the Agony Aunt
"Dear, who are you chatting with?"
In a cozy corner of the hall, illuminated by the warm glow of the fireplace, Isabelle reclined on the sofa next to Albert, listening to the soft music emanating from the record player while using her wand to adjust the pattern on her sweater.
"Harry Potter, I've been playing agony aunt lately."
Albert set aside his communication bookmark, gently caressing Isabelle's noticeably rounded belly with one hand as he smiled and shared the story with his wife: "Lately, our savior seems a bit uncertain about his ability to shoulder this heavy responsibility."
"Agony aunt?"
Isabelle looked up, appraising Albert with a smile, "I think 'agony uncle' would be more fitting."
"Agony aunt sounds more convincing," Albert corrected her, "You know, most people think youngsters are unreliable."
"Actually, I've been feeling a bit down lately too. I could use some advice from an agony aunt myself," Isabelle set down her wand and rested her head on Albert's shoulder.
"What's troubling you?" Albert asked, stroking his wife's long red hair.
"My husband keeps running off, always making me worry," Isabelle complained to 'Albert the Agony Aunt' in earnest.
"Sorry,"
Albert's arm paused, and he spoke softly.
"Hmm, I accept your apology. But remember to come home on time from now on. Don't stay out all night. Only when I see you will I be able to rest easy," Isabelle hugged Albert's arm and said, "Only then will I be able to sleep soundly."
"I'll keep that in mind,"
Albert felt a twinge of guilt. He was well aware that after getting married, he no longer belonged solely to himself and couldn't act as recklessly as before. He needed to consider his wife and the child they were expecting.
This was also why many wizards dared not defy Voldemort. They feared for the safety of their loved ones, knowing that should anything happen, it would be a burden too heavy to bear.
"Actually, I'm more curious about what you've been up to when you're out and about,"
Katrina, finished with her conversation with Mrs. McDougall, directed a curious gaze at Albert, "I always feel like you have a soft spot for Miss Granger. You even risked danger to save her family. Could it be that..."
The young girl sized Albert up with an appraising look before shaking her head, "No, that's not it. Miss Granger falls short in many ways compared to Isabelle, and if you were looking for a woman, obviously..."
"Ahem..."
Mrs. McDougall gently coughed, interrupting her younger daughter's so-called speculation. Of course, she was aware of Albert's popularity with women, but those matters were insignificant. During their stay at Albert's home, she had formed a very positive impression of her son-in-law.
"Must you always jump to such conclusions?" Albert couldn't help but retort.
"Who can blame me when you're always surrounded by so many beautiful women? Claiming that you all have a purely platonic relationship is hard to believe. Even the purest of relationships can change over time,"
"What you say makes sense, but the situation is not quite as you imagine," Albert shook his head in explanation, "This has something to do with the seer, Cassandra."
"The three dates?"
Isabelle had already anticipated certain possibilities. Although she had only a basic understanding of divination, her husband was a seer, and his interpretation of prophecies far surpassed that of most wizards. This was why Isabelle was concerned. In her eyes, Albert was embarking on dangerous adventures, and no wife wanted to see her husband putting himself at risk.
"The date, December 27th?"
"That's probably the time when Hermione will send her family away from Britain, and I promised to help her with that. Unfortunately, my promise has put her family in the path of the prophecy,"
"Some help?" Katrina muttered under her breath, "You two are really close."
"She's my friend, and she's worth investing in," Albert said calmly, "I'm just helping Hermione's family leave Britain safely. As Harry Potter's close friend, it's only a matter of time before she attracts Voldemort's attention, so she wants to send her family away."
"It seems the situation is less than ideal." Albert gazed into the roaring fireplace and murmured, "Based on my predictions, the state of the British magical community next year might rapidly deteriorate."
"But the current situation is under control. With the help of the International Wizarding Union, the Ministry of Magic has stabilized the wizarding world, and there are no longer any Dark Wizards causing trouble." Mrs. McDougall was somewhat perplexed but chose to trust Albert's judgment, as he had never been wrong before.
"The root of this chaos is the Mysterious Man," Albert continued calmly. "As long as he isn't completely eradicated, this war won't end."
"So, you've brought the date forward." Isabelle asked bluntly, her eyes cold.
"I won't just sit and wait for doom. There are many ways to ensure that prophecy doesn't come to pass." Albert spoke with a serene expression, "In fact, the Mysterious Man did set a trap for me, but I easily evaded it, so that prophecy was likely a ruse."
"Only you would dare to underestimate the Mysterious Man like that." Katrina rolled her eyes at Albert.
"Because I'm from a Muggle family, I don't feel the same fear when I hear his name." Albert took an apple from the plate and offered it to Isabelle, "And besides, the Mysterious Man's days are already numbered."
"But... according to what you said, does that mean Dumbledore and Scrimgeour are doomed as well?" Katrina stole a glance at Mrs. McDougall and dropped a bombshell that would shock the entire wizarding world.
"Doomed? You mean..."
Mrs. McDougall realized she might be privy to a huge secret.
"The remaining two dates from Cassandra's prophecy are most likely the death dates of Professor Dumbledore and Minister Scrimgeour." Albert looked at the astonished Mrs. McDougall and gently reassured her, "But there's no need to worry excessively. There's a saying that goes, what rises must fall. When the Mysterious Man's power reaches its peak, he will begin to weaken, and his end will be near."
"It seems the Mysterious Man's end is indeed approaching." Katrina added her consolation.
"This..."
"As Professor Dumbledore's old rival, he will surely have everything in order before his death." Albert continued to divulge information, "In fact, the headmaster has already discovered the secret to the Mysterious Man's immortality, and I believe he will soon find a way to turn him back into a mortal. At that point, the Mysterious Man's end will be nigh."
"You're involved in this as well?" Mrs. McDougall inquired, a bit shocked.
"I did provide them with some insignificant assistance, as you know, I am a seer." Albert spoke softly, "And Harry Potter, the renowned savior, has a deep grudge against the Mysterious Man. He will bring about his end."
"You're quite the schemer, aren't you? Despite your strength, you're still so afraid of death." Katrina couldn't help but tease him.
"No, I'm just leaving the opportunity to Harry." Albert shrugged, "Of course, I won't deny that I dislike taking risks, and I've always believed that the right tasks should be left to the right people."
"The right person? I can't see how Harry is more suitable than you."
"I didn't expect you to understand." Albert retorted in a slightly annoyed tone.
Harry was the chosen one, the protagonist of the story, and it was only natural that he would be more suited to defeat the Mysterious Man, with his unbeatable protagonist's luck. As for Albert, he had learned from Cedric's example—it was best to stay out of the way and not get turned into collateral damage.
One should know their limitations.
Albert had a whole life to enjoy, and rushing to face off against Voldemort was not worth it. Moreover, with Harry Potter, a powerful ally, at the forefront, there was no need to be hasty.
Even with absolute confidence in one's abilities, one should not underestimate the main antagonist.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
