Chapter 1273: Destined for Unrest
Chapter 1273: Destined for Unrest
"How does this look?"
Isabelle, dressed in a simple beige cocktail dress, twirled in front of the full-length mirror, looking at Albert with a questioning expression.
"It suits you, and you look beautiful," Albert nodded in approval.
"I think you shouldn't be coming with me," Katrina frowned at the irresponsible young couple before her, "What about Alice?"
"Alice is well-fed and asleep. I'll be back within two hours at most," Isabelle had carefully considered this matter and was confident that there would be no issues during her brief outing with Albert. She had been cooped up at home for too long.
"Don't worry, I'll have Kara bring her back," Albert would never put Isabelle in harm's way.
"I really don't understand what's going on in your heads!"
Katrina pouted, frustrated by their recklessness. She, too, had been confined and was eager for some fresh air.
"Take care of Alice for me, sis," Isabelle hugged her sister gently.
"Alright," Katrina arched an eyebrow, "But you're looking a bit chubby lately."
"Don't worry, once my body recovers, it won't take much exercise to get back in shape," Albert reassured her, "I'll accompany you when the time comes."
He didn't think it was an issue, but he understood that women tended to be more concerned about such matters.
After a quick preparation, they used the Vanishing Cabinet to return quietly to their safe house in England. From there, they apparated near the Weasley's humble home in Ottery St. Catchpole, where a large white tent had been set up, seemingly bustling with activity.
"Let's go," Albert said, glancing at the bushes on the right before taking Isabelle's hand and walking slowly in that direction.
"What is it?" Isabelle noticed Albert's glance and asked curiously.
"Nothing, there are a couple of Aurors from the Ministry of Magic over there," Albert explained, having spotted them upon his arrival.
"Looks like this wedding won't be peaceful either," Isabelle remarked softly. She was surprised that Albert had agreed to accompany her to the wedding.
"We can't hide forever. It's not good to let it affect our emotions. As long as we time it right, there won't be a problem," Albert said, leading Isabelle forward as they smiled at George, who was waving at them.
"I thought you guys weren't coming," George said, relieved to see Albert.
"We were delayed by some matters," Albert replied.
He paid no mind to the curious stares they were attracting and looked at Harry Potter, who stood in his way, with a puzzled expression, "I thought you would use a Polyjuice Potion to disguise yourself a bit."
"That wouldn't have made much of a difference, as you know," Harry said softly, "Let's talk later when we have the chance."
"We'll talk later," Albert neither agreed nor refused.
"Come with me first, I've already reserved seats for you," George said, taking the invitation card Albert handed him and passing it to Ron before ushering them into the tent.
"I heard you've been having some trouble lately," a strange voice suddenly spoke up as Albert was about to enter the tent. He turned to see Viktor Krum, with his black hair, handing a card to a gloomy-looking Ron.
"Just a minor setback," Albert replied.
"I hope it's as minor as you say," Krum said, nodding at Isabelle.
"We shouldn't talk here, let's not cause trouble for others," Albert said to Krum before following George into the large white tent.
"Kingsley convinced Scrimgeour," George said softly, noticing Albert's gaze on the waiters carrying trays, "The Ministry sent quite a few people, but we couldn't accommodate so many guests, so..."
"Yeah, I noticed the outer defenses are rather mediocre.
Albert's gaze swept across the bustling tent, and he spotted several Aurors mixed in with the crowd. He had a feeling that Scrimgeour was planning something desperate, which would explain the lackluster outer defenses.
"Why don't you help me reinforce the defenses later?" George said expectantly, looking at Albert.
"It's useless. No matter how powerful the defensive spells are, they can only do so much." Albert shook his head. "Just like how Dumbledore is always Hogwarts' strongest line of defense."
"Can't it be avoided?" George's expression turned gloomy. No one wanted their wedding to be disrupted.
"It's obvious."
"That's terrible news. Do you have any suggestions?" George asked anxiously.
"It's best not to drag out the wedding too long." Albert replied without hesitation.
"Looks like I need to have a chat with my mom." George reached into the air and pulled out a person. "Hermione, help me entertain them for a bit."
"Albert, long time no see!"
Hermione, dressed in a flowing lilac gown, greeted Albert with a smile.
"You look even more beautiful than before." Albert smiled back.
This was no exaggeration. Hermione was indeed at the age when European and American girls were considered the most attractive.
Hearing Albert's compliment, Hermione's face lit up with a brilliant smile. However, she seemed to sense something and her eyes fell on the red-haired girl beside Albert, who was smiling at her. Hermione's expression became complicated, but she managed to squeeze out a smile and led Albert towards Hagrid's table.
At that moment, Madame Maxime was whispering something to Hagrid.
As Hermione walked away, Isabelle leaned closer to Albert and whispered, "You're still as popular with the ladies as ever."
"Well, what can I say? Outstanding, handsome, wealthy, and talented men are always going to be popular with the ladies." Albert joked.
"Looks like I need to keep a closer eye on you, or you might just be snatched away."
"That's..."
"Long time no see, Mr. Anderson." Madame Maxime finally noticed Albert sitting beside her and gave them a curious look. "I heard you're living in France now."
"No, I've left France to avoid causing trouble for others."
"Poor Laura."
Madame Maxime obviously knew the healer.
"Actually, Laura isn't that unfortunate. I paid her a large sum of gold galleons, and even reminded her before I left." Albert glanced at Hagrid and said to Madame Maxime, "She was warned about the risks from the very beginning, but she obviously didn't take my warnings seriously and brought misfortune upon herself."
Even though they had left France the day Alice was born, Albert had been keeping an eye on the situation there and was naturally aware of the healer's arrest.
"Her husband isn't good at keeping secrets." Madame Maxime sighed.
"Then she shouldn't have been so optimistic. If she had listened to my suggestions, perhaps she wouldn't have ended up in such an unfortunate situation." Albert was well aware that the unlucky healer had simply been collateral damage, but he felt no guilt. He had done everything he could.
"Everyone has their own ideas, and you can't expect others to follow your wishes." A middle-aged man in a suit sat down across from Albert.
"Good afternoon, Minister." Albert greeted him like an old friend. "It's quite a surprise to see you here."
Both Hagrid and Madame Maxime gave the middle-aged man curious looks.
Minister?
Which Minister?
Scrimgeour paid no heed to their confusion and directed his attention to Isabelle, raising an eyebrow slightly. "It seems the situation is even more optimistic than I expected."
"I'd say that's just your one-sided opinion."
(End of Chapter)
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