Chapter 1399: A Natural-Born Leader
Chapter 1399: A Natural-Born Leader
With the help of the new members from the Order of the Phoenix, the preparations for the Christmas feast at the shelter were progressing much faster than expected. In the time it took for Albert to chat with Harry, the Great Hall had already been cleaned and was now being decorated. The feast here seemed no less grand than the one at the headquarters.
Indeed, more people brought more festive cheer.
Perhaps they should have held the Christmas feast at the shelter from the start.
"Sir."
A slightly hoarse voice interrupted Albert's thoughts. When he turned, he saw a young man with a pale face trying to speak to him.
"Tobin, is something the matter?"
Nelson Tobin.
Albert remembered this unfortunate Slytherin student of Muggle descent.
"Sir, I heard..."
"Yes," Albert nodded, looking into Nelson Tobin's eyes, "as you suspected, we will eventually have a confrontation with the Death Eaters."
"I want to be a part of it," Nelson Tobin said firmly.
"For revenge?"
Albert easily saw through his shallow motive.
"Yes."
"It seems that you haven't let go of your hatred."
"I think it's necessary to take care of it personally." Nelson Tobin's tone was resolute.
"You can certainly join," Albert said, re-evaluating the youth before him, his eyes clouded by vengeance. "As long as you wish to, no one will stop you. But you should know that it will be a life-or-death battle, and the Death Eaters are even more dangerous than you imagine."
"I'm not afraid."
"Perhaps... never mind, is there anything else?"
"I want to become stronger, more powerful. I've already learned everything in your Self-Defense Guide, and I want to learn more..."
"It's not about knowing more spells that makes one stronger," Albert interrupted directly. "You need practice and spar with other members often, as your enemies won't stand idly by while you cast your spells. Soon, I'll be conducting basic training here at the shelter... If you truly wish to grow stronger, try to master silent casting. Once you can cast silently and use it in combat, you'll understand its benefits."
"Thank you."
Nelson Tobin bowed slightly to express his gratitude and then turned to leave, seemingly not intending to stay for the feast.
"That boy's eyes are clouded by hatred."
Mr. Tonks appeared at Albert's side, and they watched Nelson Tobin's departing figure together.
"I know, Nelson Tobin's family was killed by Death Eaters," Albert turned and said, "If I were him, I'd want revenge too, so I'm in no position to ask him to let go of his hatred."
Mr. Tonks was left speechless, unsure how to respond.
"That sounds like something you'd say," came Sirius' sudden voice, and as Lupin appeared, Mr. Tonks had vanished without a trace.
"Aren't you the same?"
"Yes, I am," Sirius didn't deny his hatred for Peter, "Care to chat?"
Albert was at a loss for words. When had he become an agony uncle?
"About Harry?" Albert asked.
"Yes, Harry seems to be..." Sirius paused, choosing his words carefully.
"Preoccupied," Lupin added.
"Hmm, Harry is probably... overthinking things. I suggest you focus more on teaching him defensive spells, so he has less time to dwell on those messy thoughts," Albert offered what seemed like a decent suggestion.
"Do you really think so?"
The two men looked at each other and felt that this approach might work.
At the very least, strengthening Harry's combat training would help him better complete the task Dumbledore had left him.
Albert found that he did have the potential to be an agony uncle, as quite a few people sought him out for advice during his short stay at the shelter.
"You suspect that Dumbledore wasn't killed by Snape?"
Albert gave Moody a strange look, surprised that he had come to discuss this with him.
"I just find Dumbledore's death rather peculiar." Moody shook his head. "And, Mundungus, you know him, right?"
Albert narrowed his eyes and asked, "What happened to him?"
"He just managed to escape Snape's control. In any case, some very strange things happened."
"I can somewhat understand what you mean, but I'm more curious. Even if Snape was framed, what then? Or do you hope to get something out of him?"
"We all believe that Dumbledore wouldn't be easily killed by Snape. That guy is smarter than anyone, and it's unlikely that he would be... Do you know the reason?"
"Yes, I know what happened, but there are some things I won't tell others without Dumbledore's permission." Albert shook his head. "If you really want to know, ask Dumbledore's portrait. Also, it is indisputable that Dumbledore was indeed killed by Snape, so don't hold any expectations for him."
"Of course, I don't think you have any expectations for Snape either."
As Albert returned to the Great Hall, the Christmas feast had already begun.
Several couples were dancing to the music, but most people were seated, indulging in the delicious spread.
After all, it wasn't often that they got to enjoy such a sumptuous meal; the food at the shelter was rather mediocre.
"Muggle food is really good. Aren't you going to eat?"
Ron offered one of the chicken legs from his plate to Hermione.
"Thanks," she mumbled.
"Are you okay?" Ron asked anxiously. "You've seemed a bit preoccupied since earlier."
"I'm fine," Hermione assured him. She took a bite of the chicken leg and then changed the subject. "I haven't had Muggle food in a long time either."
"I thought you two would be dancing," Ron said, looking at Hermione expectantly.
But Hermione shook her head as she watched Harry and Ginny dancing in the crowd. "No, I don't feel like dancing right now."
When the song ended, Harry and Ginny returned to their seats, holding hands.
"You're not eating?" Harry offered the hamburger he had just fetched to Albert.
"No thanks, I've already eaten, and... this kind of food shouldn't be eaten in large quantities," Albert politely declined Harry's offer.
"Oh, and thank you," Harry said, looking around. "I think this is probably the best Christmas gift for us."
"It is Christmas, after all. It's more fun to have a lively celebration, and..." Albert added meaningfully, "...it helps to unite everyone."
The atmosphere at the feast was warm and friendly, with everyone enjoying the delicious food and some members of the Dumbledore Army taking the opportunity to interact with the members of the Order of the Phoenix.
"Are you leaving?"
"Yes, I'm off." Albert smiled and raised a finger before quietly slipping away.
After all, someone at home was waiting for him.
"That guy is truly a born leader!"
Sirius murmured to Lupin as Albert's figure disappeared from view.
"Yes, he's reliable and charismatic," Lupin agreed. He didn't mind Albert taking control of the situation; in fact, he felt that they needed Albert to lead them in their fight against Voldemort.
"He's more charismatic than Kingsley," Tonks commented, his opinion of Albert equally high.
"Perhaps some people are just natural-born leaders," Kingsley conceded. He had to admit that Albert always handled things well, whether it was organizing this Christmas feast or turning the tide in their favor.
After all, the situation had been dire, with the Order of the Phoenix in disarray and the Ministry of Magic under Voldemort's control.
Yet, with his own efforts, Albert had turned their significant disadvantage around.
"I really look forward to the day he becomes the Minister of Magic. Maybe the entire Ministry of Magic will change for the better then!" Tonks whispered excitedly.
"You're probably going to be disappointed. That guy doesn't seem interested in becoming the Minister of Magic," Sirius replied.
"Oh, what a shame," Tonks lamented.
(End of Chapter)
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