Chapter 1441: My Doing
Chapter 1441: My Doing
The darkness before dawn shrouded the Mediterranean like a bathtub, and in a calm sea unknown to people, a light suddenly lit up. A ship with a glowing lamp hanging from its bow slowly rose from the sea, briefly hovering before ghostly sailing into the deep sea to greet the dawn.
Having concluded a busy night, Albert returned to the ship and sat at the dining table, enjoying Isabelle's homemade potato and cheese pancakes while explaining his reason for returning late.
"So, you came back this late because you sneaked back to release a Dark Mark?"
Isabelle turned to look at Albert, who was seated at the table enjoying his supper, as she poured hot cocoa into a cup.
"I think that must be the scene I saw in my prophecy."
Normally, Albert wouldn't have paid much attention to the outcome of a prophecy. But this time was different.
He really wanted Voldemort dead.
"Yes, yes, your prophecy has come true again."
Isabelle handed the freshly made hot cocoa to Albert, speaking in a tone one would use to humor a child. "But what you didn't expect was that the Dark Mark was actually set by you."
"Yes, the mysterious guy probably lost so badly that he didn't bother to leave a Dark Mark." Albert sighed without an ounce of guilt. "Or maybe they only killed their own people. Anyway, I helped them fix it. Since people died, there should be a Dark Mark, right?"
"Drink up, and then get some rest. You must be tired after such a busy night."
As she spoke, she also yawned and covered her mouth.
Like Isabelle, everyone on the ship, except for Alice, had stayed up all night waiting for Albert's safe return.
Each time Albert went on an adventure, they would worry themselves sick.
"I'm sorry, dear."
Albert felt guilty. Of course, he knew that his late return would worry Isabelle, but there were things he had to do himself; how could he entrust them to others?
Besides, victory was within reach. He wouldn't allow any slip-ups now.
"Then don't keep us worried all the time, dear. I don't have the big heart of a Gryffindor."
Isabelle leaned in and kissed Albert's forehead. "Finish your drink and get some rest."
"You should drink some too. I doubt we'll be getting up early tomorrow morning." Albert pointed to the cup of hot cocoa.
"I already had a midnight snack while waiting for you."
Isabelle sat down next to Albert, propping her chin on her hands as she watched him eat. She suddenly asked, "Tell me about what happened tonight."
Albert had no intention of hiding anything, so he briefly recounted the night's events, causing Isabelle to furrow her brows as she listened. In her opinion, it was pure mischief on Albert's part to provoke the mysterious man.
"Why didn't you just leave immediately?" Isabelle asked, puzzled. "Couldn't you have quietly taken everyone away without getting into a bloody fight with the mysterious man and the Death Eaters?"
"It wasn't that bloody," Albert corrected.
"Then what was it?"
"The sneak attack was important for the members of the Order."
Meeting Isabelle's slightly stern gaze, Albert spoke softly, "And the outcome was good. A lot of their cannon fodders died on the mysterious man's side."
"That's because you got lucky. Don't you think the Death Eaters are getting smarter?" Isabelle reminded him. "They even used bait tactics. Who knows what other tricks they might pull next time."
"That's why it will bring unexpected gains to other members."
"You're important. There's no need to take such risks." Isabelle spoke softly. "Whether it's for me, for the Order, or for the British magical world right now."
"I'm confident in my ability to protect myself. You know I'm not one to take unnecessary risks."
After finishing the hot cocoa and several pieces of the pancake, Albert yawned and prepared to head back to his room to rest.
Unaccustomed to taking risks? When a risk-averse person does take a risk, it's usually fatal.
Isabelle watched Albert's retreating figure and then took the baby bottle to feed Alice.
"He's back?"
Katrina appeared outside the nursery, holding Tom's cat. She looked at Isabelle, who was taking care of Alice, and asked, "Is he alright?"
"He's fine, just a little delayed by some mischievous business." Isabelle gently patted Alice's back and glanced at her sister, letting out a soft sigh. "You should step up your efforts."
"How can I persuade him not to take risks when you can't even do that yourself?" Katrina pouted.
"You know what I mean."
Isabelle placed the baby back in the crib and fixed her eyes on her sister.
Katrina remained silent, and an awkward silence filled the room.
After a while, unable to bear the atmosphere any longer, Katrina spoke up. "You know how Gryffindors are."
"No, he probably... has his reasons for doing what he must." Isabelle knew the reason: Albert intended to kill Voldemort once and for all.
Albert had once shared this intention with Isabelle. Everything he did was aimed at ensuring Voldemort's permanent death, so he wouldn't come back to life every now and then.
Isabelle understood why Albert was so determined to kill Voldemort.
If Voldemort resurrected, he would undoubtedly seek revenge on those close to Albert.
Albert could not tolerate such a situation.
"He's told you most of his secrets." Katrina shrugged. "So, my dear sister, you're the one who needs to step up your efforts."
With that, Katrina turned and left.
Watching her sister's departing figure, Isabelle heaved a soft sigh. "No one is generous, my sister. Don't you understand? Once an opportunity is missed, it's gone forever."
When Isabelle returned to the bedroom, the bathroom light was still on. She took off her thick cloak and hung it on the rack. Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Albert stepped out in a bathrobe and slippers. The faint scent of blood that had clung to him earlier was now completely gone.
Isabelle seemed unconvinced and lifted Albert's pajamas to inspect him carefully.
"It's alright, dear. I'm just a bit sleepy. We can talk about other things after I wake up, okay?"
Albert picked up the pocket watch from the bedside table and glanced at the time. His drowsiness deepened.
It was six in the morning, and the sky outside was already brightening.
"Goodnight."
He yawned, said goodnight, and lay down, soon falling into a deep sleep.
"Goodnight, dear."
Isabelle turned her head to look at the young face and slowly closed her eyes.
They slept late into the day, but it couldn't be helped—who could get up early after going to bed past six in the morning?
However, Albert was unaware that as the sun rose on the following day, the entire British wizarding world would be in an uproar over this horrific attack.
(End of Chapter)
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