https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1650-A-War-Without-Victors-One-Hundred-/12529424/
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Chapter 1651: A War With No Victors (Part 101)
Chapter 1651: A War With No Victors (Part 101)
"I heard you're considering working for the Ministry of Magic?" Percy suddenly asked.
"Yes, that is the plan," Hermione admitted, surprised by Percy's sudden change of topic.
"However, I intend to return to Hogwarts to complete my education first. I'll join the Ministry after graduating next year," Hermione explained her plans.
Percy furrowed his brows slightly upon hearing Hermione's arrangement. After a moment, he said, "I hope you don't mind me saying this, but to be frank, your decision isn't very rational."
"You think I shouldn't go back to school?" Hermione was taken aback by Percy's comment.
"Yes. If you plan to work for the Ministry in the future, now is the time to get in," Percy advised kindly.
"Why?" Ron couldn't help but ask.
"Due to the Second Wizarding War, there are quite a few vacant positions in the Ministry. It will take time to fill them all. With your abilities and Minister Kingsley's support, you're guaranteed to land a decent position," Percy explained, gesturing with his hand towards the half-empty glass in front of him.
This sincere advice was Percy's way of guiding Hermione so that she could avoid some detours in life.
"Actually, Albert mentioned something similar to me," Hermione smiled at Percy, "But, my reason for joining the Ministry isn't to climb the ranks and become a high official. That would be quite challenging for someone from a Muggle family like me. I just want to do something I believe in."
Hermione's words took Percy completely by surprise. Though he admired her ideals, he knew that ideals were just that—ideals. His own experiences had taught him that joining the Ministry with such a naive reason would only lead to a harsh lesson from the cruel realities of the world.
However, Percy didn't want to discourage Hermione. Instead, he asked curiously, "What did Albert say about this?"
"Albert thinks we should first change the way wizards view house-elves. Then, we can use legal means to ensure their most basic rights," Hermione said, sensing Percy's skepticism.
In fact, not just Percy, but most wizards felt the same way.
"He also suggested that I write a story about house-elves," Hermione said, as if she had thought of something, and added confidently, "I already have an idea for the plot, and I plan to finish it during my seventh year whenever I have free time."
"Where will you find the time? Seventh year will be busy for you, won't it? And you're also supposed to help Albert revise the 'Dark Magic Defense Guide,' right?" Ron doubted that Hermione would be able to manage everything.
"Of course, I can," Hermione said confidently. "While it does seem like a lot, it's not as busy as you think."
"If you're bored, come and help us with the fireworks!" George strode towards them, grumbling.
"It's just you?" Ron remembered that Fred and George usually handled the fireworks.
"We agreed on this beforehand, but they all ran off to dance. Not a single one of them is reliable," George scanned the people present and asked again, "Whoever's free, come and lend a hand. I can't do this alone."
"I'll do it."
A familiar voice suddenly sounded from beside them, and everyone turned their heads in surprise towards Albert and Isabelle, who had just left the dance floor.
"You're not going to keep dancing?" Hermione's expression was peculiar as she asked, "There are quite a few girls waiting to dance with you."
Albert steered the conversation away from the topic, "Let's skip the dancing for now, or else they'll keep us occupied forever." He then asked George, "Is Harry's fireworks display also the phoenix?"
"The phoenix fireworks were ordered by Sirius. But we also prepared some lion and griffin fireworks."
As George spoke, he led the group towards the area where the fireworks were set up. In addition to the four specially made fireworks, there were also several others piled up, all of which were meticulously prepared by the Weasley twins as gifts for Harry and Ginny.
"Would you mind if we light them up?" Albert pointed to the phoenix fireworks and asked.
"Not at all. I'll count to three, and you two can light them together." George held up his lit wand and turned to Hermione, Ron, and Percy, "When you release your fireworks, remember to follow my wand movements so that they go off together. Is that alright?"
"Alright." Everyone nodded in agreement.
"Then let's begin. One, two..."
Before George could even count to three, the night sky was suddenly dyed an eerie emerald green, and a mark appeared in everyone's field of view—a huge serpent emerging from a skull's mouth.
"The Dark Mark!"
Everyone's eyes widened in shock as they stared at the rising mark, their mouths agape in disbelief.
"We're under attack!"
Ron screamed, but then he opened and closed his mouth, unable to make a sound.
"Calm down, Albert is here too. The situation isn't as bad as you think." George felt that his younger brother was overreacting, and to prevent panic, he signaled for him to be quiet.
After all, they had anticipated this, hadn't they?
"Voldemort's remnants are deliberately trying to ruin Harry's wedding. They're just here to cause trouble." Albert waved his wand to dispel the Dark Mark in the sky, but soon another one rose, and this time several spells flew towards them, though they seemed to be scattered.
Apparently, the dark wizards were unsure of Avalon's precise location and were conducting probing attacks to try and pinpoint it.
However, Albert, Moody, and Lupin were well-prepared and easily blocked the two spells that might have hit the village of Avalon.
"Do we need to evacuate the guests?" Percy looked at the exploding spells outside the barrier and frowned, turning to Albert for further instructions.
"No need. Those cowards are just here to ruin Harry's wedding. I doubt they have the guts to attack us directly." Moody strode out of the large tent, leaning on his cane. His face remained calm, but Arthur Weasley, who had come out with him, looked concerned. Clearly, the appearance of the Dark Mark had startled the other guests in the tent.
"I agree. Let's go take a look." Kingsley nodded at Albert and then turned to Mr. Weasley, "You calm everyone down. We'll get rid of those troublemakers soon."
Kingsley had anticipated this and had stationed a small number of Aurors to take turns ambushing the area around Avalon. He knew that it was almost impossible to wipe out all of Voldemort's remnants in one go, but capturing one or two would be a success.
However, as expected, the so-called remnants of Voldemort who appeared were only there to cause trouble for Harry. They only knew the approximate location of Avalon and fled immediately after casting their spells, not giving the ambushing Aurors much time to react, let alone capture any of them.
The most frustrating part was that their plot had succeeded in ruining Harry's wedding.
The joyous atmosphere that had filled the air was now gone, replaced by tension and worry, especially among the wizards who hadn't participated in the Battle of Hogwarts. They feared that the tragedy of Bill's wedding would repeat itself.
(End of Chapter)
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