https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1662-A-War-with-No-Victors-Part-CXII-/12529441/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1664-A-War-with-No-Victors-Part-CXI-/12529443/
Chapter 1663: A War Without Victors (Part CXI)
Chapter 1663: A War Without Victors (Part CXI)
Kingsley understood the underlying truth in Gawain's jest, a sentiment shared by many within the upper echelons of the Ministry of Magic.
The Second Wizarding War had finally come to an end, leaving behind a mess that had exhausted everyone involved. Yet, as members of the Ministry's leadership, they couldn't simply neglect their responsibilities and let things slide.
Kingsley, with his exceptional abilities, had been chosen by his peers in the hopes that he could clean up this mess. However, it seemed that even Kingsley was struggling, which was why they wanted to invite Albert to join the Ministry.
In private meetings, the Ministry officials had even suggested offering Albert the position of Minister of Magic in the future to entice him.
They were well aware that with Albert's willingness and ability, he could undoubtedly resolve the current issues and make their lives easier in the coming days.
As for the promised position of Minister, with Albert's current reputation, he didn't need their promise if he truly aspired to that role.
The main consideration was that Kingsley had just taken office, and it would be years before he stepped down. During this interim, the Ministry could gain a handy problem solver.
Unfortunately, those in high positions tended to be overly optimistic and take things for granted.
However, Kingsley, who had interacted with Albert on multiple occasions, knew that this was almost an impossible proposition. Aside from Albert's blatant disregard for the Ministry's authority, there was no way he would submit to their command, regardless of the position offered.
No, they would be fortunate if he offered any additional assistance, and Kingsley was acutely aware that this was nothing more than a pipe dream.
Albert was not Dumbledore! Many failed to realize this, assuming Albert to be an enhanced version of Dumbledore.
Dismissing Gawain's "joke," the Minister turned his attention back to the upcoming full moon, a source of constant worry.
During the previous full moon, the Death Eaters had not incited the werewolves to cause trouble, but that didn't guarantee it wouldn't happen this time.
Adding to Kingsley's woes was the unsuccessful manhunt for the werewolves and Death Eaters. Despite Albert's divination efforts, they had yet to catch even a glimpse of their targets.
The operation had only served to exhaust the Aurors, forcing Kingsley to grant them a well-deserved break before the next full moon.
It was a rare weekend off, and Harry slept in late. Upon seeing the sandwich Ginny had left for him on the table, he resigned himself to his breakfast and picked up the rolled-up parchment that had been weighing it down.
Sorry, Harry, but Sirius and I both have things to do today, so you'll probably have to eat at Grimmauld Place. I've already talked to Mum about it. Love, Ginny.
"Oh. Looks like everyone's busy, not just me."
To be honest, Harry wasn't too keen on going to Grimmauld Place.
When the place had burned down and was being rebuilt, Harry had been too busy with Auror work to help much. And Ginny, being pregnant, could only manage light clerical work in Avalon.
As for Ron, he had naturally moved back to Grimmauld Place with Mr. and Mrs. Weasley.
Hermione, on the other hand, had moved out to attend Hogwarts.
Not wanting to burden Ginny further, Harry had stayed at 12 Grimmauld Place at Sirius' insistence.
In a few months, they would all be settling in Avalon anyway.
"I should go to Avalon and check it out!"
Harry hadn't forgotten Albert's advice to visit Avalon whenever he had the chance. It had just been so busy lately that he hadn't been able to make the trip.
Each time Harry visited Avalon, he was amazed by the changes in the wizarding village.
The once-empty residential area was now filled with towering villas, almost ready even if they weren't yet furnished.
What surprised Harry the most was the towering marble statue in the center of the village—a depiction of a male and female wizard holding their wands crossed, with numerous names engraved on the stone pedestal beneath their feet.
It was a monument! Harry tore his gaze away from the monument and turned toward the resting tent.
"Hermione, I thought you were at Hogwarts?" Harry asked, startled, as he pushed aside the tent flap and saw Hermione inside, chatting with the girls.
"It's the weekend today!" Hermione reminded him, a hint of surprise in her voice. "Looks like you've been working too hard and lost track of the days!"
"I know it's the weekend," Harry said, confusion etched on his face. "I know Hogwarts is closed today, but how did you..."
"Simple," Hermione said matter-of-factly. "I just had Dobby bring me here from Hogwarts."
From her tone, it was clear that she didn't give much weight to Hogwarts' rules.
"Take a seat, Harry."
"What are you all up to?" Harry asked curiously.
"Making furniture," Angelina replied, her mood seemingly upbeat. A simple silver ring adorned the fourth finger of her left hand. "The villas in Avalon are almost ready for move-in next month, but you can't have empty rooms. So, we're making furniture."
Harry eyed the carefully cut and sewn fabric pieces on the table and asked, "Is there anything I can help with?"
"They're cutting wood in the other tent over there. You can help with furniture assembly or use the Permanent Sticking Charm," Hermione said, pointing to another tent at a distance.
As Harry approached the other tent, he saw the men enjoying a refreshing break, eating watermelon and relaxing near what appeared to be an electric fan. Not far from them, several quills were magically controlled, drawing something based on wooden templates.
Then, a wizard would carefully use a Cutting Charm, guided by the drawn lines, to shape the wood into the desired form.
It was similar to assembling building blocks, where each piece was crafted using templates and then joined together with the Permanent Sticking Charm.
After careful adjustments and refinements, a layer of clear varnish would be applied before the finished pieces were left to dry in the shade near the villas.
The leftover wood was also put to good use. Some pieces were turned into piano key-like clothes hangers, while others were crafted into other practical items. Even the wood shavings were utilized for kindling, and the resulting ashes were used to fertilize the fruit trees, ensuring that nothing went to waste.
Harry picked up the carved model of a Golden Snitch and asked curiously, "What's this for?"
"Decoration," Truman replied without hesitation.
"Decoration?" Harry repeated, perplexed.
"This wood has a strange scent," Lee Jordan said inquisitively. "Albert said it has insect-repelling properties. So, how did you manage to get away from the Ministry today? Did they finally take pity on you overworked lot?"
"Everyone's been running themselves ragged lately," Harry sighed. "Kingsley thought it best to give everyone some time off to prepare for the upcoming full moon."
(End of Chapter)
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