https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1684-A-War-With-No-Victors-One-Hundred-and-Thirty-Four-/12567904/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1686-A-War-Without-Victors-One-Hundred-and-Thirty-Six-/12574955/
Chapter 1685: A War with No Victors (One Hundred and Thirty-Five)
Chapter 1685: A War with No Victors (One Hundred and Thirty-Five)
"I wonder when this rain will let up," Angelina mused, her figure bundled up in a thick cloak as she stood at the entrance of the tent, gazing out at the pouring rain beyond the gates of the villa.
"Who knows, but I hope it stops soon. Otherwise, the newly transplanted trees in the orchard might be ruined," replied Alicia, sidestepping the tent flap to hand her friend a freshly brewed hot cocoa. She took a small sip from her own cup, her eyes also fixed on the relentless downpour beyond the villa, her thoughts unknown.
"Don't be silly. It's the rainy season; this rain isn't going to stop anytime soon," Katie chimed in, emerging from behind the pair and taking a casual sip from her own cup of hot cocoa. She waved to Sandra, who had just emerged from the tent across the way.
"What are you all chatting about?" Sandra stretched lazily, easing her aching back from sitting too long, and smiled at the other girls around her.
Ever since the sudden drop in temperature and the outbreak of the flu in the wizarding world, they had stopped allowing Ginny to come to Avalon. For the time being, Sandra herself took on Ginny's work.
"I had hoped to be able to move here before Christmas," Angelina said, a hint of regret in her voice.
"Move here to live a life of bliss with Fred?" Sandra teased with a smile.
"I'm just voicing what everyone else is thinking. A lot of people want to move in as soon as possible," Angelina retorted defensively.
"You just want to finish building Avalon quickly so you can pursue your Quidditch dreams!" Alicia bluntly exposed her friend's hidden agenda.
In fact, even if Alicia hadn't said it, the others could have easily guessed what she was thinking.
"Our construction efficiency is already quite high, and if you really want to move in sooner, that can be arranged," Sandra said, giving Angelina a sidelong glance. "However, since Avalon is not yet complete, you'll still have to make do with living in tents for the time being."
"Living in tents is very inconvenient," Katie said, winking at Sandra. "But some people might be too eager to wait."
Sandra frowned slightly at Katie's words but still offered a word of advice. "If you really want to move in first, it's best to get more people to come with you for company."
This autumn rain had indeed disrupted many people's original plans. Otherwise, with their construction speed, they would have definitely finished by Christmas and spent their first holiday in Avalon. Unfortunately, that wish would likely go unfulfilled.
For this group of young witches and wizards, Avalon, the village they were building with their own hands, was their new home—a utopia full of hope.
Here, away from the hustle and bustle of the adult world, they lived in harmony, a feeling reminiscent of their time in the Hogwarts castle, an ivory tower of sorts.
Of course, their eagerness to finish building Avalon wasn't because they disliked the work; on the contrary, they found joy in the process of constructing their own village. However, they were also keenly aware that they had graduated from Hogwarts and needed to find suitable jobs to sustain their livelihoods, rather than relying solely on Albert's shoulders.
Yes, they needed galleons.
They needed to replenish Avalon's coffers before Voldemort's bounty ran out.
Everyone understood this implicitly, as they were also members of the Defense Association.
The residents of Avalon.
"When did you get engaged?" Sandra asked, noticing the ring on Alicia's finger, her eyes widening in surprise.
"We're not engaged yet." Alicia shrugged. "But it should be soon; I'm just getting a head start on adjusting."
"When did you and George hook up?" Angelina asked curiously, eyeing her best friend.
"It's not George, it's Wood." Alicia was quite open about it. "Most of the girls around have boyfriends. So, when Wood approached me, I agreed to give dating him a try."
"I thought it would be George," Angelina said, sounding a bit disappointed. If Alicia married George, their relationship would become even closer.
"I remember George was looking for..." Alicia turned to Katie.
"He came to me after finding out you were dating Wood." Katie shrugged, openly admitting her relationship with George.
"Do you expect me to believe that nonsense?"
Alicia rolled her eyes and turned to Sandra. "Aren't you thinking of getting yourself a boyfriend?"
"Not yet. I haven't met anyone I like." Sandra shook her head. "Besides, I think being single is fine, too."
Unless something unexpected happened, she anticipated having to manage matters in Avalon on her own, as Albert was unlikely to be of much help.
That was probably his intention when he groomed her in the first place.
Sandra felt content with her current situation; some things didn't need to be forced, and it was better to let them happen naturally.
"Another one charmed by Albert."
Angelina exchanged glances with the other girls, helplessly spreading her hands, then added with a hint of goodwill, "There's only one Albert, and if you're looking for a boyfriend according to his standards, you'll probably be single forever."
Sandra gave the Quidditch Trio a baffled look and explained, "I meant to let things happen naturally."
"What are you all talking about?"
"We're talking about everyone's boyfriends."
Angelina grinned at Autumn and bluntly asked, "Have you slept with Cedric?"
"Ah, what?"
Autumn's expression almost gave her away, and she looked flustered, never expecting Angelina to bring this up suddenly.
"Have you or haven't you?"
The girls around her were equally curious.
"What about you?" Autumn asked, her face reddening.
"Yes, I have." Angelina pouted. "Fred's quite enthusiastic about it, and I'm a little worried I might get pregnant early."
"You can take birth control pills." Sandra replied without hesitation.
"Are those potions from the Muggle world?"
Autumn couldn't help but ask, and there was no doubt that she needed them, too.
Having a child too early wouldn't be good for a young and not-yet-settled young couple.
"Sort of!"
Sandra gave Autumn a quirky look, probably guessing her situation.
"Do you need some?"
"Not yet." Alicia and Katie looked at each other, their expressions equally odd. "We haven't gotten to that step yet."
"I've heard it feels great." Alicia seemed to be deliberately stirring up trouble as she teased.
"You can go try it with your boyfriend." Angelina rolled her eyes.
"Yes, it feels wonderful." Autumn smiled mysteriously.
"Damn right it feels good, but it hurts at first, doesn't it?"
Angelina complained about Fred's haste and roughness in their intimate moments.
Autumn looked at Angelina with doubtful eyes, wondering if their intimate life was as unrestrained as their dancing.
(End of Chapter)
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