https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1706-A-War-Without-Winners-Part-156-/12938244/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1708-A-War-Without-Winners-Part-158-/12938246/
Chapter 1707: A War Without a Victor (Part 157)
Chapter 1707: A War Without a Victor (Part 157)
"Come in."
A sudden knock on the door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts office interrupted Albert's reading of the latest issue of The Prophet Daily. Without looking up, he waved his hand slightly towards the door, and the wooden door creaked open. Hermione entered, holding up a greaseproof paper bag and cheerfully greeting Albert at his desk.
"I brought you a midnight snack, freshly made by Shimmer."
Since Albert's invitation, Shimmer had been making an effort to improve her attitude, and now she showed no hostility towards Hermione. This snack was proof of her change.
Of course, it was also possible that the house-elf wanted to use Hermione's hands to deliver this carefully prepared midnight snack to Albert.
"Oh, it seems Shimmer has perked up," Albert put down the newspaper and looked up at Hermione, "Does she have the intention to work in Avalon?"
"Well, I mentioned it to Shimmer, but she hasn't given me a clear answer yet," Hermione wasn't disappointed, as everything was moving in a positive direction.
"No rush, I'll have Dobby talk to her about it later," Albert said, gesturing towards a file bag on the desk, which then floated towards Hermione.
"What's this?"
Hermione reached out and took the floating file bag, opening it to reveal parchment inside, and she couldn't help but stare in surprise.
"The remaining parts of the Guide to Defense Against the Dark Arts."
Albert did feel a bit hungry after catching a whiff of the food's aroma. He stood up from his seat and headed towards the sofa.
"I sense you're not very enthusiastic about this book," Hermione commented after flipping through a few pages.
"After all, it's something used for self-promotion," Albert said with a touch of self-deprecation, "And as a textbook, it has its limitations."
"Do you still need fame?" Hermione asked with a peculiar expression.
"International fame, it's also a way to keep my promise to Dumbledore," Albert explained. He wasn't too invested in the Guide because it carried too much weight and didn't truly reflect his understanding of Defense Against the Dark Arts.
"It's really..."
Just then, another knock sounded from outside, and Cedric Diggory entered, his gaze falling on the manuscript in Hermione's hands. He looked back at Albert and couldn't help but exclaim, "Your efficiency is impressive! Are you almost done?"
"This is just the initial draft, there's still a lot to revise."
A textbook meant to enlighten others should be easily understandable, ideally allowing readers to learn on their own without relying on school professors for explanations.
"If only other wizards could think like you."
Cedric was aware that many textbooks were poorly written, some filled with pointless rambling. The authors didn't know how to effectively impart knowledge, which was why Albert's Defense Guide had become so popular worldwide.
The Guide to Defense Against the Dark Arts truly lived up to its name!
"Let's have some snacks first, or they'll get cold and won't taste as good," Hermione suggested, handing the file bag to Cedric. She then waved her wand and conjured a plate, emptying the contents of the greaseproof bag onto it.
"It smells amazing, and I suddenly feel hungry again!"
Cedric had intended to review the latest draft, but the sight of the steaming cheese and potato pie on the plate made him set the file bag aside. He picked up the teapot from the table and began pouring milk tea for everyone.
"It's a simple cooking method, but many people eat just to survive, not to savor the delicious flavors of the food."
"Albert picked up a slice of cheese and potato pie, took a bite, and suddenly spoke in a language that no one else understood.
Hermione realized the reason for this; Ron's mother had to prepare meals for a large group daily, and managing to make edible meals was already an achievement.
'Can't you two speak in a language we understand?'
Cedric rolled his eyes, ignoring the two in front of him. He took a bite of the stringy cheese and potato pie and murmured, "I remember during school, the kitchen only had tough meat pies."
"If you want, Shimmer can bring you a late-night snack every night." Albert took a sip of his tea, "It's been practicing new recipes, and it would be happy to have someone taste its food."
"Never mind, it's not good to have late-night snacks every night. I don't want to end up breaking my chair too. By the way, did you get a new armchair?" Cedric's lips twitched as he spoke, not noticing Hermione's slightly unnatural expression beside him.
"I made a cushion for myself." Albert changed the subject, turning to Hermione, "Have you decided what to do with the money?"
"I plan to keep it for now, just in case. I don't want to have to borrow money from you later."
Although Hermione's family had given her some pounds when she returned to Britain, she had to be frugal before starting work; otherwise, she would need to ask Albert for money, a situation she wanted to avoid.
"If others see it, they might even accuse us of cheating in the tournament!" Cedric realized his slip of the tongue and quickly coughed lightly, "With your connection to Kingsley, I don't think you need to worry about finding a job after graduation. If you're willing, you could even become Kingsley's ministerial assistant. Percy will be changing positions next summer."
"I still want to join..."
Another knock on the door interrupted their conversation.
Cedric stood up to open the door and found Luna there.
The beautiful Ravenclaw girl looked at Cedric in surprise, probably not expecting to run into him here.
"We're having a late-night snack. Would you like some?" Cedric, upon seeing Luna, probably understood the situation and smiled, inviting her into the office.
"How's the atmosphere now?"
Albert slid the plate of snacks towards Luna and asked the reason he had sought her out.
"It's much better than before, and everyone's enthusiasm for Wizard Cards is higher. I just don't know how long this enthusiasm will last." Luna was also aware that this was the enthusiasm sparked by the Galleon, but how long it would last was uncertain.
"Cedric will be in charge of the Hogwarts Wizard Card Club from now on." Albert finished and gave the floor to Cedric.
"Have you found a suitable successor?" Cedric asked directly.
"Well... there isn't a particularly good candidate. Only a few are enthusiastic, but I'm not sure..." Luna hesitated for a moment, "I can't confirm if they can shoulder the responsibility."
Luna had already found a few potential successors, but when Cedric asked, she thought it would be better to mention them and let him choose.
(End of Chapter)
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