https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1722-A-War-with-No-Winners-Part-172-/12938260/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1724-A-War-with-No-Victor-Part-174-/12938262/
Chapter 1723: A War Without Victors (Part 173)
Chapter 1723: A War Without Victors (Part 173)
After calling her family in Australia, Hermione immediately returned to her study to tidy up the parchment that had been carelessly tossed onto her desk. Ever since her conversation with Albert, she had decided to dedicate more energy to the noble cause of liberating house elves.
Although she had gained some inspiration, Hermione still couldn't be certain if her ideas would work. Regardless, she knew she had to personally test them to find out.
After meticulously packing her luggage, Hermione began selecting her outfit for the day from her suitcase. She had to appear "travel-worn," as if she had just Apparated back to the United Kingdom from Australia, to deceive the acquaintances around her.
Sigh! If only she were Albert's wife, she wouldn't have to worry about such things, nor would she have to concern herself with others discovering their secret relationship.
After a soft sigh, Hermione took out the windbreaker she often wore when going out and changed into it. Then, she began cleaning up traces of her previous stay, packing and disposing of the trash.
After all, the suitcase belonged to Albert, who had lent it to her, and they would likely bring it along on their world tour next summer.
Isabella would probably be unhappy if she saw the suitcase filled with traces of Hermione's presence. Perhaps she wouldn't say anything, but Hermione didn't want to cause Albert any unnecessary trouble.
After spending time with Albert, Hermione had also gained the awareness of being a mistress. After all, she had obtained what she wanted.
Once she finished with her tasks, Hermione sat down and ate some of the bread slices left over from the previous night. After all, she had to pretend in front of others that she had spent Christmas with her family in Australia.
It would be truly embarrassing if she told everyone she was full, only to have her stomach growl with hunger later.
Just thinking about it made Hermione feel miserable! She was about to attend the Christmas gala at the Estate Villa, yet here she was, eating cold bread slices to fill her stomach.
Fortunately, she could still have a meal at the villa later, which brought her some comfort. It wasn't that Hermione was greedy, but she felt that on Christmas Day, one should have a proper feast.
As Hermione was having her cold bread and hot tea for breakfast, the door to the living room opened, and a familiar figure strode in from outside.
"Why are you here!"
"Are you heading to Avalon now?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.
"No, I just came to see how you're doing and bring you some food." Watching Hermione munch on the hard bread, Albert felt both amused and a little sad. He waved his wand from his pocket, conjuring a lavish Christmas feast for Hermione on the table.
"Today is Christmas, and you deserve a good meal to reward yourself."
"This is quite a feast!"
Hermione looked at the bread slice in her hand and then at the table set for one, and she couldn't help but ask, "Won't you sit down and eat with me?"
"No, I just had breakfast, and I need to go to Avalon for the gala later." Albert sat down and watched Hermione eat, chatting with her as she dined. Before leaving, he also mentioned some things to keep in mind.
Perhaps it was a bit of a letdown, but if she didn't want those around her to notice anything unusual, she had to pay attention to the details.
When Albert returned, it was already close to the afternoon.
As Hermione picked up her suitcase, ready to depart for Avalon with Albert, a small box was placed in her hand.
"What's this?" Hermione asked curiously, taking the package.
"The kangaroo keychain and small leather bag you bought in Australia last time," Albert smiled, reminding her, "You have to bring some souvenirs for everyone when you travel abroad, right?"
Hermione's expression grew even more peculiar as she took out a kangaroo keychain from the box, wondering what everyone's reaction would be to this unique gift.
This was undoubtedly one of Albert's quirky ideas.
After giving Albert a sidelong glance, Hermione put away the small box, took his arm, and Apparated away with him.
To make Hermione appear more travel-worn, Albert even Apparated with her around various locations in the United Kingdom before finally letting her arrive at Avalon alone.
When Hermione arrived at Avalon, dragging her suitcase, she was immediately stunned by the dramatic changes that had taken place.
The bar was now fully completed, and next to it, in an empty space, stood a large Christmas tree adorned with ribbons and various decorations.
"Welcome back."
Shanna, who was overseeing the stacking of Christmas gifts under the tree, turned around upon seeing Hermione and gave her a warm hug.
"Ron was just asking when you'd be back!"
"Is Ron here too?"
Hermione was a bit surprised, as Ron didn't seem to have plans to settle in Avalon.
"Yeah, Ron came with Harry."
Just as she finished speaking, Hermione saw a familiar figure walking out of the bar—it was Albert, who had been with her moments ago.
"Hermione, you're back! We were worried you'd miss tonight's Christmas Ball," Harry and Ron said as they emerged from the bar behind Albert.
"I wouldn't miss it for the world! It's about time Kingsley gave you guys a break!" Hermione set down her suitcase and greeted her two good friends, Harry and Ron.
"It's Christmas today, after all," Harry smiled helplessly. "But many people still have to work overtime at the Ministry."
"How's Australia?" Ron offered to help Hermione with her luggage, but she politely declined.
"There's no winter over there, and it's not as cold as here. I'm still adjusting to the weather," Hermione pulled her windbreaker tighter, as if remembering something. She reached into her pocket and took out her Invisible Stretch Bag, from which she retrieved the box Albert had given her.
"I brought souvenirs for everyone."
She then took out a kangaroo keychain from the small box and handed it to Harry.
"I was a bit rushed for time, so I didn't have a chance to wrap it."
"This..."
Harry looked at the souvenir from Hermione with a bewildered expression, feeling a sudden sense of sorrow for some reason.
"This is from the Muggle souvenir market in Australia," Hermione didn't lie; this item was indeed a souvenir Albert had bought when he accompanied her to Australia.
The little box contained many more keychains, enough to give every resident of Avalon a Christmas gift.
"Over there... I mean, the Muggles in Australia are so cruel!" Ron looked at the kangaroo keychain in his hand and couldn't help but complain, "They even cut these off and made them into souvenir keychains."
(End of Chapter)
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