https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1723-A-War-Without-Victors-Part-173-/12938261/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1725-A-War-with-No-Winners-Part-175-/12938263/
Chapter 1724: A War with No Victor (Part 174)
Chapter 1724: A War with No Victor (Part 174)
"It is a bit..."
Hermione could understand Harry and Ron's reaction to the kangaroo keychain.
To be honest, she herself was taken aback when she first saw the keychain souvenirs from Albert, but since she was the one giving out the gifts, Hermione didn't want to show any unusual reactions in front of others.
"I brought back quite a few, and there's one for each of you too."
Considering the girls' shyness, Hermione picked a small leather bag from the box and handed it to Shanna, who was busy with her own tasks nearby.
"Thank you!"
Shanna took the exquisite animal skin bag from Hermione and asked curiously, "I heard you went to Australia to spend time with your family. What's it like there?"
"I didn't interact with the Australian magical community, but these souvenirs were purchased from the Australian Memorial. I heard that many tourists who visit Australia bring some back as souvenirs," Hermione explained, not lying as the situation was indeed similar to what she described.
Compared to the kangaroo keychains, the small leather bags that could hold various coins were undoubtedly more popular among the group. Unfortunately, there were not many of these bags, presumably prepared specifically for the girls, so most of the guys who received the kangaroo keychains had rather peculiar expressions on their faces.
"It's quite a... unique gift."
Isabella, examining the small leather bag Hermione handed her, shot a 'you have a peculiar taste' look at Albert.
He pretended not to notice and continued discussing the Christmas banquet with George.
Fortunately, everyone had experience working together, and with Shanna and Albert coordinating, they managed to complete the banquet preparations on time and took their seats.
A long rectangular table was set up in the bar, already laden with delicacies from various countries, all meticulously prepared by Dobby and the house elves from Hogwarts.
"Merry Christmas, everyone!"
The group was here to enjoy a comfortable Christmas, and Albert, who usually disliked lengthy speeches, raised his cup filled with wine to declare the start of the Christmas banquet.
Then, a muffled bang sounded from outside, and a burst of fireworks erupted above the semi-transparent roof of the bar. The fireworks quickly transformed into a symbol of Hogwarts, a lion-headed eagle, swirling in the snowy night sky before finally exploding into a 'Merry Christmas' that gradually faded into the darkness!
"Merry Christmas!"
After a moment of silence, everyone raised their glasses to welcome the Christmas banquet.
Soft, soothing music filled the bar as people enjoyed the delicacies on the table and chatted with their acquaintances, all feeling as if they had returned to Hogwarts.
Perhaps to enhance the Christmas atmosphere, a roasted turkey was also specially prepared for the dinner table.
Unfortunately, no one really touched it, as compared to the various international delicacies, the roasted turkey was almost unpalatable.
"The food tonight is delicious. Why don't you try some?"
Ron noticed that Hermione, sitting beside him, had barely eaten, so he offered her some of the Italian seafood pizza in front of him.
"No, thanks. I already had a Christmas feast with my family in Australia earlier, so I'm not very hungry now," Hermione replied, sampling a little of everything but not indulging like the others.
"That's a shame."
Ron's mouth was almost full, and he was glad he had decided to attend the Christmas banquet.
Gazing at the harmonious scene before him, Harry felt a strange sense of detachment. He whispered, "This feels so nice; I wish it could be like this every year."
"It will be," Albert assured him. "As long as I'm here, this place will be fun every year."
Hermione raised her glass towards Albert, who was chatting with Isabella, and he seemed to sense her gesture, glancing in their direction.
The Christmas Ball lasted for a long time. When the food on the plates had been devoured, Albert stood up from his seat, raising his glass. The initial clamor gradually subsided as everyone turned their attention to him.
"I think you've all had your fill, but the Christmas Ball has only just begun!" Albert announced, raising his glass to the crowd. The others followed suit, and with a gentle breath, Albert ignited the remaining liquid in everyone's glasses, creating a mesmerizing display of flames.
The flames, as if guided by an invisible force, rose and converged above the long table, forming a fiery bird that soared above their heads. It then transformed into a ball of fire, igniting the specially prepared braziers around the pub.
The plates on the long table were swiftly cleared, and the table itself, once spacious enough to accommodate everyone, gradually dissolved, revealing a stage beneath their feet.
In a corner of the pub, small round tables had mysteriously appeared, and the counter was piled high with various drinks and desserts.
Before anyone could fully process what was happening, the Weasley brothers' meticulously crafted magical fireworks burst into life within the pub.
Then, led by Albert, couples holding hands entered the dance floor, swaying to the music.
"Hermione," Ron extended his hand towards Hermione, inviting her to dance.
"Sorry, Ron," Hermione apologized, her eyes conveying her regret. "I'm a bit tired after rushing back from Australia." She declined his offer and found a sofa to rest.
Harry could tell that Hermione truly wasn't interested in Ron, but he didn't know how to advise his friend. He pretended not to notice and sat down next to Ginny, who had joined Hermione.
"If you're not dancing, don't stay here," Fred advised Ron as he passed by with Angelina. He had noticed Ron's dazed state and offered this reminder.
"What's wrong with him? Is he heartbroken?"
"Who knows," Fred replied.
The number of couples in Avalon was limited, so after everyone had danced their fill, the dance floor became a stage for magical performances.
Cedric took the lead, demonstrating the Chair-to-Pig Transformation and even making the pig stand on its hind legs to perform a tap dance, earning everyone's praise.
Inspired by Cedric's performance, others who had prepared their own tricks took to the stage, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked, concerned about Ron's dejected state.
Ron took a sip of whisky and muttered, "I'm fine."
"You don't look fine," Ginny said, well aware of Ron's situation. "Hermione directly rejected you."
"Is Hermione still holding out for Albert?"
"I don't think so..." Harry shook his head as he glanced back at Hermione, who was chatting with other girls. "She probably just sees you as a good friend."
In Harry's eyes, Ron's desire to take their relationship further was clearly troubling Hermione.
"Let's go, Harry. Let's sit over there," Ginny suggested, pulling Harry away from Ron to the adjacent area, avoiding any lingering gloom.
(End of Chapter)
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