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Chapter 1725: A War with No Winners (Part 175)
Chapter 1725: A War with No Winners (Part 175)
"I should've never come," Ron muttered to himself.
Ron wasn't a fool, and he could tell that Hermione only saw him as a close friend. He wanted more than just friendship, but after his advances were gently rejected, he could sense Hermione deliberately creating distance between them, giving him no hope. This hurt Ron deeply, and he even suspected that Hermione might have feelings for someone else.
"Who could it be?" Ron wondered as he drank his beer, deep in thought.
"Albert? Unlikely. After all, Albert is married, and they seem genuinely in love; it's not an act."
"Could it be Krum?" He considered another suspect but quickly dismissed the idea. Perhaps Hermione and Krum corresponded, but it was highly unlikely they'd developed feelings so quickly.
"Does she know about Lavender still writing to me?" Ron's expression grew gloomier as he thought of Lavender.
Initially, he had planned to distance himself from Lavender, just like Percy, to sever their connection. But Lavender seemed to anticipate this and clung to him even more.
"That must be it," Ron concluded, his face darkening. Had Ginny secretly informed Hermione?
Realizing the problem lay with himself, Ron's mood worsened, and he turned to alcohol to numb his pain and alleviate his inner gloom.
Meanwhile, Harry, who had just sat down to share a private moment with Ginny, was interrupted by Albert.
"What were you two talking about?" Albert asked, noticing the change in Harry's expression.
Ginny, who had been discussing parenting experiences with Isabella, couldn't hold back any longer.
"Nothing!" Harry tried to change the subject. "What were you discussing?"
"You don't look like it's nothing," Ginny insisted, fixing her gaze on Harry's eyes, not giving him a chance to divert the conversation.
"Albert came to warn me not to try and stop..." Harry's voice grew softer, fearing others might overhear. Eventually, even Ginny, sitting beside him, couldn't make out his words.
"Stop what?" Ginny asked, slightly furrowing her brows.
"Revenge!" Harry replied, his tone bitter and resigned.
Harry was somewhat aware of the situation and had heard others mention it. He empathized with Nielsen's group and understood their motives. Sometimes, even he felt Kingsley had made a mistake, and he had discussed this with Kingsley. However, the current British Wizarding World couldn't afford further chaos; they needed to consider the bigger picture!
Kingsley was aware of this, but what could he do? Without evidence, there was nothing he could act on.
Nielsen's group hadn't done anything yet; they were living peacefully.
And as for the so-called revenge, without any actual action taken, it was all just speculation. It would be absurd to arrest people as a precautionary measure, especially those who had fought in the Battle of Hogwarts.
"I think she's right," Ginny suddenly said.
"You do?" Harry was surprised.
"We've never forgotten Charlie's death," Ginny whispered, "let alone the others. So, Harry, I think Albert is right."
"I guess I do look pretty stupid," Harry said, unable to hide his self-mockery at needing someone to remind him to avoid losing his life over a foolish act.
Hatred clouds one's judgment!
"You're not stupid; you're just too kind," Ginny said, knowing Harry well. "You're kind enough to try and prevent this tragedy, but is that even possible?
Even Albert had given up."
"Where's Albert?" a familiar voice interrupted Harry's thoughts. George, holding a glass of champagne, was looking around as if searching for something.
"What do you need Albert for?" Ginny raised an eyebrow.
"Nothing!" George clearly didn't want to elaborate, "Do you know where Albert went?"
"He just left with Isabella," Ginny said, as if remembering something. She turned to Harry and added, "It's quite late now, let's head back to rest."
Harry actually wanted to stay a bit longer, but considering Ginny's condition, he didn't refuse and directly took Ginny back to their new home.
Yes, their new home.
If it weren't for Ginny's pregnancy and the need for Mrs. Weasley's care, Harry would have already moved in.
Before leaving, Harry seemed to remember something and went to find Hermione first.
"What are you planning to do tonight? It's not suitable to stay in a tent in this weather."
"It's definitely not ideal for camping in this weather, so I'm planning to have Dobby take me back to Hogwarts," Hermione assured Harry not to worry about her. "It's a bit troublesome to get to Avalon, so I'll either have a house elf help or use the Floo Network in Albert's office."
"Going back to school is a good idea," Harry nodded, turning to look at Ron, who was reeking of alcohol. He furrowed his brows and reminded him, "Don't drink too much, Ron. It's already late, and Ginny and I plan to stay here for the night."
"It is a bit late," Hermione agreed, taking out her pocket watch to check the time. She also greeted Ron, "Drink less, Ron."
Ron seemed not to have heard her, staring blankly at Hermione's departing figure.
"What are you looking at?"
"Nothing, I was just thinking that it's quite late, and I should probably head back too," Ron mumbled, downing the whisky in his cup.
"Late?"
George glanced at his pocket watch. It wasn't that late, only ten o'clock, if it weren't for the winter season.
However, with Ron reeking of alcohol, it was best not to let him stay until the end of the banquet. It was better to avoid him getting drunk and embarrassing everyone.
"Yes, it's late. I'll walk you back!"
Seeing Ron staggering as he walked, George, who couldn't bear to watch anymore, decided to accompany him back to the shack, just in case this unlucky fellow passed out and froze to death on the way.
If it were any other day, George wouldn't have given Ron a second glance, but today, something seemed off about this guy.
"Did he get dumped?"
Ron's drunken state undoubtedly displeased Mrs. Weasley, but she was more concerned about Harry and Ginny.
"Harry and Ginny only had some warmed butterbeer, and they're already resting in Avalon. As for this guy..." George tossed the drunk Ron onto his bed, "I suspect he might have been dumped, so he drank a few extra cups!"
"Dumped?" Mrs. Weasley's face was filled with shock. "Did that girl Lavender break up with him?"
"Lavender?"
George paused, repeating the name subconsciously.
"She's probably Ron's girlfriend from school. She writes to him every few days," Mrs. Weasley mentioned the girl who had been sending Ron letters. It was a girl named Lavender, and the way she addressed him was extremely bold and intimate, something only a girlfriend would do.
"I thought Ron liked Hermione," George looked at Ron on the bed in disbelief, "But Hermione seems to just treat him as a good friend."
Mrs. Weasley and George exchanged glances, as if they had realized something, and suddenly fell into a brief silence.
(End of Chapter)
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