https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1725-A-War-with-No-Winners-Part-175-/12938263/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1727-A-War-Without-Winners-Part-177-/12938265/
Chapter 1726: A War with No Victor (Part 176)
Chapter 1726: A War with No Victor (Part 176)
A loud "pop" shattered the tranquility of the Gryffindor Common Room. Thankfully, with no students staying at Hogwarts for the winter break, there was no need to worry about the house elves' Apparition sounds accidentally disturbing the rest of the students.
The Common Room was pitch-black, and an eerie chill permeated the air.
Hermione instinctively reached for her cloak, wrapping herself tighter, before drawing her wand and casting a Lumos spell. She surveyed the surroundings with the wand's soft glow and offered a kind smile to the house elf beside her, "Thank you, Dobby. I can manage from here."
"Are you sure you don't need Dobby's help?" the house elf asked with concern.
"No need, I can handle my own affairs," Hermione replied gently, "You have your own tasks to attend to, don't you?"
"Alright then, good night, Miss Hermione. Sweet dreams."
The house elf bowed slightly to Hermione and then Apparated away.
"Well..."
Hermione murmured, using magic to levitate the trunk by her feet. She sent it back to her dormitory and then, with the wand's light, she examined the eerie dormitory and the cold bed before casting an Invisibility Spell on herself and leaving the Gryffindor Common Room, passing by the startled shouts of the Fat Lady.
Hermione needed to use the Floo Network in Albert's office to leave Hogwarts and then, together with Albert, use the Time-Turner to go back several hours and attend the Christmas Gala on the other side of the Manor.
Watching Albert carefully put away the Time-Turner, Hermione spoke softly, "The Time-Turner is indeed useful, but it's a bit dangerous."
"Let's go."
Albert smiled and took Hermione's hand, and with Isabella holding his wrist, they directly Apparated to the outskirts of the Manor.
"Everyone's waiting for you."
As Albert pushed open the door to the Manor, he saw a figure in a white silk gown approaching, offering greetings to everyone.
"Good evening, Louise. Your dress is lovely," Albert said, giving her a hug.
Compared to the lively atmosphere at Avalon, the Christmas Gala at the Estate Villa was much cozier. The ladies gathered like a family reunion, chatting about trivial matters and enjoying the feast on the table.
Fortunately, Albert, Isabella, and Hermione hadn't eaten much earlier, or they might have worried about the food on their plates.
What made Albert feel helpless was that the ladies were vying to feed him, and he was starting to feel stuffed.
If it weren't for Isabella, who was enjoying the spectacle, reminding everyone about the evening's entertainment, the situation might have become awkward.
"I didn't expect there to be such a magical thing as a Time-Turner," Katherine exclaimed, having heard Isabella mention that the three of them had just attended a banquet at Avalon.
"That means we can gain five extra hours each day," Valeria added, equally intrigued.
"It's not extra time; it's borrowed from the future," Hermione clarified, having personal experience with the Time-Turner.
"This means your lifespan will inevitably be shorter, and you'll age faster. It's best to avoid using the Time-Turner unless necessary, as it's not good for your health."
"Actually, talking about this is against the rules of using the Time Converter." Albert realized that the girls still wanted to continue the topic, so he put down his knife and fork and interrupted, "Let's change the subject."
It's not always a good idea to eat too much at night.
The girls, sensing that the topic had reached its end, steered the conversation towards juicy gossip, a subject everyone was keen on.
Hermione, seizing the moment, asked the girls how they politely rejected suitors.
It was evident that Ron's pursuit was giving Hermione a headache, and she believed that the other girls had experience in such matters, so she wanted to hear their solutions.
"Seems like you've got a persistent suitor on your hands," Katherine smiled, sensing Hermione's hesitation.
Valeria offered a rather crude solution, "Just slap him and snap him out of it. That's how I dealt with those persistent guys."
Louise suggested an idea that surprised everyone, "You could use Memory Magic to alter his thoughts."
"Make him realize he's been rejected and has no chance. It's best to let him move on and pursue other women."
Hermione seemed to ponder this idea, considering its feasibility. According to Ginny's information, Lavender had been writing to Ron...
"If you ever need help with a persistent suitor, you can always ask Albert for assistance," Janila reminded Hermione with a smile.
The girls were genuinely interested in Hermione's predicament, but she seemed reluctant to elaborate further.
The evening concluded with everyone engaged in pleasant conversations, but as they were all well-fed, they moved to the sunroom to chat and enjoy the prepared fruits to aid digestion.
Hermione took the opportunity to have a private conversation with Albert, expressing her concerns about Ron.
After all, having someone pay close attention to her could lead to her exposing her vulnerabilities.
"So, you want Ron to fall for Lavender again?" Albert raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, Lavender seems to like Ron. They were together in school... I think if they could get back together, it might be a good thing."
"There's no magic that can make someone fall in love with another person."
Albert didn't believe he could make it happen. Lavender's persistent letters to Ron were more a reflection of her own unwillingness to give up on him. Misguided by Albert, she believed that Ron would be moved by her persistence and change his mind.
After all, they had never been apart, and Ron hadn't found another girlfriend.
"I know that, but... maybe we can make Ron realize that Lavender is his girlfriend."
Hermione still wanted to bring Ron and Lavender together, hoping he would appreciate having a girl who loved him deeply.
"Your idea is worth considering."
Albert didn't dismiss Hermione's suggestion, as he had initially thought along similar lines.
"Are you done chatting?"
Isabella and the other girls emerged from the sunroom, reminding Hermione, "We should change into our ball gowns now."
(End of Chapter)
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