https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1755-A-War-With-No-Victor-Part-205-/12946904/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1757-A-War-Without-Winners-Two-Hundred-and-Seven-/12946906/
Chapter 1756: A War with No Victor (Two Hundred and Six)
Chapter 1756: A War with No Victor (Two Hundred and Six)
"So, did that witch, Heliotop, die in vain?"
After hearing Albert's account of the true cause of the leader of the Monster Rights Movement's death as reported in the Prophet, Hermione suddenly blurted out these words.
"Of course Heliotop's death wasn't in vain."
Albert looked up at Hermione with a slight curve of his lips.
"Have the culprits been brought to justice?" Hermione asked expectantly.
"Of course not. However, Heliotop's death still holds value; she will live on in another way forever."
Albert knew what Hermione wanted to hear, but he shattered her last shred of illusion with the cruel reality.
"That woman used her life to create an international joke that will forever be remembered in the Wizarding World. She also proved to the world the danger and unpredictability of monsters. I believe no one will ever have the unrealistic fantasy of considering monsters harmless again."
"But, I mean, how could they..."
Hermione's sense of justice made it hard for her to accept this outcome. A person's death caused by a mere prank, while the culprits faced no punishment—this was utterly unfair!
"It was just an accident, Hermione."
Cedric gently tapped the front-page news of the newspaper on the table with his fingers and reminded her, "If it weren't for Albert mentioning this, I think most readers would have treated it as a joke. Moreover, you don't have any evidence to prove that she actually...you know what I mean, don't you?"
"But Albert isn't..."
"I won't be a witness."
Albert would never do something so thankless, especially since he had no evidence.
In fact, they didn't need any evidence. Most of the witches and wizards who attended that monster meeting guessed what had happened, but no one would come forward as a witness. As Cedric said, it was just an accident, and they could only blame the foolish woman for her bad luck.
"I suppose so."
Hermione understood that even if this matter were to escalate, it would likely be brushed aside.
Noticing Hermione's dejected expression, Albert lightened the mood by changing the subject. "I say, you didn't even try to discern whether what I said was true or false, and you believed me so readily?"
"I'm willing to believe you, and many others are too. They're willing to believe your words." Hermione didn't think Albert would joke about such a matter, and he never would.
"You wouldn't be so boring."
Cedric agreed with Hermione's words.
The latter clearly understood that Albert brought up this topic to remind her not to be too naive when entering the Ministry, to avoid being taken advantage of, and also to remind Hermione that the House-Elf Rights Movement shouldn't be too extreme.
Heliotop's case was the perfect example. That fellow's misfortune was ultimately due to her directly bringing the Monster Guards into the meeting room, which was too extreme an action that displeased other witches and wizards. Otherwise, they wouldn't have all wanted to make fun of her.
After all, it wasn't easy to influence a monster with a Confusion Charm. Obviously, many had secretly used Confusion Charms on the monsters.
And so, a tragedy was born.
Sensing that the topic shouldn't continue, Cedric took the initiative to change the subject, talking about some of the things he encountered while substituting and solemnly reminding Albert that the students were resentful of his repeated absences. Even with Albert's teaching materials and careful preparation, he still couldn't match Albert's popularity with the students.
"I'll take some time to check on everyone's progress." Albert didn't think it was a good idea to occupy others' free time, but in the end, he decided to check on everyone's review progress.
Cedric clapped his hands and continued, "I think they'll be delighted. Also, the new book has been revised almost to completion. When you have time, take a look at the content and see if it can be published."
"No problem, I'll take the time to look at it as soon as I can."
"Also, the 'I Am an Auror' trading card game is very popular among the students, but it has a fatal flaw. It's only fun when played with many people, and most of the time, it's hard to gather enough players. And usually, a game takes a long time."
Cedric competently explained the issues he had found, making it worth the galleons Albert had given him.
After Cedric left the office, Hermione stared at Albert's back with a resentful gaze.
"What's wrong?"
After closing the door, Albert found Hermione trying to use a very oppressive gaze to push him to the door.
"Nothing!"
All of Hermione's words turned into a sigh of helplessness.
"I thought you'd say, 'I miss you.'"
Albert reached out and hugged Hermione's waist, lowering his head to kiss her lips.
"Sometimes I feel like staying at Hogwarts is fine too," Hermione said softly.
"Do you want to stay and teach?" Albert joked, "I think Professor McGonagall would be delighted to hear you say that. Then she wouldn't have to worry about the Transfiguration teacher issue anymore."
"No, I've never thought about staying to teach," Hermione sighed. "I just..."
"A little depressed?" Albert gently caressed Hermione's head. "Actually, you don't need to waste extra time on those things, and that so-called Monster Rights Movement was never truly about fighting for monster rights. With your smart head, you know that with the monsters' intelligence, do they really need that many rights?"
"You mean they're planning to do something else?" Hermione was smart and immediately guessed Albert's implication.
"Heliotop and her group aren't as pure-hearted as you. Their promotion of the Monster Rights Movement clearly has its own agenda, so you really don't need to sympathize with them."
"What agenda?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.
"Many are after money, power, or other things. She will definitely benefit from it," Albert reminded her. "Similar organizations are common in the Muggle world. It's safe to say that Heliotop's gains from this are not small; otherwise, how could she endure the stench of monsters without showing any expression?"
"I wouldn't..."
"I know you wouldn't, but others don't know that." Albert reminded her kindly. "They don't really care about this either."
"I know what to do. I'll try to help the house-elves as much as I can." Hermione nodded.
"Alright, it's about time. I think I should go." Albert glanced at the clock on the wall, picked up his wand from the desk, put it in his pocket, and turned to Hermione. "Saturday afternoon at 3:00 pm, in the old Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom. If they're willing to spare some time."
(End of Chapter)
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