https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1758-A-War-Without-Winners-Two-Hundred-and-Eight-/12946907/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1760-A-War-Without-Winners-Two-Hundred-and-Ten-/12946909/
Chapter 1759: A War Without Winners (209)
Chapter 1759: A War Without Winners (209)
"It was all a farce, really."
Although Percy intended to change jobs, he was still Kingsley's trusted assistant and was well-informed about the incident involving the Gringotts goblins and the Ministry employees near Hogsmeade Village.
Kingsley was open about many matters with his ally Albert, so Percy felt no burden in discussing these things with Albert.
"Was it instigated by one side, or... did both sides have this intention?" Albert had a hunch about the reason when Percy mentioned the farce.
"Both sides, I suppose. It's an unspoken understanding," Percy didn't deny it and confessed to Albert, "The purpose, of course, is to maintain the enmity between the two parties and prevent any easing of tensions."
"It seems the Ministry is short on funds?"
Percy merely smiled and didn't continue the topic.
Albert was indeed surprised, not because the Ministry lacked funds, but because Kingsley's determination to 'use others to do his dirty work' was so resolute.
Being in a high position, Albert was well aware of the source of the Ministry's monthly salaries for its employees. Relying on donations was only a small part of it; otherwise, with several hundred employees, the Ministry would need tens of thousands of galleons each month just for salaries. It was impossible to rely on donations to fill this gap.
Yes, the Ministry had other revenue streams, like the state-owned enterprises of the previous generation, and there were quite a few of them, many of which were monopolies, so making money was not a concern.
However, during Voldemort's reign over the Ministry, many of the Ministry's exclusive revenue sources were plundered by Dark Wizards, losing their original blood-making functions. The galleons stored by the Ministry, aside from the salaries paid to employees, were also quietly divided up by others through various means, leaving Kingsley with a mess to clean up as soon as he took office.
This gap was obviously not easy to fill, which led to Kingsley's grand plan. If successful, most of the problems would be resolved.
As the assistant to the Minister of Magic, Percy naturally knew many secrets, but even when he was aware of certain matters, those in the know had to keep their mouths shut. So, just as they were about to continue their conversation, they suddenly heard hurried footsteps, and both fell silent.
A familiar figure rushed over and eventually stopped in front of them, panting.
"You're about to get married, can't you be a bit more sensible?" Percy frowned at his brother, displeased with Fred's impulsive behavior.
"What are you doing here instead of being at work?" Fred looked at Percy with equal disdain, as if the man before him was a pile of dung.
"Ahem, what's the matter?"
Albert coughed lightly, awkwardly changing the subject to prevent the atmosphere from becoming too tense.
"Oh, right, I have something to tell you!" Fred dragged Albert to the side, keeping a watchful eye on Percy as if guarding against a thief, clearly wanting to discuss something privately.
"What is it? Why all the secrecy?"
Albert raised his wand and cast a spell to ensure no one was eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Go on!"
"Angelina is probably pregnant."
Even though Fred kept his voice low, he couldn't hide his excitement and anxiety.
"Isn't this good news? I remember you always wanted..." Albert looked into Fred's eyes, understanding his concern.
"What if Angelina doesn't want to give up on her dreams?"
This was Fred's biggest concern.
Between her child and her dreams, what choice would Angelina make?
"Have you talked to Angelina about this?" Albert asked bluntly.
"Not yet, I'm a bit afraid..."
To be honest, Fred was already regretting bringing up the issue with Angelina. What if she chose to give up the child? What would he do then?
Fred hadn't figured it out yet, but his instincts told him that their relationship would likely end there and then!
"I suggest you talk to Angelina first. If the outcome isn't satisfactory, then you can discuss it with her family," Albert advised, looking at the slightly anxious Fred with gravity. "Communication between couples is crucial; otherwise, problems can easily arise."
"Alright, I guess that's the only way."
After accepting Albert's advice, Fred hurried off again.
"I wonder what he's up to now?"
Watching Fred's hasty departure, Percy chatted with Albert for a while longer before bidding farewell.
As for Angelina's pregnancy, it wasn't much of a secret; it quickly spread throughout Avalon in a short time.
Many girls sent their blessings to Angelina, but she wasn't happy. After getting pregnant, it would be difficult for her to continue as a Chaser.
Although Fred had talked to her and feigned support for her choice, Angelina could guess his thoughts. That despicable fellow had probably been looking forward to this day for a long time.
This made her angry, and she was also annoyed at her own carelessness, but it was too late to say anything now.
To give up her Quidditch dreams and accept the outcome, or...
For a moment, Angelina didn't know what to do. In the end, she found time to seek out Isabella for advice.
She didn't have many people to turn to for advice, and her family would likely not want her to give up the child.
"It's normal for couples to compromise. It's up to you to decide what kind of life you want," Isabella suggested after listening to Angelina's confession. "If you truly believe your dreams are more important than anything else, I think you've probably already made up your mind."
"I'm just angry that Fred is using this to force me to give up on becoming a Quidditch player."
This was what made Angelina furious.
"That's normal. Unless you're just in a regular boyfriend-girlfriend relationship, no family would tolerate such a situation. It's highly likely that things would turn sour," Isabella was surprised by Angelina's naive idea.
"So, you're saying I shouldn't have gotten engaged to Fred in the first place?" Angelina suddenly fell silent, suspecting that she had fallen into Fred's trap.
"To be honest, female Quidditch players aren't really suitable for marriage."
"Alright, thank you. I know what to do now!" Angelina was sullen, but she still gave Isabella a big hug.
As Isabella had said, should she pursue her dreams or choose her own life? In the end, Angelina chose the latter.
She knew many people wanted her to choose the former, but Angelina couldn't swallow her pride. So, on the night she returned, she talked to Fred about it again, and then... she gave him a sound beating, venting her pent-up frustration.
(End of Chapter)
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