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Chapter 1811: Ten Years Later (Alice)
Chapter 1811: Ten Years Later (Alice)
"I'll take good care of Ian and Sophia," Alice assured her family through the two-way mirror in the Anderson family study.
"I know, and I'll take care of myself too," came the reply.
"Okay, got it. I love you all, goodbye!" Alice said, ending the conversation.
At that moment, in the study, a young girl with brown hair sat at the desk, deep in conversation with her family via the two-way mirror. As she carefully placed it back in its hidden compartment next to the mirror cabinet, she turned her head towards a young couple smiling at her from the wall.
A knock on the door interrupted her thoughts.
The study door opened, and two small heads peeked in through the crack, their gazes meeting Alice's. Just as they were about to speak, a plump, short-haired cat squeezed its way in from below them.
"You don't seem very happy. Aren't Mom and Dad coming back to send you off to Hogwarts?" asked the younger of the two girls.
"They're not planning to come back," Alice replied.
She bent down, picked up the fat cat, Jack, and walked over to her younger brother and sister, gently patting their heads.
"They're not coming back?" Ian asked, sounding a little disappointed.
"Ian, while you're in Avalon, get along well with everyone, don't be naughty, and take care of your sister. I'll write to you every week and share fun stories from Hogwarts," Alice said, looking at her half-brother, whose face resembled the young man in the wedding photo. She winked at him.
"We have a deal," he confirmed.
"I will!" Ian declared, puffing out his chest like a little man.
Sophia, holding the fat cat Jack that Alice had handed to her, promised earnestly, "I'll keep an eye on Ian. If he misbehaves, I'll write to you right away."
"I won't be naughty," Ian protested.
"Good. I need to pack my things and then find Sophia's godmother, Miss Hermione. Dad said she'd be happy to take me to King's Cross Station and Platform Nine and Three-Quarters," Alice explained.
For the past two years, since their grandmother's passing, Miss Hermione and the other residents of Avalon had been taking good care of the three siblings, who were temporarily staying in Avalon for their primary education.
Alice also knew a big secret—that Sophia's godmother, who held a high position in the Ministry of Magic, was actually her father's former lover. It was due to the harm caused by her father that the respected Miss Hermione had remained unmarried.
As Alice rang the doorbell of Miss Hermione's villa, which was a few houses away, the nearly thirty-year-old, yet still youthful, Miss Hermione greeted her warmly.
"Albert has told me everything," Miss Hermione said, leading Alice by the hand into the living room and gesturing for her to sit on the sofa.
"I'll drive you to King's Cross Station tomorrow," she offered.
"Thank you so much," Alice said gratefully.
"Don't be angry with them. Albert didn't mean to not come back to see you off to Hogwarts," Miss Hermione said gently, noticing Alice's somber mood. "They're just... not suited for it anymore."
"Why?" Alice asked, even though she already knew the reason for her parents' absence.
She was well aware of why they weren't returning to Avalon.
"That's the price of staying young, I suppose!" Alice thought to herself.
Seven years ago, Albert had successfully replicated Nicolas Flamel's Philosopher's Stone and used it as a foundation to create a magical potion that could delay aging.
However, the delayed aging and ageless appearance were truly astonishing and shocking.
Countless people in this world seek immortality, and once such a thrilling matter spreads, even Albert, the most powerful wizard in history, couldn't withstand the madness of the masses.
Therefore, the price of taking the magic potion was to disappear from the public eye.
The generous Albert shared this achievement with his lovers, and Hermione naturally had this opportunity. But in the end, Hermione couldn't let go of her career at the Ministry of Magic and declined this incredibly tempting invitation, choosing not to go into seclusion with Albert.
"They've said similar things before."
Alice didn't care much about this matter. She looked at the photo frame on the table and suddenly asked, "So, why did you refuse? I thought you always liked that man!"
In the photo frame on the table, there was a family photo of the Granger family and another one taken after Hermione became Sophia's godmother.
"Did Albert tell you?"
Hermione wasn't surprised. Some things couldn't be hidden from the children.
"I've seen your wedding photo at his place!" Alice pouted, "I really don't understand what's so great about him!"
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"Some things can only be understood when you grow up."
Hermione winked at Alice and made a shushing gesture, "Remember to keep it a secret. And do you want to have dinner together? I'm preparing..."
"Carla has already prepared a sumptuous dinner." Alice suddenly said, "I'm inviting you to join us. Sophia misses you, too."
Hermione glanced at the half-prepared "Albert's Simple Dinner" in the kitchen and sighed quietly to herself, "Wait a moment, I'll tidy up a bit."
"Sophia will be very happy!"
Alice watched as Hermione tidied up in the kitchen, then looked at the third photo frame on the table, which showed Hermione holding a baby.
Alice was certain that it wasn't Sophia, so the result was obvious! "What's his name?" Alice asked a question she had never dared to ask before, "I know this isn't Sophia."
"You've indeed inherited Isabella's wisdom!" Hermione wiped her hands on her apron, took it off, and hung it to the side before taking Alice's hand, "His name is Alvin, Alvin Granger."
"But I've never met him?"
Alice knew this was her father's doing.
"Alvin isn't in Britain. I left him in Australia to keep my family company," Hermione said softly.
"Don't you hate him?" Alice was truly puzzled, "You can't even live with your own child."
"Some things always come at a cost. You'll understand in the future." Hermione saw the mature side of young Alice and recognized shadows of Albert and Isabella in her, so she couldn't help but smile and ask, "Do you really dislike Albert?"
"No, it's just that..."
Alice recalled the happy times from a few years ago and couldn't help but mutter, "I just don't like their irresponsibility!"
"Albert is indeed not a responsible father!" Hermione nodded in agreement with Alice's view.
In the past two years, she had been visiting more frequently.
After a gentle hug with Sophia, who opened the door, Hermione held Sophia's small hand and walked into the villa.
The character profiles are all relatively short, ranging from a few thousand to a few tens of thousands of words each.
Taking a break from writing for several days feels so good! Indeed, people love being lazy.
(End of Chapter)
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