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Chapter 252: Another Peaceful Christmas Eve
Chapter 252: Another Peaceful Christmas Eve
Snowflakes danced outside the window, settling on the frozen glass, a reminder that Christmas was just around the corner. The Anderson family, always busy, was preparing for yet another peaceful Christmas Eve.
Classic Western Christmas songs like "White Christmas" filled the living room as Niya, with Luke's help, attempted to hang the largest star atop the Christmas tree. In the kitchen, Shauna and Daisy busied themselves preparing the feast and desserts, while Albert and Herb brought plate after plate of delicious food to the table.
The evening was spent in laughter and song, with the television playing Christmas Eve specials and an abundance of food still on the table, especially the famous roasted turkey.
This particular dish wasn't exactly a favorite among the family, but it was a tradition to have it every Christmas. It wasn't about taste; it was about carrying on a long-standing custom.
The Christmas pudding and cake that followed the meal, however, were much more popular.
Albert sipped a cup of hot mulled wine, which, though unremarkable at first sip, grew more delightful with each taste, warming him from the inside out—a perfect drink for a snowy day.
Even Fat Cat Tom, a beloved member of the family, enjoyed his own little feast: a large piece of special salmon. The roasted fish was far more enticing to Tom than the usual canned cat food, and it certainly did wonders for his appetite. By the way, this guy still showed signs of getting chubbier lately.
Now, the well-fed Tom lay on the sofa, enjoying a good grooming session from Albert.
"Do vampires really exist in this world?" Niya asked curiously, having just listened to Luke read aloud the story of 'Traveling with a Vampire.' "They probably do, but I've never encountered one," Albert replied, retrieving the escapee Tom and gently fiddling with his ears. "If you ever come across them, it's best to keep your distance, regardless of their intentions."
"Jonathan Harker is so brave," Niya said, a hint of admiration in her voice for the protagonist of the story.
"In the novel, Harker is indeed brave," Albert acknowledged, "but you must learn to distinguish between fiction and reality. After all, ninety-nine percent of these stories are made up." He winked at Niya and added, "Just like fairy tales are mostly fictional!"
"Ugh, don't ruin the mood," Niya protested. "Is Hogwarts fun?"
"The students at our school are so boring, and they all seem a little slow. The boys like to show off, but they're just a bunch of idiots," Niya complained, rolling her eyes at the memory of her classmates.
"You shouldn't speak ill of others like that," Herb chided gently, a proud smile on his face as he looked at his children. "If you feel that way, it's only because you're smarter than them."
"They really are pretty dumb," Niya pouted. "They always talk about nonsense, and they don't understand anything. They're just a bunch of idiots."
"Don't make yourself stand out too much, though. You should learn to protect yourself," Albert advised kindly.
"I could take up karate or taekwondo," Niya suggested, brandishing her fists. "If anyone bullies me, I'll knock them out, just like you do, Albert."
"Girls shouldn't be so violent," Daisy said with a slight frown, glancing at her son, who had clearly been a bad influence on his cousin.
"Ahem, I think it's a good idea to know some self-defense moves, at least to protect yourself from bullies," Albert coughed, quickly changing the subject. "By the way, I made you a talisman as your Christmas present."
Examining the small trinket, Niya asked curiously, "Shouldn't you have given this to me on Christmas? Is this the legendary unicorn? But it's so tiny."
"It's a pendant and a talisman," Albert explained.
"Does it work?" Herb asked, even more curious about the talisman's effects, knowing Albert's penchant for enchanting small objects.
"Just treat it like a cross necklace, and besides, isn't it beautifully crafted?" Albert pointed out. "Carving this must have taken a lot of time."
"Speaking of which, when did you learn wood carving? We didn't even know about it," Daisy said, intrigued.
"I learned it at school," Albert replied.
"They teach wood carving at Hogwarts?" Herb asked, surprised.
"No, but I can learn it on my own," Albert explained with a shrug.
"Giving a carved gift to a girl you like might just earn you a pleasant surprise!" Herb added, recalling something. "I remember you were quite popular."
Albert's face twitched slightly, unsure how to respond to that. "Was I?"
"I hope I get an invitation to Hogwarts next year," Niya muttered softly. "Then I can go to Hogwarts too.
"Even if you can't go there yet, I can take you to experience the world of magic after I graduate," Albert whispered reassuringly. "But if you're not a wizard, it's best not to be too attached to the magical world. It's not a good idea; ordinary people can find happiness in their own way."
"Do you remember computers?"
"I know a little," Niya nodded.
"In a few years, electronic products will become more and more advanced, and cell phones and computers will continue to evolve. We're heading into an electronic era," Albert explained softly. "The magical world lags far behind in this regard, as magic seems to interfere with electronics. So, the technology in the magical world is quite backward. As far as I know, they only have modified radios."
"The magical world still uses very old-fashioned records. After I graduate, I'll set up my own place here as well."
"I thought you'd be living in the wizarding world!" Daisy looked delighted. She didn't want her son to live in the magical world, fearing that he might suddenly disappear for a decade or two without any contact, which she couldn't bear.
"Are you planning to work here?" Herb asked suddenly.
"No, with magic, making money becomes incredibly easy. For example, I could buy a lottery ticket and win the jackpot," Albert winked at Herb, a playful smile on his face. "There's a profession in the wizarding world called Fortune Teller. Skilled fortune-tellers can foresee parts of the future, including lottery winning numbers."
At that moment, the Anderson family exchanged glances, surprised that Albert would say such a thing.
Get rich by winning the lottery?
"Son, I thought you'd continue to consider a career in finance," Herb's expression turned even more peculiar, unsure if he wanted his son to use magic for something that might be illegal, even though he didn't know if winning the lottery fell into that category.
Herb had never doubted Albert's abilities. Who knew, maybe one day his son would suddenly win a million-dollar lottery jackpot.
"Well, I was just joking. Winning the lottery is indeed the fastest way to get rich, but prophecy usually requires a certain talent. Becoming a skilled fortune-teller isn't just about hard work," Albert explained with a playful tone. "I can only use Scrying Stones for divination at the moment."
"Is it accurate?" Niya seemed intrigued by the idea of divination.
"I don't know," Albert said, unsure. "I've only recently started learning, so I probably won't be very accurate."
"Try divining for me first." (End of Chapter)
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