Chapter 602: Troubles
Chapter 602: Troubles
"See you later!"
After bidding farewell to Isabelle, Albert made his way towards his distant car. He opened the door and his gaze immediately fell on the cage sitting on the seat. Tom was scratching at it, trying to get out.
Albert climbed into the car and only then opened the cat's cage. He picked up Tom and weighed him in his hands, feeling that the cat had gained considerable weight. Tom seemed to be on his way to becoming rotund.
As the cat sat on his lap, constantly rubbing against him, Albert had to hold him with both hands to prevent Tom from licking his cheeks.
Speaking of which, when did Tom develop this bad habit?
"Didn't Mom and Nia come?" Albert looked up at Herbert, who was in the driver's seat.
"Daisy said she wanted to prepare a big meal for you. Nia has plans with friends today. I took a slight detour to pick up Tom before coming to get you." Herbert glanced out the window at the now-vanished figure. "That young lady you were talking to is your girlfriend, right? Invite her over for dinner sometime."
"Isabelle will be joining us for the trip to Italy. I mentioned it to you before, I believe." Albert scratched under Tom's chin as he spoke.
"Oh, right. I've been so busy these days, it slipped my mind." Herbert started the car and drove towards the nearest highway.
"So, are you planning to get married after graduation?"
Herbert didn't ask Albert about his future plans; he knew that with Albert's capabilities, he wouldn't have to worry about money.
Winning a big lottery prize would be substantial.
Charlie's restaurant was a good example.
"Maybe..." Albert didn't intend to discuss this further and turned his head to look out the window at the passing streets. The car had already left King's Cross Station behind.
However, their luck wasn't the best, as they encountered a traffic jam along the way.
Traffic jams were a common occurrence in London, and by the time they returned to the small town, night had fully fallen. Snowflakes danced in the air outside, and inside the car, Tom curled up next to Albert.
"I recall you're almost an adult now." Herbert said as he drove.
Albert yawned and reminded him, "In the wizarding world, you're only considered an adult at seventeen."
"In the future, don't stay in the wizarding world all the time. Spend more time in the Muggle world as well; otherwise, I worry that your mindset will be completely absorbed by their ways. That world gives me a very uncomfortable feeling." After arriving home and parking the car in the garage, Herbert continued as Albert got out of the backseat with Tom in his arms, "The wizarding world is really backward. Our Muggle technology is advancing rapidly, and I wonder if wizards will be left behind by the times."
"I have a better grasp on the changes in the world than you think."
Albert wasn't exaggerating; he was well aware of the transformations the world would undergo in the next decade or so.
"As long as you're aware," Herbert said, dragging his suitcase and opening the door.
"We're home!"
As Albert entered the house, he saw Daisy busy in the kitchen, while Nia was already back and helping her bring food to the table.
"Dinner's ready."
Daisy kissed Herbert affectionately on the cheek and led them to the dining room to eat.
Nia didn't greet Albert, and he could sense a certain distance in her behavior. Perhaps, as a girl studying away from home, she had grown more independent and no longer relied on him as much as she used to.
The dinner was sumptuous, filled with dishes that both Albert and Nia enjoyed. Their bellies were soon satisfied.
After the meal, the Anderson family sat on the sofa, watching television and discussing their upcoming vacation plans for Italy. They also inquired about how long Albert intended to stay in France.
Nia didn't speak to Albert the entire evening, and he knew she was upset, protesting his decision to invite Isabelle on the Italy trip.
Still acting like a child! "How's school life treating you?" Albert asked as Nia prepared to take Tom back to her room.
"Same as always."
Nia replied flatly and then left with Tom in her arms.
Albert took the warm milk that Daisy handed him and said, "She seems angry with me."
"She's probably just at that rebellious age!" Daisy said, watching Nia's retreating back. "Boys are so much easier to raise. But sometimes, it's not a bad thing to have a daughter who's less troublesome; it's just that you don't get to experience the same parental feelings."
"Hmph!"
Hearing these words, Nia, who was standing just outside the door, huffed in dissatisfaction and closed the door with a slight thud.
On another note, Katrina was facing a similar issue.
Mrs. McDougall, who rarely had a day off, was listening to her daughter talk about her dance practice. The two were engaged in an enthusiastic conversation, while Katrina sat by, looking utterly bored and struggling to stifle a yawn.
"Katrina, do you have anyone you like? What kind of career are you interested in pursuing?" Mrs. McDougall turned to her youngest daughter and asked.
"No!" Katrina replied bluntly. "As for my career, I haven't decided yet."
"Well, think about it carefully. You'll have career counseling in your fifth year." Mrs. McDougall reminded her.
"What about Isabelle? What does she want to do in the future?" Katrina quickly changed the subject.
"I plan to continue Father's research," Isabelle replied after a moment's thought. "Then, I might write a few books or study Potions further."
"That's a dangerous path, and I'm sure your boyfriend wouldn't want you to take such risks." Mrs. McDougall frowned deeply, not wanting her daughter to follow in her husband's footsteps. McDougall's death had left a deep shadow on her.
"You could consider branching out into other areas. You're talented in many fields." Mrs. McDougall suggested, "I think writing books is a great idea, too."
"Albert will support me and help me. He's better than me in that regard." Isabelle smiled, "Of course, after fulfilling my father's wish, I will consider focusing on Potions."
Isabelle was particularly interested in youth potions; after all, what woman wouldn't want to retain her youth forever?
Seeing her mother hesitate, Isabelle steered the topic towards Katrina, "Katrina, if you see a boy you like, then..."
"I'm not looking for a boyfriend right now." Katrina interrupted impatiently.
"I think Cedric Diggory is quite nice. He's one of the most outstanding students in your year, and he's very handsome too." Isabelle offered, "Quite a few girls in school have a crush on him."
The best one is already taken by you.
Katrina thought to herself, but she merely said, "I'm not interested in finding a boyfriend right now, and I don't feel anything for Diggory."
"Cedric Diggory? Amos Diggory's son?" Mrs. McDougall asked.
"You know him?"
"Yes, Amos is two years older than us. We even attended their wedding. I remember going to see Cedric when he was born." Mrs. McDougall reminisced.
(End of Chapter)
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