Chapter 663: Pressing for Marriage
Chapter 663: Pressing for Marriage
The Anderson family's favorite comedy show was playing on the TV in the hall, while Herb and Daisy sat on the sofa, flipping through a photo album. The photos were of the five cats, and the subjects of the photos were currently curled up on Nia's lap, enjoying a good grooming session without a care in the world—completely oblivious to their fatherly duties.
Footsteps sounded on the stairs as Albert descended and made his way to stand behind Daisy. He craned his neck to glance at the litter of kittens in the album, three of them, looking remarkably similar to a young Tom.
"You know, Grandpa Luke took one of them in," Herb said, taking the note that his son handed to him. He glanced at the number on it before tucking it into his wallet and continuing, "So, you're really not coming with us on the southern vacation?"
"I have to make a trip to France. My teacher, well, Mr. Nicolas Flamel, wants me to visit him there," Albert explained casually.
"Nicolas Flamel?" Daisy turned off the TV, thinking she must have misheard.
"Yes, the very same. He gave up the Philosopher's Stone last year, so he might not have much time left. I want to seize the opportunity to learn from him," Albert said as he sat down beside Herb and glanced at the now-silent TV program.
"Why would he give up the Philosopher's Stone?" Nia couldn't comprehend Flamel's decision. "Why not just live?"
"Perhaps he's lived too long and simply wants some rest," Albert replied, though he couldn't fully understand either, having not lived as long as Flamel.
"Then, will he pass on the Philosopher's Stone to you?" Daisy asked after a moment's hesitation.
If Albert became Flamel's disciple, he would have a good chance of inheriting his mentor's legacy.
"No, the Philosopher's Stone has been destroyed!" Albert shook his head.
The expressions on the faces of the three family members froze, and Albert could easily guess their thoughts. He quickly explained, "There was an evil wizard who had his eyes on the stone, so Mr. Flamel destroyed it."
"An evil wizard?" Daisy frowned. "Is the wizarding world that dangerous?"
"When someone possesses immense power, they often can't resist the temptation to do things they shouldn't. Just look at that country across the ocean. Wizards with extraordinary abilities are no exception; they're even more arrogant than you might imagine."
"But... isn't there the Ministry of Magic?" Herb asked, confused.
"You should know better than I do that most of them are bullies who only pick on the weak. While the Ministry does work to combat evil wizards, they're practically useless when it comes to dealing with truly powerful ones. Hmm, how should I put it... they're like the two eggs Mom accidentally broke this morning."
"Ahem!"
Herb coughed lightly, not entirely pleased with Albert's analogy, but he understood what he meant.
"Don't doubt it; that's just the way it is. Especially during the last Wizarding War, the Ministry's performance was abysmal, one could even say they did nothing at all."
"The Wizarding War?" Nia was intrigued by the topic. "I thought there were only a handful of wizards. How could a war break out?"
"The Wizarding War is not what you imagine," Albert said, organizing his thoughts. "It was caused by an inbred maniac—you know how some wizards like to inbreed for so-called pure blood status. Over the centuries, it resulted in a maniac like the German Fuhrer, with a terrifyingly bad temper, insane arrogance, and an incomprehensible genius. Then, he went around killing people with his gang of similarly inbred lackeys. He was so feared that people dared not speak his name, and the Ministry even gave him a ridiculous nickname: Voldemort."
"Oh my God!" Daisy exclaimed. "I always knew wizards were a bunch of weirdos."
"And then?" Herb prompted.
"Then, there was a prophecy in the wizarding world about a savior who would defeat the Dark Lord. So, Voldemort started searching for the infant mentioned in the prophecy to kill him."
"He really is a maniac."
"Indeed, and that maniac met his end at the hands of that infant, not long after he was born."
"Are you sure you're not telling us a joke?" Nia moved Tom from her numbing lap.
"I'm completely serious. There are signs that we're only in a brief period of peace between two wars, and the prophecy hints that another war will break out soon," Albert said, his tone turning serious. "So, in a few years, we'll have to leave Britain and lie low elsewhere."
An eerie silence fell upon the hall as all eyes fixed on Albert, hoping to hear him say, "I was just joking."
"Leave Britain? Where would we go?" Herb frowned, clearly not interested in the idea of immigrating.
"The East. I remember Britain has a colony there, although it will soon be returned," Albert said without hesitation.
"While we do have some money, leaving..."
"That number should be our ticket to a grand prize." Albert interrupted his father's concerns.
"Grand prize?"
"The top prize in the lottery."
"You're not joking?"
"I believe in prophecies, and this is also the conclusion I've come to with a few prophet friends. Most likely, after I graduate from Hogwarts, Britain won't be safe anymore."
"Will you come with us?" Nia suddenly asked.
"I need to stay in Britain for a while," Albert said, not lying.
An odd silence fell upon the hall once more.
"Why are you staying?" Daisy was the first to break the silence, her tone filled with displeasure.
It was as if she was accusing him of daring to stay despite knowing the danger.
"For the benefits, of course. This is a rare opportunity for me," Albert said, picking up Tom from the floor.
"If we do win the grand prize, then I'll believe you," Herb said, cutting off Daisy, who seemed about to say more. He gave his son a reassuring look and continued, "When are you two planning to get married?"
"Married?" Nia widened her eyes, looking at Albert in disbelief.
"Not sure yet," Albert replied.
"If it's really unsafe here, then take Isabelle with you to the East. Bring her family along too, and you can get married over there," Herb suggested. In his mind, once Albert settled down and started a family, he would become more mature and responsible, putting his family's safety first.
Then, he wouldn't take unnecessary risks.
As for the lottery number, Herb had no doubts about its authenticity.
He also had no intention of trying to persuade a young man. At this age, they were stubborn as oxen, and even more so when it came to Albert, who had strong convictions.
"I think it's too early for Albert to get married now," Nia disagreed with the idea of an early marriage for Albert.
"If we don't have the money, it would indeed be a heavy burden. But Albert doesn't lack money," Daisy agreed with her husband's plan, wanting her son to marry soon and join them in seeking refuge in the East, away from the dangers of Britain.
In truth, Daisy wasn't a fan of the wizarding world, but she also recognized the numerous benefits that came with her son possessing such extraordinary powers.
Some things were real whether you denied them or not.
This Voldemort character, if he was as murderous as Albert described, could easily kill them, innocent bystanders, without a second thought.
Daisy had already decided that if they won the grand prize, she would write to Mrs. McDougall to confirm this matter.
(End of Chapter)
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