Chapter 826: Gossip
Chapter 826: Gossip
"George, George, where are you? Come and see the headline of today's Daily Prophet!" Fred Weasley's shout echoed through the kitchen.
"What are you shouting about early in the morning?" Mrs. Weasley, who had been feeding the chickens in the yard, glared at her unruly son, hands on her hips.
"Mom, look at today's Daily Prophet headline." Fred thrust the newspaper in front of his mother and said excitedly, "Albert actually won the Barnabas Finkley Prize for Exceptional Spellcasting! Do you know what that is?"
"If only you two were as well-behaved as Albert." Mrs. Weasley took the newspaper with a look of exasperation.
"Why don't you compare your precious son Percy with Albert?" Fred retorted with a twist of his mouth. "You found George and me in a field, remember?"
"You dare talk back?! Do you want to make me so angry I could die?!"
Mrs. Weasley watched as Fred disappeared in a puff of smoke, then turned her attention back to the newspaper in her hands. In bold letters, it read: 'The Youngest Winner of the Barnabas Finkley Prize for Exceptional Spellcasting in History'.
Below the headline was a photo of Albert, proudly holding a trophy in his hands, a medal around his neck, and a confident smile on his face.
"Mom, have you seen today's newspaper?" Percy's voice called out from the kitchen.
"It's here, Fred just brought it in." Mrs. Weasley walked to the kitchen window and pushed the newspaper inside.
Percy took the newspaper and glared at George, who was snickering beside him, then glanced at Fred, who had just turned the corner into the kitchen.
"You should really stop mentioning Albert in front of Mom," George said to his twin brother, clearly enjoying his brother's discomfort. "She always compares us to him and talks about how wonderful other people's children are."
"I should've studied harder," Fred said, a hint of regret in his voice. Ever since their O.W.L. results had been sent home, their summer vacation had taken a turn for the worse.
Albert had warned them that if they didn't do well on their O.W.L.s, their summer wouldn't be pleasant.
Sigh, next time I have to shut that guy's mouth before he even starts talking. He always says those things, and they always come true.
"I wonder how much the prize money is for this championship?"
George stood behind Percy, staring at the newspaper for a long time before speaking. "Actually, I'm more curious about how much he earned this time."
"Probably not that much. Maybe a thousand or two at most," Fred replied. He had heard Albert mention prize money before, and most international champions took home a substantial sum.
"No, you obviously didn't read carefully. Look, the Spanish newspaper, 'Bullfighting Daily', lost tens of thousands of Galleons in bets," George said, scrutinizing the article again. "Given Albert's personality, do you think he would pass up this opportunity? I bet he definitely bet on himself to win the final championship. Who knows how many Galleons he won?"
Percy's gaze returned to the front-page news, where he found the interview with the reporter. For example, some people were preparing to file a formal complaint with the International Wizarding Federation, and had even falsely claimed that someone had used Felix Felicis during the competition, all in an attempt to prevent the young British wizard from winning.
What caught the eye of British wizards the most was probably the gossip about Albert. Those unscrupulous reporters had taken his responses out of context and even twisted his words.
Percy put down the newspaper, feeling that the best thing Fred and George had ever done in their lives was to become friends with Albert. There was no doubt that Albert, always generous to his friends, had given them a helping hand, ensuring that their future would not be too bleak.
In fact, Fred's comment about a thousand or two Galleons at most clearly showed their attitude towards money.
"This is an international award with a lot of prestige," Percy recalled. "It's said that it's easy to win the championship, but very difficult to win the gold award. And all the wizards who have won the gold award have gone on to become remarkable wizards."
"It's truly impressive, just like Albert," George couldn't help but sigh. "Winning awards seems as easy as drinking water to him."
"He's also going to attend the International Alchemy Conference. Who knows, he might bring back another award," Fred said confidently, genuinely happy for Albert's success.
...
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Mrs. Granger noticed her daughter frowning as she read the newspaper.
"Albert won an award," Hermione said, spreading the newspaper out on the table. Mr. and Mrs. Granger leaned in, immediately spotting the headline.
The Granger couple remembered the handsome young man their daughter had mentioned, a senior student who had taken good care of her and was Hermione's first true friend at school.
"You should be happy for him," Mr. Granger said, confused by his daughter's frown.
"The reporters are spreading gossip again," Hermione pointed out, indicating the article about Albert. "I remember when he won the International Wizard Chess Championship, those reporters also wrote a lot of gossip."
For some reason, Hermione felt angry every time she saw those reporters spreading gossip about Albert.
The whole school knew that Albert had a girlfriend, and they were quite close.
"You know, those newspapers will write anything to sell copies because a lot of people love reading gossip," Mr. Granger said, looking at his daughter and winking. "But yes, he is an exceptional young man."
"Exceptional? No, I think 'genius' is more appropriate," Hermione corrected.
"I remember this Mr. Anderson often gave you gifts," said Mr. Granger.
Mrs. Granger smiled, thinking that Hermione might have a soft spot for that handsome young man.
After all, who wouldn't like a boyfriend who was talented, handsome, wealthy, and gentle?
Hermione suddenly became aware that her family was staring at her and asked in confusion, "Why are you all staring at me?"
"I remember you mentioned a ball this semester, and you might need to buy a dress. Perhaps he'll invite you to dance," Mrs. Granger reminded her with a smile. "Make sure you seize the opportunity."
"What are you thinking about? Albert already has a girlfriend," Hermione said, looking at the handsome boy in the newspaper, lost in her own thoughts.
...
"What are you looking at?" Isabelle asked, noticing her sister staring at her with a strange gaze.
"Why are you all dressed up?" Katrina asked, looking at the stunningly beautiful Isabelle. She couldn't understand why her sister had made such an effort with her appearance—was she going on a date with Albert?
"No, I didn't sleep last night, so I just wanted to look a little better," Isabelle replied casually. "Do you want to come with me to pick up Albert?"
"Pick him up? Why?" Katrina was even more confused.
"Haven't you seen today's newspaper? He just got back from Spain," Isabelle said, pointing to the newspaper on the table.
Katrina picked up the copy of the Daily Prophet and immediately saw the photo of the young man holding the championship trophy. She quickly scanned the content of the headline story and looked up at Isabelle. "Aren't you angry? That guy already has you, yet he's still fooling around with other women."
"That's just the reporters making up stories to sell more papers," Isabelle said nonchalantly. "I was chatting with him all last night."
"Then I won't come along," Katrina said, having no interest in putting herself in an awkward situation.
"Okay, I'm off then," Isabelle said and left.
Katrina watched her sister's departing figure and then picked up the newspaper again to study it. "Deliberate? I don't think so. If nothing really happened, those reporters wouldn't write it this way."
Albert was completely unaware that the reporters had fabricated another story about him. Having just stepped out of the International Floo Network fireplace, he felt the food in his stomach churning. A night without sleep had left him feeling unwell, as if he had motion sickness.
"Are you alright?" Bade asked, noticing Albert's pale face.
"I'm fine, just pulled an all-nighter, and now I'm feeling a bit unwell after using the Floo Network," Albert replied. "I need to head to the Leaky Cauldron first. Isabelle is waiting for me there."
"You can use the Floo Network directly from here to get to the Leaky Cauldron! No need to waste time walking," Bade said with a smile.
"Then I'll take my leave. See you another day, Mr. Bade, and thank you again for everything," Albert expressed his gratitude once more before taking out some Floo powder from the jar and stepping into the green flames, disappearing from Bade's shop.
When Albert emerged from the spinning fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron, the dizzying sensation almost caused him to stumble.
In his daze, someone seemed to reach out and steady him, and when he came to his senses, he realized it was Isabelle.
"Didn't keep you waiting too long, did I?" Albert asked with a smile.
"No, I've only been here for about five minutes," Isabelle said as she hugged him. "Welcome back."
"You're wearing makeup?" Albert exclaimed, surprised as he took in his girlfriend's appearance.
"Do I look good?" Isabelle asked with a smile.
"Better than before," Albert replied honestly.
"Are we heading to Hogsmeade now?" Isabelle asked, holding his hand.
"Yes, it's faster to go back that way. The side effects of using the International Floo Network are quite strong, and I need to lie down and rest for a bit," Albert explained.
...
"Shh, let me sleep a little longer," Albert mumbled tiredly as he opened his eyes to see Nia holding Tom and sitting by his bedside, occasionally swishing her cat tail across his face.
"Get up, it's time to eat," Nia said with a hint of confusion. "Didn't you sleep last night?"
"Mhm, I was chatting with Isabelle all night," Albert yawned and lazily climbed out of bed. He glanced at the trophy and medal on the table and said to his sister, "I brought you a gift. Did you see it?"
"You mean the record?" Nia asked.
"Yes, she's supposedly a very famous singer in the European wizarding world," Albert said, gesturing to the door, indicating that Nia should leave so he could change clothes.
"The singer is beautiful and has a nice voice, but the song isn't that great," Nia commented, leaning against the wall next to the door as she continued the conversation. "I feel like the wizarding world's sense of aesthetics is rather mediocre."
She hadn't forgotten about the record Albert had given her before, supposedly a famous song in the wizarding world, with a title something like, "You Stole My Cauldron But You Won't Steal My Heart." Ever since then, Nia hadn't held high expectations for wizarding world music.
"That's a downside of having a smaller population. With more people, you'd naturally have more excellent works," Albert said with a smile. "If you don't like the songs, I can give them to someone else."
"Mhm, I'll keep one, and you can give the rest to others," Nia said as they made their way to the dining room. Suddenly, she asked, "What's your relationship with Miss Yanira? Why did the newspaper say..."
Nia's question was interrupted by Albert.
"The newspaper company needs to sell their papers, so those reporters like to fabricate all sorts of eye-catching gossip," Albert said, looking at his sister. "I remember telling you this before. You need to use your brain when reading the newspaper, or you'll easily be fooled."
"I remember you once said that if a lie can deceive others, there's probably some truth in it," Nia replied.
Nia stared at Albert and asked, "I'm more curious, what in this newspaper is true? And, aren't you afraid that Isabelle will get angry and jealous?"
"Isabelle is a smart girl, and smart girls are more likely to trust their own judgment and not easily believe rumors." Albert greeted Luke and Sasha and began to sit down to eat, "That Miss Yanira is actually the daughter of a bar owner, and the competition was held in that bar."
"Why is the competition held in a bar?" Nia was puzzled and obviously didn't understand what was going on.
"It's more of a hotel than a bar." Albert said between bites, "The owner of that bar, Ms. Diana, donated money to the competition, and the gold medal was sponsored by them. And the bar owner's daughter happens to be a very famous singer, so she was invited to present the award to the champion."
"Is it an advertisement?" Nia seemed to understand, "But what does that have to do with you getting married to her?"
"It has something to do with some rumors about the bar." Albert paused in cutting his steak, looking up, "Well, it's said that the bar is run by vampires."
"Wait, are you saying that Miss Yanira is a vampire?" Nia was shocked.
"She has vampire blood, but it's probably very diluted." Albert put down his knife and fork and revealed a big secret, "Rumor has it that the descendants of that bar are mostly female, and they like to find gold medal winners as their partners, hence the news in the newspaper."
"Really?" Nia asked curiously, "That beautiful singer pursued you?"
"Yes." Albert nodded, "But I refused, after all, I already have a fiancee."
"Does Isabelle know about this?" Nia found these vampire girls to be quite unique. Most of the wizards who could win awards were probably quite old, and someone like Albert was definitely an endangered species.
"She knows." Albert said calmly.
After dinner, everyone sat in the living room, petting the cats, watching TV, and chatting about what had happened in Spain until late into the night before retiring to their respective rooms.
Albert asked Shella, who had gone out foraging, to send gifts to Fred and George. He had also bought another set of records, and the signed set that the champion had given him, he had sent to Isabelle.
After watching the owl fly away, Albert stepped into the Vanishing Cabinet and traveled to his house in Hogsmeade, then used the Time-Turner to go back a few hours.
When he entered the Great Hall, he found Isabelle, wearing a sleep shirt, listening to music, and browsing the latest issue of the Daily Prophet while waiting for him.
"You still look quite tired."
"It's because I chatted with you all last night, and then went to pick you up today. I only napped for a while in the afternoon, so I basically didn't get much sleep." Isabelle yawned and rested her head on Albert's shoulder.
"Then you should go to bed early!" Albert felt that he had been infected by Isabelle's sleepiness and couldn't help but yawn as well.
"Miss Yanira is a very beautiful girl." Isabelle said softly.
"She has partial Veela blood, so it's normal for her to be beautiful." Albert princess-carried Isabelle.
"But, Miss Yanira's charm isn't as great as I imagined." Isabelle whispered, "Or maybe, she herself didn't really want to do it, after all, I'm just someone she met a few days ago."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because if she hadn't hesitated, she would have definitely taken the initiative first!" Isabelle hugged Albert's neck and whispered in his ear, "She definitely wouldn't have given you any chance to refuse. After all, that's what her family does, how could she not be able to get you in her own place?"
"You're right." Albert suddenly felt that what Isabelle said made a lot of sense.
"She actually would have preferred if you had taken the initiative. Bold girls are quite rare, and if you had been more forward, she would have probably agreed half-heartedly." Isabelle giggled, "But, I'm actually more curious about why you refused her."
"Why do you want to know that?"
"Purely out of curiosity. After all, it's not easy for a man to resist when a girl is thrown at him like that." Isabelle was truly curious.
When Albert had first told her about this, she had been truly surprised and hadn't expected him to be so straightforward about it.
"Are you angry?"
"I actually am quite angry." Isabelle wrapped her arms around Albert's neck and asked, "Why?"
"Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?" Albert asked after putting Isabelle down.
"A lie." Isabelle replied without hesitation.
"Because I don't want to make you sad."
"I like that answer." Isabelle kissed his cheek and giggled, "What's the truth?"
"The truth is that I don't think it's worth it." Albert paused for a moment, then said, "If something happened with Miss Yanira, my fiancee would probably be gone. One only meets a satisfying partner once in a lifetime.
"And, you're so smart, I think that even if I hid it for a while, I wouldn't be able to hide it from you forever. We're going to spend our lives together, so there's no need to mess it up because of this. Besides, you're very beautiful, and I don't think it's worth taking that risk, even if Miss Yanira is indeed very beautiful and charming."
"That's just like something you would say, rational and always weighing the pros and cons." Isabelle snuggled in Albert's embrace and whispered softly.
(End of Chapter)
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