Chapter 986: Cream Puffs
Chapter 986: Cream Puffs
"You went out just now?"
As soon as Albert returned home, he was caught by Isabelle.
"I just went out to get some things. Don't worry, I used the Polyjuice Potion," Albert replied.
"Why didn't you ask Cara to get it for you?"
Isabelle felt that Albert wasn't telling her the whole truth.
"I took a detour to Hogsmeade Village and got some things from an old friend." Albert stepped forward to give Isabelle a hug, but she dodged him.
"Don't worry, I'm always able to protect myself very well."
"You're getting better at lying," Isabelle said expressionlessly.
"I'm telling the truth."
Albert was indeed telling the truth, but he didn't elaborate further.
He took the bag from the house-elf, took out the gift he had bought for Isabelle, and smiled as he handed it to her.
"You'll definitely like what I got for you."
"What is it?"
Isabelle took the paper bag from Albert, peeked inside, and hesitated before deciding not to take out its contents.
"Don't you like it?" Albert asked in return.
"I'm not eating it." Isabelle said flatly, suspecting that Albert was trying to make her gain weight.
"I'll feed you."
Albert smiled and took out the ice cream from the paper bag, then turned to the house-elf and said, "Cara, go find Katrina and tell her I brought desserts for everyone."
"Yes, Master."
After putting down the bag, the house-elf turned and left the hall.
"Come on, open up!" Albert said, holding a spoonful of ice cream towards Isabelle's mouth.
"Stop trying to change the subject," Isabelle turned her head, avoiding the spoon Albert was offering.
However, after several attempts and Albert's promise to accompany her in exercising in the following days, the young girl reluctantly opened her mouth and took the spoon.
"How does it taste?" Albert asked with a smile.
"Try it yourself."
Isabelle took the spoon, scooped some ice cream, and fed it to Albert.
"It's quite sweet, and eating ice cream in the summer is very comfortable," Albert commented.
The two sat on the sofa, playing a game of feeding each other, when Albert suddenly asked, "How's your research going?"
"It's stalled. I'm considering contacting the American side. They must have their own results, too. Maybe if we exchange our findings, it'll help push forward the research on the Youth Potion," Isabelle said. She had originally intended to keep Albert's research results for herself.
Unfortunately, she realized that she couldn't make any progress on her own.
As for Katrina, unfortunately, her potion-making skills, though decent, weren't much help in this matter.
Perhaps if Albert seriously studied the Youth Potion, his progress might even surpass the combined efforts of the girls. But lately, Albert had been either studying Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel's notes or creating magical artifacts, apparently preparing for the upcoming turmoil in the wizarding world, and he didn't seem very interested in the Youth Potion that the girls were so concerned about.
If it were any other time, Isabelle would have pulled Albert into the research, using any means necessary to make him help her. But with the impending turmoil in the wizarding world and Albert's efforts to ensure a stable passage through this period, she knew that now wasn't the time to disturb him, and sometimes she even took the initiative to help.
Albert's energy was limited, even with the use of a Time-Turner.
"By the way, I plan to brew the Felix Felicis and the Polyjuice Potion next. Can you spare some time to help me?" Albert suddenly asked.
"I haven't tried brewing Felix Felicis before. It's more troublesome than I expected," Isabelle frowned and reminded him, "If possible, I suggest you get it from your old friend. Anyway, Felix Felicis can't be overdosed."
"It's fine. I made some notes that can reduce a lot of mistakes.
"I've already asked someone to gather the ingredients for me," Albert said to Isabelle.
"You went out just now because of this?" Isabelle guessed the reason.
"Yes, it's not reliable to rely on others for this. I think we should stock up on some Felix Felicis." Albert replied without hesitation. "Sometimes, not just me, but others around me might need some luck as well."
"Alright, but I can't guarantee that it will be a success. Actually, if you brewed it yourself, the chances of success would be much higher." Isabelle was well aware of Albert's potion-making skills, and she believed that he could pull it off if he oversaw the entire process.
After all, he had perfectly brewed the Pepper-Up Potion before.
"It's fine, we need to try and error to improve. The ingredients can be used for two batches anyway." Albert reassured her, "I'm preparing this for our wedding. I think we'll both need some luck on that day."
Isabelle thought about it and nodded in agreement.
Given the current situation, having some Felix Felicis would indeed ensure a more perfect wedding day.
At the very least, it would prevent any unforeseen problems.
"By the way, how's the situation out there? The Prophet is filled with articles attacking Professor Dumbledore." Isabelle scooped a spoonful of ice cream and fed it to Albert.
"As expected, taste this." Albert took a small pastry from the paper bag and offered it to Isabelle's mouth.
"What is this?" Isabelle's eyes lit up with curiosity.
"Cream puff." Albert said proudly, "Isn't it delicious?"
This was the dessert Albert had recommended to his 'cheap' uncle.
Undoubtedly, it was a hit with the ladies.
"It's delicious, have some too." Isabelle took one from the paper bag and fed it to Albert.
The latter took a bite and then pointed at Isabelle.
"Really now." Isabelle muttered as she leaned in closer. She actually didn't dislike these overly intimate actions, and even enjoyed them as they gave her the feeling of being in a fresh relationship.
"What did you guys buy?"
Katrina walked into the hall and caught them in the act, her smile quickly fading into a blank expression.
"I bought a lot of sweets that you guys like, come and try some too!" Albert was completely unfazed, one could say his thick skin was improving.
"This pastry is quite nice."
Isabelle recommended the cream puffs to her sister, seemingly trying to ease the slightly awkward atmosphere with delicious food.
"Is this a Muggle dessert? I've never had this before." Katrina sighed inwardly and took a cream puff, using the opportunity to change the subject.
This was also one of the reasons why she preferred not to live with them, as some moments could get really awkward.
Thankfully, the cream puffs helped improve Katrina's mood a little.
"Yes, Muggles have a wider variety of food compared to the wizarding world." Albert took out a box of ice cream from the paper bag and handed it to her, "This is ice cream, strawberry flavor. I remember you like this."
"Muggles do know how to enjoy life." Katrina had gained some insights during her stay with them.
"I just bought a bunch of ingredients. If you want, you can ask Cara to prepare something for you." Albert thought for a moment and added, "But, it's fine to eat this occasionally, but don't overindulge or you might gain weight."
"I run and do yoga with my sister every day, but you're the one who never exercises." Katrina glanced at Albert and popped another cream puff into her mouth, her tone indifferent.
"I exercise every day too." Albert shrugged, "I dare say my physique is better than ninety-nine percent of wizards out there."
This wasn't an empty boast, as many wizards didn't really prioritize physical exercise.
Just then, the house-elf entered the hall.
"Master, there's a message for you."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
