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Chapter 990: Anticipation
Chapter 990: Anticipation
The morning sun sneaked through a gap in the curtains, casting its warm rays onto the large bed in the master bedroom. Albert, who had been busy all night, was still asleep, but Isabelle, lying beside him, had already woken up. She propped herself on her side, gazing at Albert's serene sleeping face as if admiring his peaceful slumber.
"Time to get up," Isabelle murmured, gently prodding Albert's shoulder. However, he didn't stir.
She extended her slender, fair-skinned finger and poked Albert's cheek, and the drowsy Albert reluctantly opened his eyes.
"Good morning!" Albert yawned and covered his mouth with his hand before closing his eyes again.
Isabelle sat up in bed, letting the sheets slide off her white skin. She stretched lazily, then leaned over to Albert, who was trying to catch a few more winks, and said, "You promised to accompany me for morning exercises."
"You can ask Katrina," Albert yawned again and turned over, intending to continue sleeping.
"I think you need some exercise too. It's good for maintaining your figure and fitness," Isabelle said, kissing his forehead. "Besides, didn't you say you had something to do early today?"
Albert couldn't get away with being lazy. Under Isabelle's watchful eye, he got up, brushed his teeth, changed into fresh clothes, and headed to the courtyard to exercise.
A gentle breeze blew through the courtyard, carrying a hint of delicate floral fragrance. The tranquil, cozy, and pleasant atmosphere stood in stark contrast to the bustling wizarding world outside, making the place feel like a secluded utopia.
House-elf Cara had already prepared a pot of tea, and after hydrating themselves, the couple began stretching each other's bodies before jogging around the courtyard.
Albert didn't slack off and jogged alongside Isabelle. Katrina soon joined them, having been convinced by Isabelle's theory about the benefits of exercise for maintaining youth.
After all, Isabelle was a living example of that theory.
In Katrina's eyes, Isabelle's cheeks were rosy, her figure tall and perfect, and her entire being exuded youth and vitality. Coupled with her unique aura as a young lady, she looked absolutely enchanting.
After the jog, Albert took towels from the house-elf and handed them to the slightly out-of-breath McDougall sisters. He wiped the sweat from his forehead and sat down to rest in the sunroom, listening to the music from the radio on the table while casually flipping through the pages of the Prophet.
Isabelle led Katrina to a nearby cushion to practice yoga, and Albert had to admit that it was quite a sight to behold.
He tore his gaze away and continued reading the headline news in the Prophet.
All the articles about Harry Potter's suspected attack by a Dementor had mysteriously vanished, as if someone had erased the incident from existence.
Fudge, or rather, the Ministry of Magic, didn't want others to know about it.
However, the situation was far from optimistic.
Black's radio broadcasts and magazines had been quietly spreading among the British wizarding community. Compared to the Prophet, which was reluctant to provide useful information, Black's publications revealed "truths" that captivated a portion of the wizarding population.
In such a vast magical world, it was impossible for everyone to be foolish.
Anyone with half a brain could tell that there was something fishy about the Prophet's content.
Someone was deliberately targeting Dumbledore.
To be honest, people didn't mind a bit of fun and gossip, but when the daily reports consistently smeared Dumbledore and Harry Potter without offering any valuable information, it became tiresome and irritating.
While some might have been misled by the Prophet's narrative, there were undoubtedly those who felt the same irritation. These individuals became the most loyal supporters of the Defense Guide magazine and the Wizarding Lookout radio station.
To salvage the declining sales of the Prophet, the paper had increased its advertising space.
Albert spotted advertisements placed by Fred and George, and even Lee Jordan had managed to get a spot for Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. However, Albert doubted the effectiveness of these ads, as he himself rarely paid attention to them.
"Hmm, I should think of a name for the shop," Albert mused, putting down the newspaper and picking up the Defense Bulletin that was lying next to it.
Most of the content in this issue of the Defense Guide had been obtained from sources in Spain.
Black, annoyed by Fudge's recent actions, had taken great pleasure in exposing the Minister's misdeeds in the magazine.
Unlike his book counterpart, this Sirius Black was more than happy to cause trouble for Fudge after receiving Albert's suggestions.
According to information received by Dobby, the house-elf, the Ministry had been bad-mouthing the Defense Guide and secretly collecting and destroying copies of the magazine. They had even attempted to capture Black and Lupin but had never succeeded.
"How about Wizarding Lookout?" Albert asked Dobby, who was more adept at running around and gathering information from the outside world compared to Cara.
"Not many wizards know about this radio station," Dobby replied sharply. "However, the Ministry is aware of its existence, and they have tried to shut it down, but they've never been able to locate the source of the broadcasts."
"It's protected by the Fidelius Charm. It would be strange if they could find it," Albert commented nonchalantly.
"Mr. Aberforth Dumbledore at the Hog's Head pub seems to be a fan of this channel. He often plays it in the bar," Dobby continued.
"But people out there are more interested in the fact that I became the youngest Duelling Champion. There are rumors that I defeated a very powerful and vicious Dark Wizard and destroyed the dueling stage in the process," Albert said, a gleam in his eyes as he recalled the mostly true accounts.
"Master, there's an urgent letter for you," Cara hurried in, handing Albert a letter bearing the "W" seal of the Ministry of Magic.
Albert knew exactly what this letter meant. He put down the Defense Bulletin, tore open the envelope, and quickly scanned the contents. A faint smile curved his lips.
Undoubtedly, this letter was from Wizengamot, inviting him to attend a trial at the Ministry, and the defendant was none other than the famous Harry Potter.
This was one of the perks of being a Duelling Champion; otherwise, he wouldn't have received such an invitation from Wizengamot.
According to Bard, Albert's position as a substitute member of Wizengamot was now secure, and no one dared to openly oppose him anymore, especially after witnessing his prowess in the Duelling Competition, where he had taken down a highly threatening Dark Wizard. Even a fool would know to keep their mouth shut.
Of course, some politicians might still try to ignore his achievements, titles, and strength, but fortunately, Albert had allies to counter them.
Albert checked the time on his pocket watch and bid the ladies goodbye. "I have to go out for a bit.
"Where are you going?" Isabelle frowned, asking with a hint of worry as she disliked Albert wandering around, fearing that he would get himself into dangerous situations.
"The Ministry of Magic. I received an invitation from the Wizengamot to attend a trial," Albert replied cheerfully. "I have no reason to miss Harry Potter's trial."
"Be careful on the way," Isabelle said, kissing Albert's forehead and asking, "Will you be back for breakfast later?"
"If I'm not back before nine, don't wait for me," Albert said as he stood up and took a piece of toast with blueberry jam from the house-elf, Cara, intending to head to the bathroom for a quick shower before leaving for the Ministry.
"However, I don't think it will take too long. Maybe I'll be back by the time you finish breakfast," he added.
A quick cold shower didn't take much time, and Albert waved his wand, evaporating the water from his body and summoning his clothes to dress himself.
Before leaving, he was met by another house-elf, Dobby, who was waiting outside.
Using Side-Along Apparition, Albert arrived directly outside the visitor's telephone booth at the Ministry, having familiarized himself with the process during his previous visit.
Instead of wearing the badge provided by the telephone booth, Albert fastened a delicate silver "W" badge to his left chest and tapped his clothes with his wand, instantly changing into the purple-red robe of the Wizengamot.
Ding! As Albert stepped out of the elevator, he spotted two familiar figures.
"Long time no see, Mr. Bard, and Mr. Scrimgeour," Albert greeted the two elderly gentlemen skillfully.
"We were just betting on whether you would be late or not." Mr. Bard tucked his pocket watch back into his pocket and smiled at the elderly man beside him. "Old friend, don't forget about the wine."
"All right, I'll come by in a couple of days," Mr. Scrimgeour agreed, as the wine in question was his winnings from their last bet.
The two old men enjoyed these little wagers to pass the time.
"To be honest, I didn't really want to come today," Mr. Bard said with a wink. "But I heard that today's trial will be quite interesting."
"Then why didn't you just stay home? I wanted to be Albert's guide into the Wizengamot," Mr. Scrimgeour grumbled in dissatisfaction.
"I think he doesn't need that," Mr. Bard replied.
"I've been hearing a lot about you lately," Mr. Scrimgeour said with a smile as he removed his communication wristband. "By the way, this device is quite impressive. If we can link more of these wristbands together in the future, I believe it will be a remarkable invention."
"It's not my invention. There are similar devices in the Muggle world," Albert said humbly, not one to take credit for everything. "And if we want to improve it further, it will require the efforts of more people, not just me."
"I appreciate your humility, but excessive humility is not a good thing either," Mr. Scrimgeour said, pleased that Albert wasn't arrogant about his accomplishments. "However, you're right. This device is already quite advanced, and further improvements will require the dedication of more witches and wizards."
"Enough with the mutual flattery, you two. People are starting to stare," Mr. Bard said, rolling his eyes at their exchange. However, he couldn't deny that Albert's invention of the communication wristband was indeed practical, especially for sending short messages.
The presence of three people wearing the purple-red robes of the Wizengamot in the Ministry's Great Hall was quite noticeable, and there was another reason that drew even more attention—Albert's youth. The fact that he wore the symbolic robe of the Wizengamot at such a young age left many witches and wizards stunned.
As they rode the elevator, Albert encountered another old friend—Hector Dagworth.
Hector examined Albert from head to toe and said with a smile, "I dare say that you will break Dumbledore's record and become the youngest member of the Wizengamot."
"I just hope the trial will be quick. I was about to have breakfast," Albert greeted his old friend.
"By the way, thank you for your notes. I think I should be able to brew the potion successfully this time," Hector said.
"Let me see it when you're done. I want to make sure it's perfect," Albert teased. "But I thought you'd be more excited about this trial."
"If you've been paying attention, you'll notice that I already have numerous accolades, and people are starting to get tired of hearing about them," Albert said with a laugh, pointing to the top of his head. "By the way, take this."
"What is this?" Hector asked, puzzled, as he accepted a silver card from Albert.
"If I hold a wedding next year, I will use this to notify you of the specific time and location," Albert said in French. "You must have heard the rumors. Next year won't be safe."
"Really?" Hector was taken aback.
"Anyway, I've already gone into hiding, so take care of yourself," Albert said, leaving the matter at that.
"No, I mean, are you really getting married?" Hector was still single.
"Maybe. I've given you advance notice, and it will probably be next summer," Albert replied.
The elevator had reached the bottom floor, and they were the last passengers. As they stepped out and walked down the corridor, they soon arrived at a gloomy black door.
"Looks like we're in luck, and the trial hasn't started yet," one of them said.
The four of them entered the room and found a spot in one corner to sit down.
Albert met several old friends in the courtroom, and some of them waved at him in greeting, to which Albert smiled and waved back.
Of course, he wasn't like Galeon, universally liked by everyone. After entering the courtroom, he also received some unfriendly glares from a few individuals.
Albert paid no heed to them and instead looked up at Fudge with a faint smile curving his lips.
In fact, Albert was quite looking forward to the day when Fudge would be sitting in that courtroom as the defendant, and someone else was even more eager for that day to come.
Soon, they learned the reason for convening the courtroom.
"This is ridiculous. They've actually used the courtroom for this matter," Hector grumbled, clearly one of the unlucky few who had been summoned early in the morning for the trial.
"Actually, I think he would much prefer to see Dumbledore sitting there on trial!" Albert said softly.
"I heard that you destroyed the dueling stage in Spain," Maugrey said as he approached Albert to greet him.
"That's pure slander," Albert replied.
"Nonetheless, the title of the youngest dueling champion is quite impressive. When the news reached us, it left many people stunned," Maugrey said with a hearty laugh.
Just then, the door of the courtroom opened once more, and footsteps echoed in the corridor outside.
(End of Chapter)
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