After taking a stroll outside the castle, the two returned to the safe house in Hogsmeade. This awful weather was hardly suitable for a date or a walk outdoors; staying inside to drink tea and chat was far more pleasant.
Isabelle always liked talking about the progress of her Potions research. Sometimes she mentioned family matters, news she had picked up from chatting with friends through the Two-way Mirror, and occasionally helped Albert sort through intelligence gathered from the gray areas.
They had Dobby to thank for that. While looking for work, the house-elf had met quite a few wizards living in those gray areas. As long as they were paid a small number of Galleons to keep them on retainer, many wizards did not mind gathering information on the side for a little extra money.
After all, what wizard living in the gray areas was not short on money?
"Master, there is a message here that may interest you."
Bit walked into the hall with a piece of parchment and respectfully handed it to Albert.
"Thank you, Bit. Tonight, I want to have the spanish seafood rice you make," Albert said as he took the parchment.
"It would be my honor!" The house-elf happily walked away.
"What is it?" Isabelle asked, looking up.
"Hagrid is back. He was badly injured, and he bought a large amount of fresh dragon meat at the black market." Albert tossed the note into the fireplace and watched it burn to ashes.
"Remember to come back early." Isabelle gave Albert a hug, kissed his cheek, and asked, "Should I have Dobby bring you some oysters as well?"
"Grilled oysters with garlic."
Though Albert instinctively disliked raw food, oysters from the cold northern waters really were delicious.
With the house-elf's help, Albert easily appeared on