With members of the Order of the Phoenix joining in, preparations for the Christmas feast at the shelter went much faster than expected. By the time Albert had finished talking to Harry, the hall had already been cleaned and moved on to the decorating stage. It looked no less impressive than the feast at the association headquarters.
Sure enough, the more people there were, the livelier it became.
They should have held the Christmas feast at the shelter from the very beginning.
"Sir."
A slightly hoarse voice interrupted Albert's thoughts. When he turned his head, he saw a pale young man trying to speak to him.
"Tobin, what is it?"
Nelson Tobin.
Albert still remembered this unfortunate Muggle-born Slytherin student.
"Sir, I heard that..."
"Yes." Albert met Nelson Tobin's eyes and nodded. "Just as you thought, we'll eventually have a showdown with the Death Eaters."
"I want to take part," Nelson Tobin said firmly.
"Revenge?"
Albert saw through the young man's little thoughts at once.
"Yes."
"It seems you still haven't let go of your hatred."
"I think it's necessary for me to settle that hatred myself." Nelson Tobin's tone was utterly resolute.
"Of course you can take part." Albert studied the young man before him again, his eyes blinded by hatred, and said softly, "If you're willing, no one will stop you. But you need to understand that it will be a fight to the death. You may very well lose your life because of it. The Death Eaters are more dangerous than you imagine."
"I'm not afraid."
"Perhaps... forget it. Is there anything else?"
"I want to become stronger, more powerful. I've already learned everything in your Self-Defense Guide. I hope to learn more..."
"Knowing more spells doesn't necessarily make you stronger," Albert interrupted directly. "You need practice.