After night fell, great flurries of snow began drifting down outside, with no sign of stopping even now.
The Defence Association Headquarters, usually bustling every day, had rarely been granted a moment of peace.
With a creak, the wooden door to the living room was pushed open with someone's body. Carrying two steaming cups of coffee, Shanna placed one in front of the young man reading on the sofa. She took a small sip from the other, sat on the sofa to his right, glanced at the Magical Clock on the wall, and said, "I didn't expect you really weren't going with them."
"I'm not their babysitter. It's already good enough that I'm staying here as their final safeguard." After marking his place, Albert closed the book and set it on the table. He picked up the steaming coffee, took a small sip, frowned slightly, and said, "People always need to rely on themselves. Besides, I don't think they'll be in any danger. Tonight is only a small trial. They'll face far greater challenges in the future."
"The Great Battle?"
Shanna often heard Albert mention it. Everything they had done was in preparation for the great battle against the Death Eaters.
"When the time comes, we'll lose many companions too. But that is war. War is always far crueler than we imagine." Albert set down his coffee and turned to look at the blizzard that had suddenly risen outside the window. "Those wizards who underestimate it will pay the price."
The subject was undoubtedly too heavy, leaving Shanna a little breathless. She knew Albert did not like lying, but... this was war.
She wondered how many members of the Association truly understood war's cruelty.
"We're running out of funds!" She took a deep breath and tried to change the subject.