"All right, that should do it."
Professor Sprout took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from her brow. Looking at the fruits of their labor before her, she nodded in satisfaction, then turned to Hagrid, who had been helping her.
"You really don't plan to build a house of your own here?"
"I'd better not."
After hesitating for a moment, Hagrid shook his head. "Hogwarts will always be my home."
"Albert just wants you to come stay here for part of summer vacation instead of remaining at Hogwarts by yourself." Professor Sprout thought her colleague was far too stubborn and simply did not know how to be flexible.
As far as she knew, Slughorn had long since reserved a house in Avalon Village. He planned to retire from the school in another couple of years, stay here as a Potions consultant, and begin a semi-retired life.
"Hagrid, I think Professor Sprout is right. You can certainly consider Albert's suggestion, and there are lots of people here you know." Hermione sat on a small stool in their rest area, cutting up the chilled watermelon she had just brought over and sharing it between them.
"I'd better not. I'd just feel like I was causing Albert trouble."
Hagrid mumbled a thank-you, took the half watermelon Hermione handed him, and took a huge bite before asking indistinctly, "Professor Sprout, are you thinking of settling here after you retire from Hogwarts too?"
"Albert did mention it, but there's still a long way to go before I retire from Hogwarts."
Professor Sprout had considered returning to her hometown, but since taking up her position at Hogwarts, she had rarely gone back. She did not feel particularly attached to the place anymore.
Staying here would actually be better for retirement. She could continue doing what