Whether Albert had deliberately said those things to comfort Hermione, a girl in love would not think that much about it. Most women were emotional creatures; they only needed, wanted, and chose to believe what they felt was true.
That was why women in love were so easy to read. Although Albert had reminded Hermione more than once, it had done little good.
So, after parting with Albert, Hermione's cheerful mood made the little thoughts in her heart impossible to hide.
Once the other girls noticed, Hermione could only bring up the compilation of the Defence Against the Dark Arts textbook to divert everyone's attention.
But that clearly could not fool Ginny, who had gone through something similar. Seeing her former self in Hermione, Ginny looked at her with a trace of sympathy.
Hermione had helped her escape her emotional troubles and ultimately allowed her to be with Harry. Yet Hermione herself had forever lost that chance, because Albert was already married. There was no way they could end up together.
Ginny had never considered the possibility that Hermione and Albert were lovers. Most people would never have such a thought. There was also quite a considerable gap between Hermione and Albert's wife, Isobel, while Albert had always been remembered as an exceptionally devoted man. The two could only be close friends.
Ron, who was rarely "on holiday," also noticed the changes in Hermione. Although Mr. Weasley kept repeating to himself, "Albert is married. Albert is married," barely suppressing the strange thoughts in his heart, he still could not hide the bitterness and helplessness in his gaze when he looked at Hermione.
"If you really want to pursue Hermione, you should make yourself as outstanding as possible and work hard to show your own charm to attract her attention, instead