"This..."
Hermione did not actually know whether the House-elf Winky would be willing to work for Albert, but in her view, it was undoubtedly the best option.
Because apart from Albert, probably no wizard would be willing to pay a House-elf wages.
After discussing the matter carefully, the two bade Shanna farewell and headed to Hogwarts to speak with Winky, the House-elf who remained in the castle, about employment.
When Albert smiled and held out his hand to the House-elf, Hermione had thought he would be able to persuade Winky to accept the offer.
The result, however, was somewhat beyond their expectations.
Winky suddenly burst into loud sobs, leaving Hermione at a loss for a moment.
Albert merely reached out and patted her head in comfort, saying before he left that both he and Avalon would welcome her at any time.
"She's much better than when she was first dismissed, and she no longer drinks herself into a stupor like before. She just still hasn't completely emerged from the shadows." Hermione looked back at the House-elves who had seen them off.
"Some other day, we'll have Dobby talk to her. I believe Winky will surely pull herself together again." Albert felt that putting in a little more effort to win Winky over should not be too difficult.
"I thought you could persuade Winky with your charm." Hermione was rather disappointed.
"I'm a person, not a Wishing Machine. And you haven't been to the kitchens in a long time, have you?"
"They don't welcome me." Hermione did not particularly want to discuss the matter, so she changed the subject. "By the way, you'll be spending Christmas at Avalon this year, right? Everyone is looking forward to spending Avalon's first Christmas with you."
"I will."
Albert decided to discuss the matter with