Chapter 1707: War Without Victors (157)
"Come in."
A sudden knock sounded outside the Defence Against the Dark Arts office. Albert, who was leafing through the latest issue of the Daily Prophet behind his desk, raised a hand toward the door without looking up. The wooden door swung open with a creak, and Hermione walked in, happily raising the greaseproof paper bag in her hand toward Albert.
"I brought you a midnight snack. Winky just made it."
Ever since Albert's invitation last time, Winky's condition had improved greatly. She was trying hard to pull herself together and no longer held the same hostility toward Hermione. The snack in Hermione's hands was the best proof of that.
Of course, it was also possible that the House-elf had hoped to use Hermione to deliver this carefully prepared midnight snack to Albert.
"Oh, looks like Winky has perked up again." Albert put down the newspaper and looked up at Hermione. "Does she want to go work in Avalon?"
"Well... I mentioned it to Winky, but she hasn't given me a clear answer yet." Hermione was not disappointed by that. For now, everything was moving in a better direction.
"There's no rush. I'll have Dobby go talk to her when the time comes."
After Hermione set down the midnight snack, Albert pointed at a document pouch beside the desk, causing it to float toward Hermione.
"What's this?"
Hermione caught the floating document pouch. After opening it and pulling out the parchment inside, she froze.
"The remaining parts of the Defence Against the Dark Arts Guide."
The scent of food had indeed made Albert rather hungry. He rose from his seat and headed toward the sofa. "I feel like you haven't put much thought into this book."
Hermione casually flipped through a few pages and