Chapter 123: Meddling
Chapter 123: Meddling
Although Albert had told the three boys about the harsh realities, he couldn't dampen Fred's enthusiasm for getting rich quick.
Over the next few days, Fred and his friends frequently ventured into the Forbidden Forest, attempting to dig up snow mushrooms and strike it rich.
However, reality was undoubtedly cruel.
After several days of fruitless efforts, they had nothing to show for it, and their frequent forays into the forest angered Hagrid.
The gamekeeper had complained to Albert numerous times about this matter and was now taking action to drive the Weasley twins out of his forest.
As March arrived, the weather warmed up quickly. The snow in the forest began to melt, and with it, the snow mushrooms that only grew in the snowy terrain disappeared. After busy yet unrewarding days, the Weasley brothers sat listlessly in the library.
Life hadn't been treating them well lately. They had been caught by Hagrid for trespassing in the forest and then hauled off to Professor McGonagall.
The outcome was predictable—detention.
This turn of events delighted Filch, and his old face rarely broke into a terrifying smile, which scared the trio.
Filch had been giving them a hard time these past few days.
"Don't be glum," Albert said, patting Fred's shoulder comfortingly. "Life is still beautiful. How about we go fishing by the lake on Saturday?"
"Never mind, let's not," Fred replied, still grumbling about how Hagrid had handed them over to Professor McGonagall. "We don't want another lecture from Hagrid."
"Alright then," Albert said, dropping the subject.
"What are you up to?" Angelina asked, setting down her quill and looking up curiously. "I thought you finished your Transfiguration homework ages ago."
"I'm writing an essay for Today's Transfiguration," Albert explained casually, not realizing how shocking his words were. "Professor McGonagall asked me to do it during the last Transfiguration Club meeting."
"You mean you're writing for the magazine?" Angelina asked, astonished.
"You're planning to publish an essay in Today's Transfiguration?" Angelina wasn't the only one surprised; the others were equally astounded.
"Not yet," Albert clarified. "The draft will be sent to Professor McGonagall first. She'll select the suitable ones, help with edits, and then send them to the magazine." Albert's essay was titled "Applying Transfiguration in Combat."
This was a specialty of both Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall, and Albert was merely combining his past knowledge with transfiguration theory.
In truth, Albert didn't think his essay would make it into the magazine. However, writing it wasn't without benefits. After reading it, Professor McGonagall would provide thorough edits and include her thoughts and feedback, helping students from the Transfiguration Club improve.
Every time Albert wrote and revised one of these essays, his understanding of transfiguration theory took a significant leap forward, which was one of the reasons he invested time in this endeavor.
"I suddenly feel like Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration Club is quite prestigious," said Susan, admiring Albert's invitation to join the club. "I wonder if the club is still accepting new members."
"Forget it," said Alicia, pouring cold water on Susan's curiosity. "It's impossible unless you stand out in that field. Otherwise, you won't be invited."
"I was just thinking out loud," Susan murmured. "Professor McGonagall's transfiguration lessons are already challenging. I don't have time to learn even more advanced transfiguration, let alone write those brain-draining essays."
Indeed, it was quite a brain-draining endeavor.
Albert always felt that his knowledge wasn't sufficient. Despite spending days writing, he still wasn't entirely satisfied with the result. Nonetheless, he decided to submit the essay to Professor McGonagall, not really caring if it made it into the magazine or not.
Albert was well aware that his current knowledge of transfiguration was enough to get him through the next few years of transfiguration classes.
Unless there was a relevant task, he didn't plan to invest more experience in this area for the time being.
In a sense, it wouldn't be wise to spread himself too thin.
In fact, Albert had tried to trigger tasks related to transfiguration in the past but to no avail.
"All done?" Alicia marveled. "Your speed is as impressive as ever."
"It took me several days to finish it," Albert admitted.
"Would you mind if I took a look?" Alicia asked, changing the subject.
Albert didn't refuse, and he passed the parchment across the table. As he expected, Alicia returned it after only a brief glance.
Undoubtedly, she couldn't understand it.
Delving deeply into magic and conducting research was extremely challenging for students, who primarily focused on grasping the basics.
Whether to dig further was a personal choice.
Among Hogwarts students, how many could truly master spells to the second level on their skills panel by the time they graduated?
"You look tired," Susan remarked softly.
"This essay took a lot out of me," Albert acknowledged. "I can only say that I'm not at that level yet." He began packing up his books, intending to head to the kitchen for some afternoon tea to relax.
It would be even better if he could have some cake.
"If we're not at that level, what level are we at?" Lee Jordan mumbled.
Ignoring him, Albert asked, "Who's up for the kitchen?"
"Me!" Fred stood up, ready to join Albert.
"Forget it, Fred," George cut in ruthlessly, dashing his brother's hopes. "You still haven't finished your homework. Go now, and who knows how long it'll take. Finish your work while everyone is here to help if you get stuck."
Fred slumped back into his seat and resumed his homework glumly.
"See you later."
Leaving the library, they made their way through the corridors and down the moving stairs to the first floor. As they passed through the entrance hall, Filch, who was mopping the floor, stared at them for an uncomfortably long time.
Albert paid him no mind and headed straight for the kitchen below the Great Hall.
Albert was a regular in the kitchen, and the house-elves warmly welcomed him, offering him tea and pastries.
"Thank you," Albert said with a smile. His gratitude always made the house-elves uneasy, but he knew they liked to hear it.
"Are you preparing dinner?" Albert asked curiously.
"Yes, sir," the house-elf replied with a nod.
"Would you mind chatting with me for a bit?" Albert asked, taking a bite of the pastry and sipping his tea. After a deep breath, he continued, "I'm curious about everything here, including you hardworking little guys."
"It would be my honor."
"Please, sit down," Albert said. "What's your name?"
"Kara," the house-elf replied.
"It's alright; I don't mind," Albert said gently, gesturing to the chair.
However, Kara was reluctant to sit, no matter what. Albert didn't press the issue and merely asked out of curiosity, "Your magic is quite unique. I can tell it's different from the magic we use."
"Yes, sir, our magic is different," the house-elf hesitated, seeming unwilling to discuss the topic.
"Can you use our kind of magic?" Albert asked. Seeing Kara shake her head repeatedly without speaking, he changed the subject. "Well then, let's change the topic. Do you know how to make garlic scrambled eggs?"
"Garlic scrambled eggs?" Kara repeated, sounding perplexed.
"Garlic scrambled eggs are..." Albert began to explain how to make garlic scrambled eggs, intending to corrupt the culinary skills of these house-elves.
(End of Chapter)
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