https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-133-An-Unexpected-Turn-of-Events/12526053/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-135-If-Self-Awareness-is-Useful-Then-/12526055/
Chapter 134: Absurd Yet True
Chapter 134: Absurd Yet True
Albert was stunned. Of course, he knew who Mog McDougal was. He was a good friend of Bathilda Bagshot and a renowned wizard in their time, said to be on par with Adebe Wollin, the author of "Magic Theory".
However...
The Mog McDougal before him seemed somewhat different from what he had imagined. One might say...
"Is something the matter?" Mog McDougal noticed Albert's momentary bewilderment and asked, confusion lacing his tone, "Is there something on my face?"
"I thought... you'd be younger," Albert hesitated, but couldn't help voicing his surprise.
"My apologies. I spoke out of turn."
"Young... Hahaha, no need to apologize. I am indeed no longer young." McDougal was not bothered by Albert's slip, and he gestured to the sofa with a smile, "Please, come in. Bathilda should be back soon."
Albert sat down across from McDougal, a bit awkwardly. His gaze, however, was drawn to the parchment on the table, which was covered in Runic letters.
"It seems Bathilda was right about you having a high level of proficiency in this area." McDougal took a sip of his tea and nodded at Albert, seeming quite pleased.
Albert noticed McDougal's gentle smile. How should he put it?
The way McDougal looked at him was... special, and also familiar.
"I thought Isabell's talent was already exceptional." McDougal spoke softly, "She is one of the most gifted children I've ever met."
"Isabell?" Albert looked at the middle-aged man before him with a probing gaze.
"My distant niece." McDougal nodded towards the parchment covered in ancient magical text and smiled as he asked Albert, "Bathilda and I plan to write a book about ancient magic. Are you interested in joining us?"
"Me?" Albert was flabbergasted. He couldn't believe that he, a child, was being invited to help write a book.
"You will be the main writer, not us." Professor Bagshot pushed the door open and entered, nodding at Albert, "You're earlier than I expected. Would you like something to drink?"
"Milk tea," Albert replied instinctively after a brief pause.
Professor Bagshot waved her wand lightly, and a cup of fragrant milk tea appeared before Albert.
"I can see that you have a high level of proficiency in ancient magic, so I recommended you to Mog. Of course, Mog will be doing most of the work, and we'll just be assisting him."
"That's incredible," Albert said honestly.
"May I?" Albert asked tentatively, "If I tell others about this, it'll probably become the biggest joke of the century."
"Don't say that. You're special, even more brilliant than Isabell." McDougal explained, "I think you'll be of great use, and I hope you don't mind."
"I don't mind."
"Of course, I believe you'll learn a lot during this process?" McDougal said with a smile, "Allow me to reintroduce myself. Mog McDougal."
"Albert Anderson. Pleased to meet you, Mr. Mog McDougal." Albert shook his hand, feeling a bit surreal, but also realizing he had just met an incredible person.
"Are you planning to write a textbook or..."
"No, it's going to be a more advanced book. It's not meant for students as reference material, but delves into deeper aspects of ancient Runic research." McDougal clarified, "Perhaps you haven't ventured into that realm yet, but ancient magic does hold a special power. Some ancient spells use it. If Dumbledore is willing to lend a hand, our progress will be much faster."
"These days, there are very few people who truly understand how to use ancient magic." Professor Bagshot was generous with her praise, "Mog is the expert in this field."
"No, no, Bathilda. At least, I have one right here in front of me." McDougal smiled and nodded slightly at Albert's wooden ring, "The craftsmanship is a bit rough, but undeniably, this is the prototype... May I have a closer look at your creation?"
"Hmm?" Albert realized what McDougal was referring to and took off the wooden ring, handing it to him.
"If it were me, I'd suggest using yew wood. While the guardian tree also has special effects, it doesn't perfectly bring out the power of Runic letters." McDougal's fingers brushed over the Runic letters on the ring as he examined it with interest, "It's a pity you haven't truly mastered how to use it yet."
Albert's eyes lit up as he stared at Mog McDougal, feeling that the mysteries of the Runic letters might be unraveled with the help of this man.
"Don't worry, you're already ahead of many in this regard. At least, Bathilda doesn't understand these things." McDougal turned his head to look at his friend and spoke softly.
"I'm not like you, I haven't done any research in this area." Professor Bagshot didn't take her friend's teasing to heart, "You're far superior to me when it comes to practical application."
"We all have our strengths." McDougal's face showed no embarrassment as he turned his attention to the parchment on the table, "Well, I think we should focus on the task at hand."
"May I ask?" Albert picked up a piece of parchment and asked, "Where did you get these? I mean, the Runic letters on them."
"This is one of the legacies left by Rowena Ravenclaw." Professor Bagshot didn't mince words, despite the shocking nature of the revelation.
"Legacy?" Albert was astonished, but quickly calmed himself.
"Yes, legacy. The wisdom of Rowena Ravenclaw." McDougal explained, "It's an amazing thing. I plan to summarize it and turn it into a book so that others can decipher this knowledge. One day, people will realize the magical power inherent in ancient magic."
"I've never seen any magical power in these letters." Professor Bagshot interjected.
"That's because you don't understand Runic letters well enough." McDougal bluntly pointed out the issue, "Well, shall we begin?"
He waved his wand, and parchment and quill appeared out of thin air as they prepared to record their findings.
It was tedious work, and Albert found it hard to believe he was part of it. When he eventually left Professor Bagshot's office, he felt dazed, his head buzzing with the information he had heard and experienced... Though he had understood it all, his brain couldn't quite process the chaotic knowledge immediately.
Albert didn't even realize when he had returned to the Gryffindor common room, when he had closed his eyes to rest, his mind continually replaying the strings of Runic letters and McDougal's words, until he eventually fell asleep without noticing.
(End of Chapter)
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