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Chapter 138: Worth a Try
Chapter 138: Worth a Try
In McDougal's original plan, the book he intended to write consisted of three parts, and the parchment he had just retrieved was the manuscript for the second part.
Albert pulled out a few sheets from the stack of parchment and began to read intently, occasionally using a quill to help modify any loopholes in the text and discuss potential issues with the other two.
Isobel, without a doubt, was the most frustrated person in the room as she couldn't understand a word they were saying, let alone join in on their conversation.
She could only busy herself by tidying up or flipping through the parchments, attempting to decipher their contents.
"I wonder how this guy learned Ancient Runes," Isobel muttered under her breath.
"Indeed, his reading and comprehension skills surpass even Moeg's," Professor Broad agreed. "At his current rate, he'll likely surpass ninety-nine percent of wizards in Ancient Runes within a few years. Once he comes of age, I plan to recommend him to publish a book on the subject."
Isobel opened her mouth, but swallowed her words, not knowing how to respond.
"Don't compare yourself to him, my dear," McDougal said, nodding. "Sometimes, geniuses like Albert appear, and they truly are incredible. Isn't that right, Mr. Albert?"
"Writing a book? I'll consider it after graduating from Hogwarts. It's not on my mind at the moment," Albert replied, though he was seriously contemplating writing an introductory guide. There was already a book titled 'Ancient Runes for Beginners', but after reading it, Albert found it far from simple.
With the knowledge he gained from leveling up his Ancient Runes, he believed he could create a more accessible guide, much like Miranda's standard spellbook.
At Albert's words, Isobel's face twitched. She wanted to call him boastful, but considering his proficiency in Ancient Runes, she knew he might very well be capable of it.
The group worked through the afternoon, with house-elves bringing them a sumptuous lunch to the office.
After their meal, they sat on the sofa and discussed the content of the manuscript.
By now, Albert had figured out McDougal's plan. He intended to write a book that was difficult to comprehend and then publish additional volumes to help readers decipher it.
As for Isobel, she had quietly slipped away after lunch, grateful that she had managed to endure for so long before finding an excuse to leave.
After all, the three in the office had no intention of speaking in a language she understood, conversing solely in Ancient Runes, leaving her completely lost.
"Isobel left?" Professor Broad suddenly remarked. "She lasted longer than I expected!"
Albert, not in the mood for conversation, remained focused on finding issues in McDougal's manuscript.
"If she wants to understand or even participate, she'll need to improve her Ancient Runes," McDougal said softly. "Isobel does need some motivation."
"Motivation?" Albert asked, his lips twitching as he steered the topic in a different direction. "I feel like I'm missing something. I can't quite put my finger on it."
"Don't worry," McDougal assured him. "Once we finish this book, I'm certain you'll grasp its secrets."
"I hope so," Albert sighed, checking his pocket watch. It was almost 3:30 pm. "I should head off. I have Apparition class soon."
"I think you're wasting your time," Professor Broad shook his head. "Apparition is too advanced for you at this stage."
"Listening and learning are never a waste!"
As Albert prepared to leave, McDougal called out to him.
"Yes, Mr. McDougal?" Albert stopped and turned back.
McDougal handed him a small, black notebook. "I believe this will be of help to you."
"Thank you," Albert said, tucking the notebook into his pocket and turning to leave the office.
"You're quite fond of him, aren't you?" Professor Broad said, smiling at his old friend. "He's even more suitable than we expected, isn't he?"
"Indeed, a pleasant surprise," McDougal nodded. "He's talented and has a good character. But it's too early to say more. We'll discuss the rest when he comes of age."
Albert was oblivious to their brief exchange as he made his way to the Great Hall. When he arrived, Professor Tekross was already there, waving his wand to produce an old-fashioned wooden hoop for each student.
Albert quietly slipped into a corner, not wanting to disturb anyone, and listened attentively to the lecture.
"Remember the three D's of Apparition," Professor Tekross emphasized once again—destination, determination, and deliberation. He always mentioned these key aspects before each practice session.
"Now, focus your attention on your destination..."
"Resolve to occupy the space you desire," Albert murmured, "and enter a void-like state, with deliberate movements."
Albert was eager to try it himself, even if it meant risking a splinching. At worst, he'd get a scolding from Professor McGonagall and lose a few points. Learning Apparition would be well worth it.
With the experience from previous lessons, everyone stared intently at their hoops and followed Professor Tekross's instructions.
"One—two—three—"
The sound of Apparition, like a soft crack, filled the Great Hall.
Only a handful of students succeeded, and even then, their landings were imprecise, resulting in the loss of bodily parts like fingernails or strands of hair.
Of course, most students simply spun around and fell to the ground, eliciting laughter from their peers.
There was also an unfortunate case of splinching.
A Hufflepuff student was left hanging in mid-air, his lower body appearing a few feet in front of Albert.
The professors rushed to his side, and with a loud bang and a puff of purple smoke, the student's body was reassembled.
While the professors and students focused on the Hufflepuff, Albert decided to attempt Apparition, setting his sights on an empty spot a few meters away.
Without spinning, Albert concentrated on his destination, imagining himself appearing there and entering a void-like state.
There was no crack, and Albert remained rooted to the spot, knowing he had failed.
However, he wasn't too concerned, as he understood that failure was normal and no one succeeded on their first try.
Without the help of the system panel, he hadn't expected to succeed.
Glancing at the panel, he still didn't see Apparition listed as a skill, which left him a little disappointed, though he had anticipated this outcome.
"Now that I think about it, this might just work!" Albert suddenly had a bold idea. If he could experience Apparition firsthand, perhaps it would trigger the appearance of the skill on the panel.
"Worth a try, but who would be willing to help me?" Albert muttered to himself, aware that the chances were slim. Nonetheless, he was determined to give it a shot.
He immediately turned and headed toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.
(End of Chapter)
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