Chapter 196: A Similar Prophecy
Chapter 196: A Similar Prophecy
Albert noticed the change in Isabelle's expression and suddenly felt amused. After all, he knew a little about Professor Trelawney; this professor predicted a student's death every year.
It wasn't strange to prophesy that someone would have bad luck; it was, after all, part of her job.
The divination done by Professor Trelawney without entering a special trance state was entertaining but not to be taken seriously.
At this moment, Professor Trelawney had returned to her seat and produced a book from somewhere. She began explaining to the trio the use of ancient runes in divination and how to interpret the results of prophecies. Professor Babbling occasionally asked questions or supplemented the explanation.
Unlike Isabelle, Albert was engrossed, considering how he could acquire a Runic Stone Divination skill for himself.
While Professor Trelawney's divinations might be unreliable, his panel skills were definitely dependable.
Divination was indeed a skill Albert desired, but he wanted to learn crystal ball divination. As for the Runic Stone Divination he had just encountered, it was purely coincidental, and it would certainly be beneficial if he could master it.
After all, no one would complain about having too many skills.
There were many types of Runic Stone Divinations: one stone, three stones, five stones, six stones, and seven stones. Professor Trelawney enthusiastically explained the interpretation methods for all the Runic Stones.
Isabelle seemed to be growing impatient, but she patiently listened to Trelawney finish, while Albert's mind wandered as he checked his panel skills for the Ancient Runic Stone Divination.
During this time, Professor Trelawney performed two more divinations for them, seemingly to prove her identity as a diviner.
However, all of Albert's prophecies were about his future wealth, and indeed, his financial prospects looked promising.
After all, once could be a fluke, twice might also be a coincidence, but three times—the odds of it being a fluke would be much smaller, wouldn't they? Could Professor Trelawney be some kind of hidden boss?
Unlike Albert, Isabelle was a complete opposite, a negative example even. All the prophecies warned her of impending danger and the need to make a choice.
In the last divination, the Wyrd (empty symbol) even appeared.
"You will encounter difficulties beyond human control. It may come suddenly, leaving you unprepared," Professor Trelawney said, surprised by her own divination. She was well aware of her skill level, and she never expected to encounter two people with such consistent results in three consecutive divinations.
Although Professor Trelawney was shocked, she maintained an inscrutable expression, feigning a profound demeanor.
"Undoubtedly, you will face trouble," Trelawney concluded. "And it may be influenced by your choices. I regret that you didn't choose my divination class, as you do have a talent for it."
Albert couldn't help but find it amusing, recalling what Isabelle had said earlier.
"I don't have a talent for it," Isabelle had stated.
Isabelle noticed the expression on Albert's face and turned away, choosing to ignore him.
"I would be delighted if you chose my class," Professor Trelawney said, chatting with Professor Babbling for a few more moments before preparing to leave. "This is my gift to you."
The professor gave Albert the bag of Runic Stones, the cloth for setting up the divination layout, and the book, 'Runic Stone Divination.' She whispered, "Good luck, oh, you already have good luck, don't you?"
Albert was taken aback, never expecting Professor Trelawney to give him these items. What did this mean? Did she truly believe he had a talent for divination?
However, when Albert checked his panel skills again, he still couldn't find the Runic Stone Divination skill.
"Congratulations, Anderson," Isabelle teased after Professor Trelawney left.
"Thank you. If I truly had a talent for divination, I'd set up a stall and offer divinations," Albert joked, his expression unchanged. "It seems your troubles are indeed foretold."
Three consecutive predictions might not always be accurate, but they certainly seemed ominous.
Albert flipped open the book, 'Runic Stone Divination,' and his face twitched slightly as he handed it to Isabelle. "Divination truly depends on one's talent."
The words Professor Trelawney had spoken were directly quoted from the book.
Albert was not surprised, merely revealing a knowing expression.
"Prophecies are quite interesting," Albert murmured, silently taking out a Runic Stone from the bag. He fell silent, studying the stone in his hand.
"Inverse Eihwaz," Albert glanced at the Runic Stone, trying to recall what he had intended to ask.
"Will I encounter danger this semester?"
"This is a clear warning, urging you to be cautious... It's not a good omen."
Albert recalled Professor Trelawney's words.
Was this a forewarning of danger? Or was it simply a case of poorly mixed Runic stones?
"What's wrong?" Isabelle asked.
"It's nothing," Albert sighed. "I just did a reading for myself, and it seems I'll encounter danger this semester."
"Why do you think you'll be in danger?" Isabelle countered.
"Well, quite a lot happened last semester," Albert replied.
The three of them chatted for a while, sharing their thoughts on Runic stone divination, agreeing that true seers were very rare...
As for the rest, they left unsaid, but it was clear they all understood each other's implications.
"Well, that's all for today," Professor Babbling said to the pair.
They both stood up, ready to take their leave, when suddenly Professor Babbling called out to Albert.
"Mr. Anderson, may I have a word?"
Isabelle looked at Albert skeptically and then got up to leave.
"Professor Babbling, what can I do for you?" Albert asked.
Albert was taken aback but understood her meaning.
She wanted his help with the book?
"You want me to help you with this book?" Albert asked for confirmation.
"Yes," Professor Babbling affirmed. "I would like you to assist in its compilation and revision."
Albert opened his mouth but then closed it again, choosing to listen quietly as Professor Babbling continued.
"I hope it can become an important reference book for the study of ancient runes," she said with a hint of helplessness. "Initially, I intended to use Mr. McDougall's 'Comprehensive Guide to Basic Runes' as a reference, but I've found it too challenging for most students. So, I hope..."
In truth, Albert also knew that the study of ancient runes was less about magic and more about literature. The Ancient Runes class at Hogwarts focused on understanding and translating ancient runes.
After graduation, those with a specialty in ancient runes often worked in areas with ancient magical ruins, not unlike Muggle archaeologists.
If one wanted to study magic, the starting point would be much higher, at the NEWT level or above.
Mr. McDougall's 'Comprehensive Guide to Basic Runes' was difficult even for skilled ancient rune wizards like them, let alone others.
She waved her wand, conjuring a paper bag, which she handed to Albert.
"I've been working on this book since Mr. McDougall published his 'Advanced Rune Research,'" Professor Babbling said quietly. "And I've made some modifications since then."
"Well..." Albert chose his words carefully. "To be honest, I think it's... quite good."
"Your help won't go unrewarded," Professor Babbling assured him. "I'll give you half the profits from the book, and I'll include your name as well."
"You can keep the credit," Albert said, a little doubtful that the book would sell many copies. "As for the galleons..."
After a moment of silence, Albert spoke again. "I'd like to borrow some books related to ancient runes from the restricted section of the library."
"That won't be a problem," Professor Babbling nodded, beginning to gather parchment and a quill.
As Albert left the Ancient Rune classroom, he held a file folder and wore a complicated expression. In his pocket was Professor Babbling's signature, granting him access to the restricted section—a truly delightful turn of events.
"That makes two," he murmured to himself.
"What's that about two?" a voice suddenly asked.
Albert turned to see Isabelle standing not far away, staring at him.
"You're still here?" Albert asked, surprised.
"I wanted to ask you something," Isabelle said.
"About the divination?"
"No," Isabelle replied. "It's about your wager with Katrina."
"Do you want me to concede?"
"I don't know what you're planning or why you're doing this," Isabelle said, "but I want you to keep this wager between the two of you. Don't let too many people know about it. I'll be the witness during the first Quidditch match of the year."
"Sure, I have no objections," Albert said.
(End of Chapter)
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