Chapter 197: I Have Galleons
Chapter 197: I Have Galleons
The timing of Katrina's riddle wager during the Quidditch match undoubtedly aimed to prevent others from gathering to watch, and perhaps, Isabell had her reasons for not wanting too many people to know about the secret entrance to Ravenclaw.
Despite this, the likelihood of students from other houses successfully answering the riddle and gaining access to the Ravenclaw common room was slim.
"Wait!"
Just as Isabell turned to leave, Albert called out to her.
"Something else?" Isabell paused and turned to face Albert.
"Professor Snape has a certain ability. Do you know about it? Whenever I look into his eyes, I feel as though he can see right through me," Albert quickened his pace to walk alongside Isabell in the corridor. "Do you know what it is?"
"Why do you ask?" Isabell remained silent for a moment before questioning him in return.
"I believe it's a type of magic," Albert said as he walked. "In the Muggle world, there's something called mind-reading."
Isabell stopped in her tracks and tilted her head to look at Albert. "Do you want to learn this magic?"
"No, I want to find a way to counter him," Albert said helplessly. "No one likes the idea of someone else knowing their thoughts, especially not Professor Snape. To be honest, I hate feeling so transparent around him."
"Legilimency?"
"So, it is a type of magic after all," Albert said, his expression confirming his suspicion.
"Legilimency can be used to cheat on exams," Isabell added, stopping as well and sizing Albert up. "Of course, you probably don't need to cheat."
"Is there a way to counter it?" Albert asked eagerly. "I mean, is there a way to protect myself from others reading my thoughts?"
"Occlumency. There should be books about it in the Restricted Section," Isabell said, her eyes fixed on Albert's. "In fact, you already know about it, don't you?"
Albert's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly averted his gaze, feigning confusion. "What are you talking about?"
"About Occlumency," Isabell said, her expression unchanged. "Or Legilimency, for that matter."
"Well, I came across something similar in the library, but I couldn't find any related books," Albert admitted, knowing he couldn't keep up the pretense any longer.
Isabell gave Albert a deep look before looking away.
"I hope to find the relevant books. Of course, if you know how to use this magic and are willing to teach me, that would be even better," Albert said with a smile.
"I do know Occlumency," Isabell admitted.
She actually knew it! Albert was surprised, having only mentioned it casually, yet Isabell claimed to know this very skill.
After a moment of silence, Albert thought of a possibility and asked tentatively, "Did Mr. McDougal teach you?"
"Why do you ask?" Isabell inquired calmly, though Albert had guessed correctly.
"So, I was right," Albert said, answering his own question. "During Easter this year, Professor Broad took me to one of Mr. McDougal's gatherings..."
Isabell suddenly shushed him as someone approached from the other end of the corridor—Professor Rowena Smith.
Although Albert was curious, he didn't continue the topic. When he turned back, he saw that Professor Smith was already a few steps away from them.
"Good afternoon," Professor Smith greeted them with a smile before her gaze landed on Albert. "Have you written back to them?"
"Yes, they just replied a few days ago," Albert nodded.
"That's good," Professor Smith said. "By the way, what were you two talking about?"
"We were discussing Ancient Runes." Albert offered an impromptu explanation, "Professor Babbling intends to publish a book related to Ancient Runes, and she hopes that I can help edit that portion. Isabell is also proficient in Ancient Runes, so I was asking if she'd be willing to help."
"Edit?" Professor Smith looked at Albert in surprise, but then recalled that Mr. McDougal had also asked Albert to do something similar, and she understood.
"My expertise in Ancient Runes pales in comparison to Albert's." Isabell politely declined.
"Well, that's good." Professor Smith smiled, "Once it's done, remind me to get a copy as well."
"I will." Albert said seriously. As he spoke, he actually took out a notebook from his pocket and made a brief note about it.
At that moment, both Isabell and Professor Smith were stunned.
They never expected Albert to truly make a note of it.
After Professor Smith walked away, the two continued their previous conversation.
"By the way," Albert asked, "Can you teach me Occlumency?"
"Why should I teach you?" Isabell retorted.
"I have Galleons." Albert replied without hesitation.
"I've only just started learning it myself." Isabell wasn't lying; her Occlumency skills were something she had learned during the summer break from her uncle, Morag McDougal, just as Albert had guessed.
However, did that previous statement count as her agreeing to it?
"It doesn't matter, I just need you to introduce me to the basics." Albert continued nonchalantly, "I'll figure out the rest on my own."
As he spoke, Albert crossed his index fingers together, "How about this price?"
"You really are rich, aren't you?" Isabell said meaningfully.
"Learning the Disillusionment Charm also requires Galleons." Albert said nonchalantly, "Of course, since you're not formally trained, I think that price is reasonable."
"Alright, as long as you don't regret it." Isabell agreed.
"When do we start?" Albert asked.
"Sunday. Once a week in the Transfiguration classroom." Isabell thought about it and added a reminder, "Don't get your hopes up too high. I'm not very skilled in Legilimency, and I won't refund your Galleons."
"No problem." Albert smiled, "If you know of any books about Occlumency, please let me know."
"Let me see... 'Advanced Guide to Occlumency'." Isabell hesitated for a moment before answering, "This was the book my uncle initially gave me to study from. If you want to find it, you should be able to locate it in the school's Restricted Section."
"See you on the weekend, then!" Albert nodded, preparing to turn and leave.
"Aren't you worried that I might trick you?" Isabell asked curiously.
"Would you?" Albert countered, "Besides, I have Galleons."
Isabell's expression twitched; this guy always seemed to be flaunting his wealth. Of course, she believed Albert's words; after all, someone who casually wagered ten Galleons with Katrina wouldn't be lacking in Galleons.
As for using this to trick her? Isabell felt that possibility was slim.
While their level of trust wasn't high, both of them, from that moment onwards, were destined to have a significant overlap in their social circles. Whether it was Albert or Isabell, they had both realized this fact. Moreover, they were both geniuses with their own pride and would never stoop to such tasteless actions.
Of course, in Isabell's opinion, Albert was just a wealthy fool. She didn't think he could easily master Occlumency.
However, Isabell was unaware that there was something called an 'exploit' in this world.
(End of Chapter)
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