Chapter 260: Muggle-born
Chapter 260: Muggle-born
This gathering was not merely an academic exchange but also served to strengthen bonds and expand social connections—a more exclusive version of Professor Horace Slughorn's Slug Club from the "Half-Blood Prince."
Professor Broad had house-elves prepare a sumptuous feast, allowing Albert the rare opportunity to sample delicacies from other countries. Evidently, more than one house-elf was hard at work in the kitchen, as a plethora of dishes were served.
Of course, when it came to European cuisine, France and Italy were the first countries that came to mind for most people. Indeed, the majority of the dishes on the table originated from these two nations.
At this intimate banquet, Albert remained unobtrusive, quietly savoring the delicious food while listening to the group chat about intriguing tales from the wizarding world.
For instance, they discussed the hidden machinations behind the election of the British Minister of Magic. It turned out that Cornelius Fudge's appointment as Minister was not merely a stroke of luck, as it seemed on the surface.
Many had expected Bartemius Crouch to become the Minister of Magic, but to thwart his chances, several wizards had used the fact that his son, Barty Crouch Jr., was a Death Eater to tarnish his reputation.
Later, as everyone knew, Dumbledore declined the offer to become Minister, and Fudge, who was well-liked by pure-blood wizards, ultimately secured the position.
Fudge himself had been one of those who smeared Crouch's name.
"Mr. Anderson, what are your thoughts on this matter?" Professor Broad asked, turning to Albert, who was in the midst of eating.
Albert put down his fork, dabbed his mouth with a napkin, and replied calmly, "Bartemius Crouch is Bartemius Crouch; his son is his own person. Regardless of what his son has done, it does not erase Crouch's past accomplishments."
The group exchanged glances, and Professor Broad seemed slightly taken aback by this response but appeared largely satisfied.
"Of course, you can't expect everyone to maintain rational judgment. Most people are easily influenced by external factors," Albert suddenly interjected. "What do you think would happen if Harry Potter, the conqueror of the Dark Lord, suddenly announced to everyone that the Dark Lord was still alive?"
What would happen?
Undoubtedly, people would think their savior had gone mad.
"Don't mention this to anyone else," Professor Broad advised kindly. "The wizarding community cannot accept this truth, and they will do everything in their power to deny it."
This remark was directed at Albert, cautioning him against causing unnecessary trouble for himself.
"Obviously," Albert shrugged and continued to indulge in the unfamiliar delicacies before him.
Adolph deftly steered the conversation toward the recent unpleasant news about Durmstrang Institute. The new headmaster, Igor Karkaroff, had further tarnished the school's reputation, causing many students' parents to withdraw their children and transfer them to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.
Nelson shared the latest gossip he had heard—some students had copied the Dark Mark, the symbol associated with Grindelwald, into their textbooks and onto their clothes to intimidate others. However, those who had lost loved ones to Grindelwald had taught them a lesson.
"I've read about this school in books," Albert said curiously. "Is it true that Durmstrang is known for its focus on Dark Magic and that they don't accept Muggle-born wizards?" He already knew the answers but asked anyway. "By the way, what does the Dark Mark look like?"
"In fact, that's not really Grindelwald's mark; only ignorant people would think so," Nelson said, using his wand to draw the symbol of the Deathly Hallows—a triangle with a vertical line through the center of its eye.
Shaking his head in dismay, he continued, "This symbol originates from the tale of the three brothers, Mr. Anderson. Have you heard of it?"
"The tale of the three brothers from 'The Tales of Beedle the Bard'?" Albert nodded, indicating that he was familiar with the story.
"Yes, the triangle represents the Invisibility Cloak, the circle the Resurrection Stone, and the vertical line the Elder Wand," Adolph explained. "The legend of the three brothers is quite famous in our circle, and many believe that the items mentioned in the legend are indeed alchemical products."
"Why did Grindelwald choose to use it as his symbol then?" Albert inquired further.
"We believe Grindelwald acquired the legendary items mentioned in the tale," Professor Broad elaborated. "Of course, this cannot be proven. There are many legends in the wizarding world, and while some may deviate from the original facts, they are not entirely baseless."
"Like the Philosopher's Stone, which can grant its creator eternal life?" Albert smiled but did not refute the notion, for he knew more than anyone else present, including the fact that Grindelwald had indeed possessed the Elder Wand.
As the group discussed the recently released list of prohibited trades by the British Ministry of Magic, Claude took the opportunity to recommend his kind and helpful friend, Mr. Drakul, who worked at the Magic Garden and occasionally moonlighted as a raw materials supplier. He offered to make introductions if anyone was interested.
The Magic Garden was a coveted source of rare and exotic magical plants, with limited supplies available to the public.
The most intriguing aspect of Mr. Drakul was his wife, who was of Veela descent, and his daughter, a student at Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, who was equally exceptional.
Adolph even joked that Albert's proficiency in French could pave the way for a French pen pal.
As the banquet drew to a close, the conversation inevitably centered around Albert, and the group expressed their surprise upon learning that he was a Muggle-born wizard.
"What's a Muggle-born?" Albert asked, tilting his head.
"Muggle-born is an ancient and affectionate term used to refer to wizards of Muggle descent," Mr. Smith explained, unbothered by the strange looks on the others' faces. "It was quite popular before the implementation of the International Wizarding Confidentiality Law in 1692."
"Many may have forgotten that before the International Wizarding Confidentiality Law, most wizards believed that Muggle-borns were more talented than those from pure-blood wizarding families," Professor Broad added with a hint of goodwill. "Later, wizards began to distrust Muggles, and pure-blood supremacy began to spread, causing this term to gradually fall out of favor."
"Of course, there is no discrimination based on blood status here; we value wisdom and ability above all else," Adolph whispered. While he didn't deny Professor Broad's words, this was the sad reality of the wizarding world.
However, it was evident to everyone present that Albert would not be ostracized because of his background. He had befriended many renowned wizards, and a significant portion of the wizarding community would gladly stand by his side.
It would be inaccurate to say that the majority of wizards valued blood status above all else. In the face of true genius, such concerns faded into the background.
After all, knowledge and ability commanded greater respect.
The very fact that Albert had been invited to this gathering spoke volumes.
(End of Chapter)
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