Chapter 264: Rumors and Whispers
Chapter 264: Rumors and Whispers
After the long holiday break, there was always a rush of students frantically completing their homework at the last minute, and the Christmas holidays were no exception.
In the few days since their return to school, busy students had filled up most of the library.
Albert's three roommates were among the crowd, hard at work on their numerous assignments.
"Why can't they just finish their homework on time?"
This wasn't the first time that Shannon had this question. With the ample time during the Christmas break, why would they choose to cram it all at the last minute?
As she left the library with Albert, she finally voiced her confusion, unable to comprehend the thought process of these students.
"Most people are just lazy," Albert casually replied, not really concerned about their work habits.
"Of course, their efficiency in doing homework is also questionable."
"I can't understand it either," Shannon shook her head in dismay.
"It's an educational issue," Albert smiled, knowing better than to directly criticize the wizarding world's education as inferior to that of Muggles. After all, Hogwarts was the best magic school in Britain, even if it was the only one.
However, in Albert's opinion, the lack of a systematic education really showed in the way wizards learned.
The essays written by Fred, George, and Lee Jordan were all of mediocre quality. They tended to cram everything together, making for a very poor reading experience.
At times, Albert wondered if the professors even bothered to read through the assignments before giving grades.
Sometimes, the difference between a 'P' (Poor) and a 'D' (Dreadful) didn't seem to matter much.
"Education?" Shannon picked up on Albert's subtle criticism and changed the subject. "By the way, I've been trying to transfigure a rabbit out of my boot, but I just can't seem to get it right."
"You could try starting with smaller animals. The larger the object you're transfiguring, the more difficult it becomes," Albert offered a suggestion after a moment's thought. "Maybe try turning a teapot into a turtle or a slipper into a mouse."
"It seems like I won't be mastering it anytime soon," Shannon mumbled.
She had considered Albert's suggestion herself, but taking it step by step felt too time-consuming. Shannon was hoping for a quicker, more efficient learning method.
"Spending large amounts of time practicing magic is not just about honing your spells, but also strengthening your innate magical abilities." Albert explained helplessly; he had gone through this process himself, but after upgrading his wizarding bloodline, his innate magic had been greatly enhanced.
"Oh." Shannon was a little distracted.
As they passed through the corridor, Albert noticed a group of girls huddled together, whispering.
Moreover, a senior girl actually bumped her head on the wall as she turned the corner.
"Are you alright?" Albert asked, raising an eyebrow at the girl. Shannon beside him struggled to hold back her laughter.
"I'm...I'm fine, thank you." The girl quickly left and joined a few companions, speaking in hushed tones.
"Your charm is quite something," Shannon teased.
"What's going on?" Albert looked at Shannon, confused, waiting for an explanation.
"Everyone's talking about how you've charmed the most beautiful girl in Ravenclaw," Shannon said with a strange expression.
"The most beautiful girl in Ravenclaw?" Albert asked curiously, "Who is it?"
"You don't know?" Shannon covered her mouth and laughed, testing the waters, "It's Isabelle McDougall, and apparently, the two of you are quite close."
"Her." Albert nodded, "Isabelle is indeed a beautiful girl."
"She's quite famous in school, and I recall you two being close." Shannon continued to probe.
"I guess, we're just ordinary friends." Albert suddenly asked, "Which bored individual is spreading these unreliable rumors again?"
"I don't know." Shannon shook her head; her guess was indeed close to the truth.
"But what does that have to do with her reaction just now?" Albert was perplexed.
"Because you're also quite the celebrity in school." Shannon shook her head, "When two celebrities are linked, it becomes a favorite topic of gossip."
"Alright." Albert coughed, choosing to ignore her comment and forcibly steering the conversation back on track, "I suggest you buy an intermediate Transfiguration book in advance.
"Don't change the subject." Shannon asked curiously, "You wouldn't really have hit it off with Isabelle, would you? I thought you..."
"Me what?" Albert looked at Shannon helplessly.
"I thought you liked Katrina."
Albert was taken aback; what was with all this nonsense?
Wait a moment... He suddenly felt he might have guessed who was spreading rumors about him.
"Is it Fred and those guys spreading rumors about me?" Albert suddenly asked.
"I don't know." Shannon shook her head to indicate that she knew nothing about it.
"Hmph, besides those guys, who else would be so bored." Albert was considering how to teach Fred and the others a lesson.
"Well, it's coming from the Ravenclaw side."
Shannon said helplessly, "Isabelle has a small pendant, a very exquisite unicorn. Fred said that you spent a lot of effort carving a wooden sculpture, and then it turned into this."
"Those people really are bored enough to feel the ache!" Albert was speechless, "Okay, don't pay attention to that nonsense. If I were you, I would focus on Transfiguration."
"I suggest you buy a copy of 'Intermediate Transfiguration' in advance." Albert once again forcibly steered the conversation back on track, "If you feel that you are capable, I suggest you don't be too constrained by what you learn in the classroom. That will only restrict your learning speed and magical level. Textbooks can only ever teach us the very basics."
"You really don't care at all, do you?" Shannon couldn't help but sigh.
"You should take the initiative to explore and learn magic, rather than just passively accept what you're taught." Albert's tone was calm, "Also, anyone who blindly believes rumors without thinking is a fool in my book."
"As long as your Transfiguration skills surpass most of your peers, you'll have a good chance of being invited by Professor McGonagall to join the Transfiguration Club." Albert stopped at the corner and looked at the curious girls peeking their way with a sense of helplessness.
"Really?" Shannon was a little hopeful. She had heard about the Transfiguration Club a long time ago. Apparently, students invited to join the club needed to have a high level of proficiency in Transfiguration.
(End of Chapter)
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