Chapter 28: The Troublemaker
Chapter 28: The Troublemaker
Hogwarts had accumulated quite a collection of trophies over the years. In the trophy room, Albert spotted the Triwizard Tournament cup, the International Wizard Chess Competition cup, a golden crucible from the Magic School Potions Championship, and a creativity medal from the Cairo International Alchemy Competition. Of course, there was also a special contribution award for Tom Riddle, better known as Voldemort.
"I wish I could have a trophy displayed here too," Lee Jordan said, his eyes sparkling with admiration as he gazed at the trophies.
"I think Albert might have a chance. As for you, Lee... maybe not," the Weasley twins chimed in, appearing on either side of Lee and placing a hand on each of his shoulders.
"You never know what the future holds," Albert said casually. "You might end up with a trophy here too someday. That special contribution award seems pretty easy to get. Just talk to Dumbledore and donate five thousand or ten thousand galleons to the school. I'm sure he'll get you one."
At the mention of donating such a large sum, the three boys couldn't help but wince. Galleons were not a small amount, and they wondered if their family fortune combined would even amount to that.
Lee Jordan shrugged off the twins' hands and retorted, "Don't you want..."
"Actually, I'm more curious about the cash prize," Albert interrupted, shaking his head. "Trophies don't really interest me."
He valued gold coins more than accolades, for money was the true measure of success. In his previous life, there was a saying that went, "Money talks," and another that said, "Money brings confidence."
"Don't look at me like that, I'm just being practical," Albert coughed lightly and quickly changed the subject. "Let's go, up to the fifth floor. I have a feeling the library might be there."
"You're right, money is great. I hate being poor," the twins agreed, exchanging a glance.
Indeed, who would willingly embrace poverty?
Especially the Weasley brothers, who came from a less fortunate background, could relate to this sentiment.
The four boys made their way to the fifth floor, and indeed, they found the library. However, it wasn't open at that moment.
"Let's check out some other places first," Albert suggested. It was a wise decision, as they soon discovered what seemed to be a secret passage hidden behind a tall, suspicious mirror.
"What are you lot doing here?"
As they were inspecting the entrance, a voice spoke up behind them. It was none other than Severus Snape, who had appeared silently.
"We're looking for a shortcut, Professor," Albert replied, unfazed by the man's gloomy demeanor. He knew exactly who was standing before him.
"A shortcut," Snape repeated, fixing his gaze on Albert's eyes. But Albert turned away, avoiding direct eye contact, as it was well known that this was the simplest way to avoid having your mind read.
"Oh, it's opening!" The mirror suddenly slid to one side, revealing an opening.
Snape frowned at this, seemingly about to say something, but Albert cut him off.
"Professor, could I take a picture of you?" Albert asked, raising his camera with genuine enthusiasm.
Not only Snape but also George and the others froze, their expressions turning strange.
Snape stared at Albert expressionlessly, but Albert maintained his smile, completely ignoring Snape's deadly glare.
"Is that not allowed, sir?" Albert asked again.
"If you have time to wander around..." Snape began.
"We're not wandering, Professor," Albert interjected seriously. "We're making good use of our free time to familiarize ourselves with the layout of the castle. It's essential for any new student, as Hogwarts doesn't provide us with a map. Knowing the shortcuts can help prevent us from being late for classes."
Even Snape was left speechless at this point, and the three boys beside Albert were stunned.
How could he say all that with such conviction?
However, it did make sense.
The Hogwarts castle was indeed like a maze, and without a map, how could they be expected not to explore and get a sense of the castle's layout?
Snape's lips twitched, and he glared at Albert. "If you have so much time on your hands, why don't you spend it reading your 'Magic Potions and Brews' book a few more times? I will be questioning you first in our next class. Now, disappear from my sight, immediately."
"See you on Friday then, Professor," Albert said cheerfully, waving goodbye and pushing the other three boys gently as they turned the corner and disappeared down the corridor.
"Wow, you actually wanted to take a picture of Snape," one of the twins exclaimed.
"And you even dared to talk back to him!" they added, giving Albert a thumbs-up. "Don't you know? He's famous for being..."
"I didn't talk back, I just stated facts," Albert denied, not willing to admit any wrongdoing.
"That's right, they were just facts," George nodded vigorously, and even the other three had to concede that this was true.
So, Snape couldn't really fault him for it.
"By the way, what were you saying about Snape being famous for something?" Albert asked, changing the subject. "Famous for what?
"...Famous for being unreasonable," George laughed. "But his expression just now was hilarious."
"I wonder where that passage leads to," Lee Jordan said, his curiosity piqued.
"We don't know. We can check it out later when we have time this afternoon!" Albert said, noticing a new task on his panel:
Troublemaker:
Severus Snape is one of the least popular professors in Hogwarts history across all houses. You have successfully provoked him once. Why not continue this brave feat?
Task completion: 1/5 Reward: 2000 experience points
Troublemaker indeed! "By the way, what are you going to do about..." Fred began.
"About what?" Albert asked, confused.
"About the questioning!" Lee Jordan reminded him. "Snape said he would question you first in class, remember?"
"It's fine, it's just questioning. As long as it doesn't go beyond the knowledge in 'Magic Potions and Brews,' it won't be a problem," Albert said confidently, trusting in his exceptional memory.
"I almost forgot about that. Now I'm actually looking forward to Potions class next Friday," the three boys said, glancing at each other. They recalled Albert's incredible memory and intellect, certain that he would have no trouble answering Snape's questions.
"Do you think Snape will give you extra points if you answer all the questions correctly?" George asked suddenly.
"Definitely not," Albert said, certain.
"I think so too. Then everyone will see what kind of professor he really is," they agreed.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
