Chapter 286: A Not-So-Secret Secret
Chapter 286: A Not-So-Secret Secret
After lunch, Albert made his way back to the Dark Magic Defense office to consult Professor Snape about the issues he was facing with the Traceless Stretch Charm. The professor, with a smile that Albert found disingenuous, gladly explained the reasons for his failed attempts.
Albert didn't pay too much mind to it and, after the explanation, successfully managed to increase the capacity of the teacup before bidding farewell, leaving Katrina dumbfounded.
"Don't compare yourself to Albert; his talent far surpasses yours and your sister's," Professor Snape consoled Katrina, sensing something amiss despite his attempt at encouragement.
Some people really shouldn't try to comfort others! Katrina felt even more dejected, realizing just how far Albert had surpassed her.
There was no denying it; encountering someone as diligent and naturally gifted as Albert was truly perplexing.
In fact, Katrina had once asked Isabelle about Albert, to which she replied, "Albert is Albert, you are you, and I am I. There's no need for comparison."
To be honest, Katrina greatly admired Isabelle's calm and collected demeanor. She always seemed so unperturbed, as if nothing could ruffle her feathers.
Feeling glum, Katrina immersed herself back into her book of spells. She had to admit that Professor Snape was an excellent teacher, and she could feel her own improvement in casting spells.
After leaving the Dark Magic Defense office, Albert headed straight for the library on the fifth floor. Peering inside, he easily spotted his roommates hard at work on their homework, and they had kindly saved him a spot.
After exchanging greetings, Albert began writing letters he intended to send that day—one to his family, one to the Diagon Alley tailor shop, and another to the French wizard, Adolphe.
Speaking of the French wizard, their relationship had yet to progress beyond mutual communication. Adolphe had not shared any knowledge about the two-way mirrors as he had mentioned during their previous gathering.
Albert wasn't surprised in the least.
There's no such thing as a free lunch in this world. Even if a pie falls from the sky, it could turn out to be a deadly discus or a rock-hard, tooth-breaking treat.
In truth, Albert didn't mind at all. When it came to old friends, he believed in letting relationships develop naturally. If they didn't, there was no loss. He would usually approach these friendships with respect and sincerity, quietly benefiting from their companionship.
In his letter to Adolphe, Albert described the challenges he faced with the Transfiguration Charm and inquired about advanced transfiguration techniques that could be applied to magical mirrors.
Adolphe must be well-versed in advanced transfiguration; how else could he have created the two-way mirrors?
Indeed, Albert hoped to learn more advanced transfiguration spells from Adolphe. Such sophisticated magical techniques were not taught by the professors at Hogwarts, and only a select few truly mastered these arcane arts.
However, ever since he became aware of advanced magic, Albert felt a bit frustrated. His skill panel hadn't displayed any advanced spells like the Advanced Patronus Charm; just like how mastering more advanced applications of the Lumos spell hadn't unlocked the so-called "Advanced Lumos" on his skill panel.
In reality, the magic that Aberforth had taught him was still within the scope of the Patronus Charm skill.
Of course, it was also possible that advanced patronus charms required certain prerequisite skills. Perhaps there was a level requirement for the basic Patronus Charm skill before the advanced version would appear on the skill panel.
Albert hadn't quite figured out the intricacies of the skill panel and the tasks associated with it.
"Here's the process for the Witch and Wizard competition; I've already checked and made sure the competition times don't clash with other activities," said Lee Jordan, handing Albert a piece of parchment as he sealed his letters.
"Thanks, that's a big help," Albert acknowledged, quickly scanning the competition times and procedures before making a few modifications on the parchment with his quill and tucking it away.
It's always nice to have some help! "If you really appreciate my help, lend me that essay on the Conjunctivitis Curse," Lee Jordan grumbled half-jokingly.
"Not done yet," Albert mumbled, still writing his letter to the tailor shop. "Fred, are you guys done with yours?"
"Still working on it," George replied with a smile. "If Lee wants to borrow it when we're done, we don't mind lending it to him."
"Never mind, I'll pass," Lee Jordan shook his head. "How about you, Alicia? Finished yours yet?"
"Alicia's essay is with me," Angelina replied without looking up from her work.
"What are you working on?" Alicia asked curiously, eyeing Albert, who had been busy writing since she arrived.
"Just some letters. See you later," Albert replied, using the Sticking Charm to seal the envelopes. He gathered the three letters he had written and got up to head to the Owlery.
At that moment, Hogwarts Castle was relatively empty, as students from third year and above had gone to Hogsmeade.
As he emerged from the secret passage, he immediately caught the attention of Filch.
"What are you doing here?" the caretaker asked suspiciously, eyeing Albert as if trying to see right through him.
"I'm on my way to the Owlery to send some letters," Albert replied, pulling out the three letters from his robe pocket and showing them to Filch to prove he wasn't lying.
"Then be on your way," Filch grunted and walked away.
"What's with him?" Albert asked the Nearly Headless Nick as he passed by.
"Peeves threw several Stink Pellets at the second-floor corridor. It took Filch a long time to clean it up, and he's still fuming about it," Nick explained helpfully. "He suspects that someone from Hogwarts has been supplying Peeves with those Stink Pellets."
Albert knew that the Weasley twins had purchased quite a few Stink Pellets and Stink Bombs from Zonko's Joke Shop.
What a sad story indeed! It was already ten minutes later when Albert arrived at the Owlery in the West Tower. He asked Sheelah to deliver the letter to his family, chose a sturdier owl to send the letter to the tailor shop in Diagon Alley, and finally, selected the strongest owl to deliver the letter to Adolphe in France.
As he exited the Owlery, Albert ran into a familiar face. Isabelle hurried toward him, a parcel in her hand, looking rather rushed.
Albert greeted her briefly.
However, Isabelle didn't seem inclined to chat and hurried off after a quick reply.
"Oh well, guess I'll pretend I didn't see that," Albert muttered to himself as he spotted Isabelle with a group of friends heading toward the castle, presumably returning from Hogsmeade.
(End of Chapter)
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