Chapter 304: The Secret of the Twelve Certificates
Chapter 304: The Secret of the Twelve Certificates
After class, Albert intentionally stayed behind to discuss with Professor McGonagall about choosing new courses. Katrina hesitated for a moment when she saw that Albert was staying, but she also decided to linger.
Professor McGonagall wasn't too surprised that Albert wanted to select all the available courses. Many high-achieving students opted to take on the entire curriculum and aimed to obtain twelve certificates in their O.W.L.s (Ordinary Wizarding Levels).
Undoubtedly, Albert had the capability to do so, and he even had certain advantages.
Professor McGonagall had heard that Albert had a good foundation in Ancient Runes and, being born into a Muggle family, he inherently had an edge in Muggle Studies. The challenge of taking on all the courses was far less daunting for him compared to other students.
"Miss McDougall, are you also planning to take on the entire course load?" Professor McGonagall, instead of showing concern for Albert, turned her attention to Katrina beside him. She knew that Katrina was a gifted witch, and her sister, Isabel, was a genius. Nonetheless, she felt it necessary to offer a word of caution.
"Yes, Professor McGonagall, I intend to take them all," Katrina replied with a nod.
"You still have time to consider; there's no need to rush into a decision," Professor McGonagall said, looking at Katrina with a kindly expression. "Mr. Anderson has certain advantages in this regard, and even with the full course load, it won't put him under much pressure. But it's different for you. I've seen many students attempt to take on everything, and not many have persevered to the end, obtaining all twelve certificates."
"How am I different?" Katrina asked, taken aback, as she pondered the differences between them.
"Are you certain about selecting all courses, Mr. Anderson?" Professor McGonagall turned back to Albert.
"Yes, I've asked around, and I was told that I need to apply for something to resolve the issue of class time clashes," Albert casually replied, making up an excuse.
"I also intend to take them all," Katrina said, her expression complicated as she glanced at Albert before nodding firmly to Professor McGonagall. "I believe I can do it, and I will do it."
"Very well," Professor McGonagall said.
She gestured for the two students to follow her to her office.
"If you plan to take on the entire course load, you'll need to apply to the Ministry of Magic for a special time-turner," Professor McGonagall said, indicating for them to sit down. "Mr. Anderson, with your exceptional abilities, I'm sure the Ministry will approve your request. As for you, Miss McDougall, your outstanding grades also make it highly likely that your application will be granted."
"A time-turner?" Albert narrowed his eyes and murmured, "I've heard of a spell called the Hour-Reversal Charm, which can send someone back by a few hours."
Professor McGonagall opened her mouth but suddenly seemed at a loss for words.
Katrina looked perplexed but guessed what this so-called time-turner might be.
"Then you should be aware that the Hour-Reversal Charm is a dangerous and unstable spell," Professor McGonagall said, her gaze turning stern as she fixed Albert with an oppressive stare.
"Of course, I value my life too much," Albert shook his head. "I would never joke about such matters, nor would I risk my life recklessly."
"You must keep this confidential. You must not tell anyone about this, and you must never use the time-turner for anything other than your studies."
"I give you my word," Albert said decisively.
"I promise as well," Katrina added.
"Alright," Professor McGonagall said. "Since you're both determined, I'll write to the Ministry of Magic. But before I do, let me tell you about the precautions you need to take when using a time-turner." She proceeded to explain the catastrophic consequences that could arise from seriously violating the laws of time.
"Actually, I've witnessed something similar here at Hogwarts," Albert suddenly interjected. "Isabel and Percy must have time-turners, right?"
Professor McGonagall fell silent once more.
"On more than one occasion, I've seen Percy in two places at once," Albert continued, making up a story as he went along. "To be honest, given my understanding of Percy's character, it's hard to imagine him deliberately loitering around in front of me. Later, I looked up some information and learned about the Hour-Reversal Charm. Of course, being an unsafe spell, Percy wouldn't misuse it, so there must be another method to travel back in time."
Katrina was left speechless; she hadn't expected Albert to deduce the issue from such a minor detail.
"If you suddenly saw yourself appearing before you, what would you think?" Professor McGonagall asked abruptly.
"That person is an imposter, or I'm going crazy," Katrina replied without hesitation.
"If I didn't have a time-turner..." Albert said, his thoughts racing. "...I would suspect that someone had taken a Polyjuice Potion to assume my appearance."
"Mr. Anderson," Professor McGonagall said, frowning, "many witches and wizards have mistakenly killed their past or future selves. Extreme caution must be exercised when using a time-turner."
"That's because they're too impulsive," Albert scoffed, his expression disdainful. "Even if I were to encounter my past self who had traveled back in time, I'd have numerous ways to handle the situation. I'd simply put away my wand, greet the other me, and share a secret code that only I would know to verify if it's an imposter."
"Why would such a person be sorted into Gryffindor?"
At that moment, even Professor McGonagall's mind couldn't help but wander down that path of thought.
"Mr. Anderson, this is no laughing matter," Professor McGonagall said weakly. "Time travel must be approached with utmost caution; otherwise, it can lead to dire consequences. The Ministry of Magic conducts a rigorous vetting process before approving the use of time-turners. I must emphasize that there are hundreds of laws surrounding the possession of time-turners, and the abuse of these devices is met with the harshest legal repercussions and punishments."
"I'll be careful, Professor McGonagall," Albert said earnestly. "I promise that I will never use it for anything other than my studies."
"I hope you'll remember your words," Professor McGonagall said.
"Of course, I haven't lived long enough to joke about my life," Albert assured her. He truly didn't take his life lightly.
Albert's decision to choose all the new courses was driven by his desire to obtain a time-turner. Perhaps it would trigger a similar task, granting him one or even allowing him to master the Hour-Reversal Charm.
As for the dangers, didn't he have his system skills to rely on?
Additionally, he could attempt to craft a time-turner himself.
As for the laws of the Ministry of Magic, he could simply ignore them.
"When did you find out about this?" Katrina asked, her expression complex, after they left Professor McGonagall's office.
"Everyone has their secrets, don't they?" Albert said, blinking innocently. "Prying into others' secrets is extremely impolite, and I believe they wouldn't want me to ask, just as they promised Professor McGonagall that they wouldn't tell anyone."
"Are you implying that I'm being rude?" Katrina glared at Albert, her face clearly conveying her displeasure.
(End of Chapter)
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