Chapter 317: The Bronze Book
Chapter 317: The Bronze Book
As the holidays drew to a close, the weather grew clearer and warmer each day. The students could no longer resist the temptation to put aside their heavy workload and wander outside, relieving the stress of their studies.
Albert had just returned from Hagrid's hut, and there was no news from the Forbidden Forest. Hagrid had proudly recounted three times how he had successfully captured the werewolf, Jorman, with a single arrow to the knee.
Unfortunately, the Ministry of Magic was unwilling to pay the reward for the unfortunate werewolf, claiming that he had not been wanted by them. Hagrid didn't mind, but Albert despised the Ministry's behavior and left with a dismissive pat on his buttocks.
Upon returning to the Great Hall, Albert spotted Fred and George playing Wizarding Cards, surrounded by a few onlookers. After two rounds of elimination, the number of card enthusiasts had grown.
Of course, this had to do with the twins' new set of cards, and those watching were eager to borrow the cards for a game.
Lee Jordan was flipping through the day's issue of the Prophet, and he greeted Albert as he approached.
"How's it going?"
"Everyone's still searching for Professor Smith all over the world," Lee Jordan sighed. "Still no one knows where he's gone. The reward in the newspaper has increased again. They're offering 1,000 galleons for any help in finding him or providing useful information. I really want that money!"
"Dream on," Albert replied.
Albert took the Prophet from Lee Jordan and carefully read the front-page news, shaking his head. "Rita Skeeter thinks this is Hogwarts' problem, and she's blaming it on Headmaster Dumbledore. I think her thirst for fame is driving her crazy."
"Dad says that reporter likes to fabricate news," Fred suddenly interjected.
"I thought we'd find Professor Smith quickly," George muttered, putting down his cards. "But there hasn't been a single clue. It's as if Professor Smith has vanished into thin air."
"What do you think?" Angelina asked, taking George's wizard card deck to play a game with Alicia.
"Some people say that Professor Smith might have been killed or kidnapped, which is why he's disappeared without a trace," Albert hesitated. "I think that's quite possible."
"Hey, don't jinx Professor Smith like that!" Fred was speechless. Albert's infamous tendency to speak ill-fated truths was frustrating.
Could Professor Smith really be dead?
"I'm just stating the most likely scenario," Albert shook his head. "A powerful wizard like Professor Smith wouldn't just disappear without a trace, nor would he have any reason to do so. The most probable explanations are that he's been kidnapped or killed. Otherwise, why would he hide?"
Everyone fell silent, for Albert's reasoning made sense. This incident remained shrouded in mystery—no one knew why Professor Smith had left Hogwarts in such a hurry or where he had gone.
"I thought you and Professor Smith had a good relationship," said Lee Jordan.
"We do, and I've been following this matter closely," Albert replied.
"Where are you off to now?" Lee Jordan asked as he saw Albert put down the newspaper and prepare to leave.
"I'm going to see Professor Burbage. I want to see if she has any new information," Albert replied, heading towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.
Of course, his stated reason was merely an excuse.
A few minutes later, Albert knocked on the wooden door of the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.
Professor Burbage opened the door and gestured for Albert to come in and speak privately.
"You're here. You're more patient than I expected. Would you like some tea?" Professor Burbage offered, indicating for Albert to sit down. The Defense Against the Dark Arts office had undergone a significant transformation.
"Mr. Moog said someone would explain everything to us," Albert said, sitting down across from Professor Burbage and stirring his tea with a spoon.
"Yes, but this isn't the right place for it," Professor Burbage whispered, pulling out a bag of galleons from his pocket and placing it in front of Albert.
"Your reward."
"This is too much."
"The extra 100 galleons are from Guber, and Isabelle has an equal share. He apologizes for what happened," Professor Burbage pushed the bag of galleons towards Albert. "Take it."
"So, you knew from the start?" Albert didn't refuse, putting the bag into his lizard-skin pouch.
"We had a hunch," Professor Burbage admitted. "Moog has been staying in Hogsmeade temporarily."
"Mr. Moog arrived too late," Albert reminded him.
"He only went back to confirm that you were alive," Professor Burbage said calmly. "As you know, there's a device called a Time-Turner. If necessary, Guber would go back in time and directly address the root of the problem. So, rest assured, you're safe."
"That's rather ruthless," Albert raised an eyebrow. "I thought that even with a Time-Turner, some things would be difficult to reverse, and it might drive people insane."
"Not if there's a group of us," Professor Burbage interrupted. "Anyway, let's not continue this topic. I've brought you something that will definitely interest you."
As he spoke, Professor Burbage placed a wooden box on the table, containing a thick, rusty metal book.
"The Bronze Book?" Albert asked curiously.
"Yes, this is the Bronze Book from Ravenclaw's secret chamber," Professor Burbage nodded in confirmation.
"Do you want me to put it back?"
"Yes."
"Why don't you let Mr. Moog put it back? He should be capable of doing so, no?" Albert countered, running his hand over the book's intricate patterns.
"Who knows?" Professor Burbage obviously didn't want to elaborate.
"Can I take a look inside?" Albert asked.
"Of course," Professor Burbage agreed. "It contains records of ancient Runic magic. Moog has already read it, and perhaps you'll be able to understand it too. However, I suggest you return it to its original place and then take your time examining it."
"This thing is quite cumbersome," Albert remarked, his eyes falling on the wooden box.
"I know you have a lot of questions, but now isn't the right time to discuss them. After the holidays, come and stay with me for a few days, and I'll explain everything then," Professor Burbage offered.
"Can I back out? Can I let Isabelle take my place?" Albert suddenly asked.
"Don't be so quick to make decisions. You're still in the evaluation phase," Professor Burbage winked. "We'll definitely find a way to get you to agree. I promise."
"The Wildsmith inheritance?"
"You'll find out in due time, and it will definitely surprise you. I was shocked when I first learned about it," Professor Burbage smiled mysteriously.
"Do you think I'll make the cut?" Albert raised an eyebrow.
Professor Burbage merely smiled, choosing not to answer Albert's question.
(End of Chapter)
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