Chapter 320: I Want to Cheat
Chapter 320: I Want to Cheat
How does one conceal unpleasant memories?
By numbing oneself with a busy work schedule, leaving no room for those unpleasant memories to resurface.
The Gryffindor team's three consecutive losses did not dampen the spirits of Charlie, the Quidditch players, or even the Gryffindor house. Instead, the ominous shadow of the upcoming end-of-term exams loomed over the entire school.
Students in their fifth and seventh years were diligently preparing for their O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts exams, spending most of their free time revising. The tense exam atmosphere permeated the entire school, affecting students of all years.
Charlie, of course, was no exception. He hoped to excel in his N.E.W.Ts and graduate with outstanding results to set a solid foundation for his future career. Even as the Quidditch captain, he had little time to spare thinking about the future of the team.
The mischievous Weasley twins, usually full of pranks, had no choice but to resort to studying as well. They pored over Albert's hasty notes, memorizing what they deemed to be the key points for the exams.
Lee Jordan was in a slightly better situation than the twins, as he didn't have Quidditch practices to worry about. His notes were usually well-organized, and now he only needed to review the important parts and practice a few spells. However, his innate talent for magic wasn't as strong as the twins', so he had to spend more time practicing charms.
What truly grated on the nerves of the trio was Albert's carefree attitude towards the upcoming exams. It was truly a case of "comparison is the thief of joy."
Albert still found time to leisurely stroll outdoors in the sunny weather, sipping iced butterbeer and reading trivial books under the shade of a tree. He even made time to visit Hagrid for afternoon tea and a few rounds of Wizarding Cards, always inquiring about Rowena Smith's whereabouts.
Hagrid had become an avid fan of Wizarding Cards, and he now had his own set of cards, including one featuring Fang.
As students frantically studied for their exams, Albert discreetly spread the word about the existence of the Baruffio's Brain Elixir. Students who had been struggling with exam stress immediately shifted their focus to the Wizarding Card game.
Some students were more than willing to spend money on a chance to cheat their way through the exams.
This strategy proved to be highly effective. Not long after the news spread, a fifth-year Ravenclaw student approached Albert, hoping to purchase the Brain Elixir at a high price.
However, Albert politely refused, suggesting that the student could make the transaction with the winner of the Wizarding Card tournament instead.
The student was left dumbfounded by Albert's response, unable to fathom why he would pass up the opportunity to make a hefty profit. To Albert, a few Galleons were insignificant compared to the rewards he'd get from completing the "Minor Event" task.
The Brain Elixir would serve as an excellent bait, and those desperate fifth and seventh years had no choice but to shift their attention to the card game.
At the very least, they needed to keep an eye on the potential winners, planning to make a private deal with the champion to get their hands on the elixir from Albert.
With such an advantage, they were confident their exams would go much smoother.
After all, the Ministry of Magic hadn't checked students for the Brain Elixir in a long time. Their detection methods were mostly geared towards the intelligence-enhancing potions that students learned to brew in their fourth year.
Unfortunately for them, Albert had anticipated these ploys.
Albert didn't care who won the tournament or what they chose as their prize. Whether they wanted to trade the elixir for Galleons or use it to cheat on their exams was of no concern to him. He merely wanted to exploit the students' curiosity and desire for the Brain Elixir to complete the "Minor Event" task.
On the day of the tournament, almost half of the Hogwarts students showed up to watch, creating an atmosphere comparable to a Quidditch match.
Lee Jordan, the commentator, was so nervous that he stumbled over his words.
Not everyone was inherently interested in Wizarding Cards, but curiosity got the better of them. Students who initially had no idea what was going on found themselves drawn to the crowd, eager to see what the fuss was about.
Eventually, even the professors got wind of it, but since Albert had already obtained Dumbledore's permission in advance, not even Snape was interested in putting a stop to it.
The remaining matches were of high quality. Angelina's luck finally ran out, and she was unfortunately knocked out in the quarterfinals by Truman.
Shana, on the other hand, held her ground and made it all the way to the finals, where she faced off against Truman.
"Regardless of who wins, if you choose the potion as your prize, I am willing to pay 15 Galleons to buy it from you," a Ravenclaw student offered, pulling out the money to show his sincerity.
This substantial sum caused many participants to back down, but his actions also served as a clear message to the others: "I intend to cheat."
Shana and Truman looked at Albert, seemingly seeking his reaction and worried that he might sell the Brain Elixir on the spot.
Five Galleons could make many students throw their integrity out the window.
"My word stands. Whether you choose to sell it or not is up to you," Albert shrugged, leaving the decision to them.
Money was one of the most effective motivators.
Upon hearing Albert's words, Shana and Truman became noticeably more excited.
With that kind of money, they could buy so many things they had been wanting.
Both players became more cautious, and the match dragged on. After an hour-long duel, Shana emerged victorious. She won the Brain Elixir and promptly made a deal with a seventh-year Ravenclaw student.
As for whether that senior used it during the exams, it was none of Albert's concern.
In the end, all eight finalists of the Wizarding Card tournament were rewarded with a large cup of iced butterbeer.
Truman, the runner-up, received a beautiful notebook and a feather quill as his consolation prize.
The third-place winner was a Ravenclaw student named Eddie Carmichael, who received a small keg of butterbeer. He generously shared it with everyone, and the tournament concluded on a cheerful note.
Later, Albert heard that the student who acquired the Brain Elixir from Shana had caught Snape's attention. Someone had apparently snitched to the Potions Master.
The Brain Elixir was prohibited by the Ministry of Magic, and Snape wouldn't tolerate the presence of such a dangerous potion in the school, especially with exams approaching. He didn't need Legilimency to know what that student intended to use it for.
(End of Chapter)
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