Chapter 366: A Bit Flustered
Chapter 366: A Bit Flustered
"Unbelievable, it turned out to be just as you said."
After the end of their Transfiguration class, Fred's expression was complicated. He had just learned from Professor McGonagall that Professor Trelawney, their new Divination teacher, had a penchant for welcoming new students with predictions of doom and gloom. This new information finally put Fred's worries to rest regarding the death omen. To be honest, the idea of a death omen was quite unnerving.
"It seems like Professor McGonagall doesn't think Professor Trelawney has any prophetic abilities," George whispered, ensuring they were alone before continuing.
"Divination is one of the least accurate branches of magic," Fred continued, "and true seers are extremely rare. As for Professor Trelawney..."
Although Professor McGonagall hadn't finished her sentence, they could guess what she had been about to say—that Professor Trelawney lacked the gift of prophecy.
"Some people even say that Professor Trelawney is a fraud," George added.
"Who said that?" Fred asked suddenly.
"Well, that's what Albert implied," George immediately shifted the blame to his roommate, believing that was indeed what Albert had meant.
"What were you thinking about just now?" Lee Jordan asked, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer, noting Albert's prolonged silence.
"I was thinking about what we learned in Transfiguration class and how one might become an Animagus," Albert glanced at George, "and don't think I didn't hear you trying to frame me earlier."
"You want to become an Animagus?" George quickly changed the subject.
"Yes, but it's extremely difficult. According to Professor McGonagall, it takes several years to become one," Albert recalled the related task on his task panel. If only he could unlock the Animagus skill on his skills panel...
Ever since the Animagus-related task had appeared on his panel, Albert had been reading up on the subject, but the skill had yet to manifest. Now, his primary concern was figuring out how to obtain the ability, relegating experience and level-ups to secondary priorities.
"I bet you'll master it in no time!" Fred asserted confidently.
"I didn't know you had so much faith in me," Albert said, giving Fred a sidelong glance.
"Of course! And when you do, you have to teach us. Imagine being able to transform into animals like Professor McGonagall. That would be so cool!" Fred enthusiastically patted Albert on the shoulder in encouragement.
"You call that having faith? That's just your ulterior motive showing!" Albert couldn't help but retort.
"Albert might really be able to become an Animagus, but as for you, forget it. I heard from Professor McGonagall that in the 20th century, the number of registered Animagi didn't exceed..." Lee Jordan lifted his hands and gestured vaguely, having forgotten the exact number, though he recalled it was less than ten.
"There were only seven registered Animagi in the 20th century," Albert sighed, finishing Lee Jordan's sentence, "of course, whether that's the actual number is hard to say."
"Why?" Fred asked.
"This refers to registered Animagi. It implies that there are unregistered ones as well. While it's illegal not to register with the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office at the Ministry of Magic, it's only illegal if they find out you're an Animagus," Albert explained.
"That does make sense," Fred mumbled, "If I were an Animagus, I probably wouldn't want to register with the Ministry either."
"Why not?" Lee Jordan asked, confused. "You'd be fined a lot of Galleons if you were caught by the Ministry."
"Of course, it's to avoid being monitored by the Ministry!" Albert scoffed. "The Ministry asks Animagi to register with the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, claiming it's for their protection... That's a load of rubbish. It's just a way to keep an eye on them."
The three boys exchanged glances, having just walked through the entrance hall and were now joining the crowd heading into the Great Hall for lunch.
"Animagi are well-suited for espionage and stealing information, which is why the Ministry wants them registered," Albert continued, "I bet Professor McGonagall has done similar things in the past. If you turn into a beetle, a dog, or a rat, you can easily hide and eavesdrop on others' secrets because no one would be wary of a beetle, and they might not even notice you."
"Yeah, that makes sense."
The trio nodded in agreement, impressed by Albert's insight into the nature of certain matters, things they themselves had never really contemplated.
Upon further reflection, his words rang true. Indeed, the thought process of a genius differed from their own.
Albert was currently eating a potato with its skin on, while Fred pulled out his timetable to check the upcoming classes.
"We have Care of Magical Creatures and Potions this afternoon," George said, having just finished a sausage, his finger now pointing to the date of their Dark Arts Defense class on the timetable, a hint of disappointment in his voice, "Darn, we won't have Dark Arts Defense until Thursday afternoon."
"Don't get your hopes up about Dark Arts Defense," said Lee Jordan glumly as he returned from fact-finding.
"Why not?"
"I just asked some older students who've taken the class, and they said that Professor Quirrell's lesson was a joke. They also mentioned that the classroom reeks of something foul," Lee Jordan grumbled.
Dark Arts Defense was a class that many students looked forward to, especially since the professor for the first two semesters had been exceptional, teaching them many useful things.
"Professor Quirrell does seem rather unreliable,"
"Honestly, I never expected him to be able to teach the class well." Albert shook his head. Perhaps Quirrell could do a decent job, but the way he disguised his cowardice made it odd to expect him to teach his students well.
"When are we going to the forbidden area on the fourth floor?" George asked in a lowered voice.
"Probably on the weekend. There are still a lot of things to do right now." Albert pondered whether to use a time-turner to create some leisure time for himself. He also needed to head back to the dormitory to check on Tom, lest his familiar starve, and to see what he was up to.
Yes, it would be best to take Tom to the kitchen and introduce him to the house-elves. If possible, he could even ask Cara to help take care of Tom."
At that moment, a brief commotion erupted in the Great Hall, and without having to look, Albert guessed what was happening. Harry Potter had entered the hall.
Ron sat down with Harry across from Fred and George and proceeded to complain about what had transpired that morning.
"You're talking about Filch, right!" George winked at Ron. "He's the school's caretaker and likes to make trouble for students, but as long as you don't give him a reason to catch you, there's nothing to worry about."
"He's not picking on you because of us, definitely not. Filch has never caused trouble for Charlie and Percy because of us." Fred was adamant that they weren't to blame for any issues.
"You guys probably haven't had Potions class yet, but once you meet Snape, you'll find that he's even more unreasonable." George spoke with a straight face, "Don't try to argue with Snape; it will only make things worse for you."
"And Snape never gives points to students outside of Slytherin." Lee Jordan chimed in.
Ron opened his mouth, unsure of what to say.
"Don't just take our word for it, ask Albert. Snape often gives points to Gryffindor, but he's never gotten a single point from Snape!" George gestured towards Albert's direction, "As far as I know, this has been the case for the past few years."
"Twenty points from Gryffindor, Mr. Weasley! Whispering behind my back about other professors is not a good habit." Lee Jordan lowered his voice, imitating Snape's tone.
A burst of laughter filled the air.
"Ahem!" Albert cleared his throat lightly, and the laughter abruptly ceased. Lee Jordan glanced around, spotting Albert, and rolled his eyes at him.
"Potter, let me give you a piece of advice." Albert looked at the dining Harry, "Go through the book One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi carefully."
Harry looked perplexed, not understanding Albert's implication.
"What Albert means is that Snape will likely ask you questions." Fred explained casually, turning to Albert, "I remember during our first Potions class, Snape asked you questions, right?"
"But I remember Albert answering all of them correctly."
"Yes, he did, but Snape still didn't give any points to Gryffindor. He just said, 'Parroting the book, but basically correct.'"
"How do you remember what Snape said back then?!"
The trio was astonished.
"Every time I was called up and answered correctly, he would basically say the same thing." Albert finished the last piece of potato on his plate.
"Why me? Why would Professor Snape question me?" Harry was even more confused.
"Because you're a Gryffindor student, and you're the famous Harry Potter!" Albert replied without hesitation, "Snape will definitely question you to make an example out of you and intimidate the other Gryffindors."
Harry Potter didn't know how to respond. He didn't seek fame, and it seemed unfair if Snape singled him out.
"Don't worry, Potter. Professor Snape is a professor at the school. Alright, I admit that Snape does seem to favor Slytherin students, but he won't deliberately target you." Percy sat down next to Albert, glaring at the group of boys who were joking about the professors. He warned in a hushed tone, "Be careful that Snape doesn't hear you; he'll deduct points from Gryffindor if he finds out."
"Don't worry, Percy. Albert can deduct points, and he gave twenty points to Gryffindor in Divination class today." Fred brushed off the concern.
Albert stood up to gather his dishes, bidding farewell to Fred and the others, "I'm heading back to the dormitory so Tom doesn't starve and wreck our room."
"Don't be late for the first class in the afternoon, which is Care of Magical Creatures."
"I'll be back soon. You guys head to the library first and save me a seat. We should start writing the essay for Transfiguration today so that we don't end up with a pile of homework later." Albert walked away after saying this.
"He's right. If you don't get a move on with your homework, you'll eventually find yourselves overwhelmed." Percy watched Albert's departing figure and advised the twins, "From the third year onwards, the amount of homework each day will increase significantly."
"Yeah, Ron, pass that seasoning dish over here." Fred paid no heed to Percy's words; they could always borrow someone else's work if they didn't finish theirs.
After all, Albert was taking all the same classes as them.
"Harry, I suggest you take Albert's advice. That guy's predictions are always spot on." George finished the sausage on his plate, "Snape will most likely give you a hard time."
Harry felt a bit flustered with all that was going on! (End of Chapter)
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