Chapter 407: Curiosity
Chapter 407: Curiosity
At the moment, Harry was feeling frustrated. Just as they had the opportunity to uncover the identity of Nicolas Flamel, Albert was unwilling to share the information and even warned the trio that pursuing this matter could land them in big trouble.
The unfulfilled curiosity left Harry, Ron, and Hermione feeling vexed.
Just what was this "big trouble" that Albert spoke of?
What precious item was Fluffy guarding for Dumbledore?
It was as if an invisible hand was tantalizingly scratching at their hearts, making the trio itch to uncover the truth.
Albert likely knew what treasure Fluffy was guarding, and he might even be aware of who was after it and what the "big trouble" entailed. Yet, he had no intention of enlightening them.
"Or perhaps Anderson doesn't really know who Nicolas Flamel is?" Harry couldn't help but doubt. "How did he find out about Flamel and his connection to what Fluffy is guarding? If Hagrid hadn't slipped up, we would still be clueless."
The most bizarre part was that after searching through countless books in the library, the trio hadn't found any mention of Nicolas Flamel, yet Albert seemed to know quite a bit about him.
Albert always gave Harry a mysterious feeling, as if he was privy to many secrets.
"He probably knows," Ron said with a complicated expression. "You don't know how formidable that Anderson is, Harry. He's said to be the most brilliant wizard Hogwarts has ever seen."
"The most brilliant wizard?" Harry couldn't help but feel that the title was a bit exaggerated. He asked in disbelief, "Is he really that amazing?"
"Yes, he truly is," Hermione said admiringly. "Albert has published numerous papers in academic journals, and he always achieves top marks in exams with ease. I've heard his memory is incredible. He can glance at something and effortlessly commit it to memory."
"I wish I had that kind of memory," Ron said, his eyes glinting with envy. With such a memory, he wouldn't have to worry about memorizing textbooks.
"Sounds like he really is something," Harry agreed with a nod.
In truth, Harry didn't know much about Albert, so his impression of him was simply that of an extraordinary genius—like those star students in primary school who excelled in both academics and sports and were well-liked by everyone, but a more enhanced version.
"Should we talk to Hagrid about this?" Hermione suggested, leaning towards the idea that Albert knew about the treasure Fluffy was guarding.
"You're right, maybe we should have a chat with Hagrid," Harry agreed, pondering. "Do we have classes this afternoon?"
"Yes, we'd better wait until tomorrow afternoon to visit Hagrid," Hermione advised.
"Oh, and Harry, have you given up on getting your Galleon back?" Ron suddenly asked.
"Fred said he'd help me get it back from the Slytherin guys, but he's not sure they'll return the money," Harry replied, not too concerned about the bet that had cost him a Galleon. He certainly didn't lack for money.
"I think what they did was too much," Hermione frowned, remembering how Fred had secretly cast a spell on the Slytherin Quidditch captain, and how she'd heard that someone had stripped the boy naked to search for money. She found the whole incident appalling.
"No, that's not too much at all," Ron calmly analyzed. "It's the Slytherins who are refusing to pay back the money, so Fred and George are teaching them a lesson."
While Ron didn't particularly enjoy the tricks his older brothers, Fred and George, often played on him, he sided with them on this matter. If he were in Harry's shoes, he would have joined the others in seeking retribution from the Slytherins. At the very least, he would have sneaked in a few kicks while the others held the boy down.
"Ron," Hermione began.
"Hermione, how would you feel if someone swindled all your money away? I know I wouldn't be able to stand for it," Ron said, his eyes flashing with determination.
Harry's nonchalance about the Galleon was due to his wealth, but for Ron, whose total assets didn't even amount to a Galleon, this was a serious matter.
As for Albert, Ron actually had a favorable impression of him.
In fact, the entire Weasley family held Albert in high regard. From his parents, Charlie, and Percy to Fred, George, and even Ginny, they all spoke well of Albert. Naturally, Ron was no exception. Although he wasn't clear on how Fred and George had come by their money, having a friend who was not only a close ally but also willing to help you get rich left a good impression.
"Next time, we'll definitely get it back!" Ron muttered to himself.
"What are you mumbling about?" Harry asked, puzzled.
"Nothing," Ron shook his head.
The following afternoon was Friday, and the first-year Gryffindors had no classes, so Harry, Ron, and Hermione paid a visit to Hagrid's hut for tea. They brought up the topic of Nicolas Flamel once more.
"This has nothing to do with yeh!" Hagrid bellowed, angry with himself. Ever since he had accidentally mentioned Nicolas Flamel, Harry, Ron, and Hermione had clearly been unable to let the matter go.
"Albert said the same thing. He said getting involved could bring us big trouble," Harry said, observing Hagrid's expression. "He seems to know who Nicolas Flamel is, and he might even know what Fluffy is guarding!"
"Albert?" Hagrid paused, as if remembering something. He muttered, "I need to talk to him. Yes, I need to talk to him."
Hagrid began writing a letter, intending to invite Albert over for tea on Saturday.
This time, he was cautious and didn't utter another word about the matter in front of the trio, lest he accidentally reveal something else.
"He's right, Harry. Listen to Albert and don't get involved any further, or you'll definitely face big trouble," Hagrid said. He knew someone was after the Philosopher's Stone, and he was certain Harry wouldn't be able to get past the traps set by the professors to obtain it. But Albert was a different story, and if he knew about it, the situation would be dire.
Hagrid hadn't forgotten that Albert knew how to subdue Fluffy, and that he had dared to venture into the Forbidden Forest alone in his first year. Hagrid couldn't help but question whether the traps set by the Hogwarts professors would be effective against Albert.
If Albert were to set his sights on the Philosopher's Stone, Hagrid would have to inform Dumbledore. (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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