Chapter 439: The Fear of Being Dominated
Chapter 439: The Fear of Being Dominated
News traveled fast in the small world of Hogwarts School, and it didn't take long for everyone to hear about Albert's prophecy to Professor Snape, leaving countless students astounded.
Some admired Albert's boldness in daring to frighten Professor Snape with a prophecy. Harry and Ron, who had witnessed the whole incident, almost became Albert's loyal followers; nothing pleased them more than seeing Draco Malfoy in trouble and Snape frustrated.
Of course, there were also those who were curious about whether the two prophecies were true. Students who disliked Professor Snape sincerely hoped that their Potions master would get his wish to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.
However, not many students took Albert's prophecies seriously. Most were unwilling to acknowledge Albert's prophetic abilities; after all, they were all students, so why should he be so exceptional?
But Snape found himself believing in these prophecies, especially Albert's words about being wary of black and white. As a former double agent, Snape clearly understood the meaning behind these words—they were an apt description of himself. Snape didn't believe that Albert knew about his past, but if Albert truly had prophetic abilities, then perhaps he could explain it.
Could it be that Albert Anderson truly had prophetic abilities? Snape wasn't sure. He had discussed this matter with Dumbledore, but even the wise headmaster couldn't provide a clear answer. After reviewing Albert's records, Dumbledore knew that none of Albert's ancestors had been seers.
Most prophecy masters acquired their abilities through hereditary bloodline talents.
Of course, it was undeniable that some wizards possessed a degree of prophetic ability. But was Albert one of them? Dumbledore truly didn't know, and he didn't plan to ask Albert directly. Even if he did, Albert would likely give him a perfunctory response. Dumbledore decided to observe how the situation unfolded and whether Albert would demonstrate any further signs of prophetic abilities.
Compared to the calmness of Albert and Dumbledore, Draco Malfoy was in a much worse state. He didn't have the mental fortitude of Snape, and Albert's so-called prophecy was driving him crazy.
In the end, Draco had no choice but to write home and seek his parents' help. Lucius Malfoy visited Snape the very next evening.
In truth, Lucius didn't believe in prophecies either. As a pure-blood wizard, he was well aware of the rarity of seers.
What were the odds that a Muggle-born wizard could be a true seer?
Lucius was displeased with the state his son was in and sternly reprimanded Draco for being intimidated by Albert's words.
The worst part was that Draco believed Albert's prophecy might be true. Lucius had no choice but to use the Forgetfulness Charm to erase the part of Draco's memory related to Albert's prophecy, ensuring his son forgot all about it.
After seeing Draco off, Lucius turned back to Snape and asked, "I heard he gave you a prophecy as well?"
Snape nodded slightly, gazing calmly at his old friend. "You don't have to worry about him. He won't be able to stir up much trouble. And keep Draco away from him. Albert Anderson holds a grudge, and those who deal with him never fare well."
"And it wasn't him who sent you those anonymous packages. His owl is white, and the one that delivered the packages was clearly not his."
"I understand," Lucius nodded, comprehending Snape's implied meaning. He prepared to leave, but before departing, he asked his old friend to look after his son.
Snape agreed.
A few days after the prophecy incident, it gradually faded from everyone's minds, replaced by the excitement of the upcoming Slytherin-Ravenclaw match.
As expected by most, the Ravenclaw team lost to Slytherin. Although the match wasn't completely one-sided, the Ravenclaw team struggled and ultimately succumbed to defeat.
...
"You're planning to participate in the Wizarding Cards tournament?"
In the private library of the Shop of Necessities, Albert was surprised to hear Isabel's declaration. He hadn't expected that she, who had been busy with her studies, would want to take time off to join the second Wizarding Cards tournament.
"Not welcome?" Isabel asked.
"No, I just thought you wouldn't have the time," Albert clarified.
"I need to relax once in a while, too. What about you, Katrina? Are you participating?" Isabel inquired.
Katrina shook her head, holding up a piece of parchment in her hand. "I have too much on my plate already."
Even with the help of Albert and Isabel, Katrina still had a heavy workload. Every week, she had to write numerous essays, sometimes until her hand cramped.
As for Albert's invention, the automatic quill, it was of little use. Unlike the shorthand quill, it couldn't record quickly; it merely transcribed words from one's thoughts onto parchment.
Using it to write an essay was slower than simply writing by hand.
Watching Isabel's retreating back, Katrina hesitated before asking, "Do you think we'll end up like Isabel in our fifth year?"
Isabel was undeniably a genius among geniuses, with few students able to match her. If even she felt burdened, what hope did they have? Even with the use of a Time-Turner, one still had to learn the material, and there was only so much energy a person could expend.
Take Percy Weasley, for example. Another top student, he was struggling under the weight of his daily homework and revision. His temper had become short, and he rarely spent time in the common room, preferring the library instead.
Katrina was afraid that she would end up like that in her fifth year.
"That's something to worry about later," Albert reassured her. "Don't borrow trouble." After all, he was the man with the cheat panel.
"By the way, I heard you gave Snape a prophecy," Katrina said suddenly.
"Yeah, I just wanted to scare them a bit. After all, Malfoy wanted to harm my cat," Albert replied nonchalantly, acting as if it were no big deal. He would tell others that he was just speaking off the cuff, and whether they believed him or not was up to them.
"Give me a prophecy, too!" Katrina requested suddenly.
"What do you want a prophecy for?" Albert asked. "And my prophecies aren't free."
"How much?" Katrina inquired.
"Well, since we're close, I'll give you a discount—only ten galleons," Albert said with a mischievous smile.
"You're so greedy!" Katrina rolled her eyes. "I don't have any galleons left, and here you are, charging such a high price for your third-rate prophecies."
"Even a third-rate seer is still a seer," Albert reminded her with a grin. "And how do you know my prophecies aren't accurate?"
"I don't have any galleons," Katrina huffed.
"You can participate in the Wizarding Cards tournament. The winner gets ten galleons," Albert suggested, unsure why Katrina wasn't planning to join the tournament.
"Forget it," Katrina said resignedly. "Besides you, no one stands a chance against Isabel. She's never lost, not once."
In her heart, she added: Except when she deliberately loses to me! (End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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