Chapter 444: Cognitive Bias
Chapter 444: Cognitive Bias
Ever since he mastered Voldemort's spellcasting technique, Albert had been devoting a significant amount of time and energy to practicing and perfecting it.
Izabel accompanied Albert in learning this new spellcasting technique, and her learning speed was astonishing, leaving Albert wondering who between the two of them was the real prodigy.
"You're amazing," Albert said, his expression complex as he watched Izabel skillfully employ Voldemort's spellcasting method. Naturally, his learning progress was faster than hers, but he knew that without the bonuses from the system, she would have left him in the dust.
"The truly amazing one is you," Izabel kissed Albert's forehead gently, as if consoling a child. "I'm just imitating you."
In truth, Izabel was also perplexed as to why Albert was making such a complicated expression.
In her eyes, Albert was indeed a genius among geniuses. He had already started creating his own spellcasting technique and could explain it to her in great detail. This indicated that his method was already highly refined.
How could it not be refined? Voldemort himself had used it for an unknown number of years and had continuously improved it through practice. It couldn't be compared to the records left behind by the winner of the Barnabas Finkley Outstanding Spellcaster Award.
Albert waved his wand, transforming the slippers on the table into a rabbit. "Most wizards don't pay much attention to spellcasting techniques, and some don't even have the concept. I can't discern the other professors' spellcasting techniques either."
"It's normal not to notice," Izabel said as she gently tapped the rabbit with her wand, turning it into a kitten. "Unless you intentionally study and observe it, the spellcasting techniques of ordinary wizards are often influenced by their daily casting habits."
"So, only wizards who truly delve deep into the study of magic would pay attention to such details?" Albert seemed to understand what Izabel was implying.
Would ordinary people even notice? No, not even the professors at school, most likely.
"Professor Flitwick's spellcasting technique is quite ingenious, and he probably invented it himself. As for Rowena Smith, last year's winner of the Barnabas Finkley award, she likely learned the technique from the award records, which isn't surprising given the Smith family's reputation." Izabel picked up the kitten and pinched its soft cheeks affectionately. "However, Rowena's technique has likely been modified to suit her better."
"You actually noticed that?" Albert was impressed by Izabel's perceptiveness.
"I didn't notice it myself. I only knew because I once asked Rowena about something similar."
"Then how did you figure out my spellcasting technique?" Albert was even more curious now.
"Back then, you were being too deliberate," Izabel laughed. "Any wizard familiar with spellcasting techniques would be able to sense it vaguely. However, at the time, I was mostly just asking casually."
"Oh, I see," Albert said, relieved.
He had wondered if using Voldemort's spellcasting technique would immediately draw Dumbledore's attention. Now it seemed that as long as he mastered the technique thoroughly, even using it in front of the headmaster was unlikely to raise any red flags.
After all, no one would associate him with Voldemort.
Moreover, the probability of him casting spells in front of the headmaster was slim.
"What are you thinking about?" Izabel asked.
"It's nothing," Albert sighed. "The deeper I delve into magic, the more complex it seems to become."
"Not many people have that thought," Izabel whispered. "Most wizards only learn the surface-level magic, and I'm no exception. Very few wizards truly delve deep into the study of magic."
Albert fell silent suddenly, feeling that he was overthinking things. He wasn't the type of wizard who enjoyed delving too deeply into the essence of magic.
...
Recently, Albert had been visiting Hagrid frequently to confirm if Quirinus had given him dragon eggs and if he had entered the Forbidden Forest to hunt unicorns.
During one of their tea sessions, Hagrid brought up Harry's reminder.
"Hmm, I suppose I would have said the same," Albert agreed, chuckling. "Have you mentioned this to Dumbledore?"
"No, I don't think it's something we should bother him with," Hagrid shook his head.
"Actually, I think you should talk to Dumbledore about it," Albert suggested with a smile. "After all, he was present at the second Quidditch match this year, wasn't he?"
"So, you also find Professor Snape suspicious?"
"I don't like Snape," Albert took a sip of his tea, glancing at Tom, who was up to something in the corner. "I just have a bad feeling about him."
Hagrid opened his mouth but couldn't find the words to respond as he stared at Albert sipping his tea.
"You know I'm right, Hagrid. Snape doesn't exactly give off a friendly vibe, and his actions are questionable," Albert said, noticing Hagrid's expression.
"I agree with Albert; Snape doesn't seem like a decent sort," Harry said, nodding vigorously as he stepped into Hagrid's hut.
"Sorry, I couldn't help it," Ron snorted, then quickly explained when everyone looked at him. "Albert's insight is just too spot-on; I completely agree."
"Hagrid, I suspect Snape is pressuring Professor Quirinus to reveal how to get past the protections around the Philosopher's Stone," Harry said, seeing Hagrid's deeply furrowed brow. He then told Hagrid about the incident that had occurred a while back.
"Harry, do you know what you're saying?" Hagrid disagreed with Harry's accusation. Snape had been teaching at Hogwarts for years, and if he were truly untrustworthy, why would Dumbledore allow him to remain on the staff? Hagrid didn't trust Snape, but he trusted Dumbledore.
"Of course, I know," Harry said dryly.
"Don't worry, Harry. No one can steal the stone, and no one can get past Fluffy," Hagrid assured him.
Speaking of Fluffy, Hagrid glanced at Albert. He had mentioned this to Dumbledore, but the headmaster wasn't concerned that Albert would go after the stone. So, Hagrid hadn't worried about it either.
Albert noticed Hagrid's glance but didn't pay it any mind as he stopped Tom from dragging a fat rat out of the corner.
"Tom, don't eat random things," Albert said, stopping him.
"Doesn't your cat eat mice?" Hermione asked, confused.
"It's never eaten a mouse," Albert said. He stunned the rat with his wand and picked up Tom.
"He's so fat," Ron muttered. "I didn't think something that size could catch a mouse."
"Hagrid," Harry said, trying to steer the conversation back on track, "you used to say that Gringotts was safe, but a Dark Wizard managed to break in, and even the goblins didn't catch him. Maybe Hogwarts is indeed safe, but if Gringotts could be breached, why do you think Hogwarts can't be?"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
