Chapter 733: A Loss
Chapter 733: A Loss
It was unclear if it was due to Dumbledore's relentless efforts or Rita Skeeter's scathing article that had embarrassed the Ministry of Magic.
Regardless, the Quidditch match at the end of November proceeded without any unforeseen incidents.
Ravenclaw emerged victorious over Hufflepuff.
Yes, it was indeed the match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff.
As for why it wasn't Slytherin playing against Ravenclaw, Albert wasn't entirely sure himself.
"Congratulations on your win."
After Ravenclaw's triumph, Albert joined Isabelle in applauding the victorious team.
However, his gaze soon landed on Cedric, who was quite the gentleman.
If it hadn't been for Autumn Zhang holding him back during the game, he might have caught the Golden Snitch earlier and secured a victory for Hufflepuff.
It was a pity that as time dragged on, the point gap widened, and even though he caught the Snitch, they still lost the match in the end.
Cedric's chivalrous behavior clearly earned him quite a few brownie points, especially since he was gracious in defeat and shook hands with the opposing team politely.
Indeed, a good person in every sense of the word.
"What are you looking at?"
Isabelle followed Albert's gaze and noticed Cedric, the Hufflepuff Quidditch captain, being bombarded by complaints from his teammates, likely about his display of gentlemanly conduct earlier.
"Cedric probably wants to pursue your Seeker," Albert speculated.
"Autumn is indeed a lovely girl and well-liked by both male and female students," Isabelle acknowledged, holding Cedric in high regard. Despite being a Hufflepuff student, there was no doubt about his character and talent.
If it weren't for the dazzling aura around Albert, Cedric would undoubtedly have his fair share of admirers.
Unfortunately, Katrina didn't seem to fancy him.
Speaking of Katrina, Isabelle shook her head and sighed, feeling sorry for her poor sister who was overwhelmed by the heavy workload.
Achieving 12 Outstanding O.W.Ls was no easy feat.
"I think he'll win her over by next year at the latest," Albert predicted.
In fact, many students at school only started dating in their fifth or sixth year, so it was quite rare for someone like Albert to be in a relationship so early.
"Is that one of your prophecies?" the girl asked.
"No, it's just a speculation," Albert said gently. "Cedric is actually a great choice for a boyfriend. Moreover, his personality suits a Ravenclaw girl, and with his charm, he'll surely be able to woo the girl he sets his heart on."
As they spoke, the two made their way down the stairs.
As soon as they exited the Quidditch stadium, Albert noticed Penelope Clearwater waving at them. "Your friend is waiting for you. She probably wants you to join their victory celebration."
"Then I'll take my leave," Isabelle said as she made her way towards Penelope. Of course, she could tell that Penelope had something she wanted to discuss with her.
"Want to walk back together?" Percy Weasley suddenly appeared from nowhere.
"Where were you hiding?" Albert asked.
"Just over there, not too far away. You were too focused on talking to Isabelle to notice me," Percy replied helplessly.
"Cedric's got some good luck."
Albert could tell Percy had something on his mind, but he didn't ask. Penelope seeking out Isabelle was probably to give them some privacy to talk.
"He may have lost the match, but he won in life," Percy commented.
Walking side by side on their way back to the castle, the usually silent Percy finally spoke up. "I heard that the Ministry of Magic is considering bestowing the title of 'British Youth Representative for the Wizengamot' upon you."
"Yeah, I think there's something like that," Albert nodded. "But I don't think that title will end up with me."
Percy secretly observed Albert and realized that he truly didn't care, not because he didn't understand the significance of the title.
"Looks like you don't plan on working for the Ministry," Percy said.
"Nope," Albert replied.
"I'm so jealous of you," Percy whispered enviously. "Any advice? Sorry, but... my father's reputation in the Ministry... they don't really like him... I might not have many options."
Albert understood what Percy meant, but he didn't know much about the Ministry of Magic and couldn't offer much help.
"I can offer you a free divination," Albert reminded him. "But you should know that the results of divination..."
"I understand. Thank you, Albert," Percy nodded in gratitude.
Percy believed that Albert was the representative of a certain faction, otherwise, the title of 'British Youth Representative for the Wizengamot' wouldn't have been considered for him.
Within the Ministry, the stubborn pure-blood faction still held considerable power, and they would never allow a Muggle-born wizard to set a precedent for entering the Wizengamot.
Not even a genius with countless accolades would be exempt.
Fairness had never existed, especially when it came to power struggles.
Percy had come to Albert hoping that he would be able to find some support when he joined the Ministry.
The label of a "pure-blood traitor" would undoubtedly make his path within the Ministry difficult, so joining or aligning with a particular faction was the best option.
However, it seemed that he had failed, but it wasn't a completely fruitless endeavor.
"Looks like he didn't succeed either," Percy noted as he saw the two figures in the distance separating. Cedric appeared a bit dejected.
"No, he will," Albert said, waving at Cedric who had looked in their direction.
"You should be more patient," Percy advised kindly.
Cedric felt a bit embarrassed when he realized that his confession was being watched by acquaintances. He asked, a little flustered, "Any advice?"
"Next time you go to Hogsmeade, you can ask her to join you." Albert suggested with a smile.
"Yeah, and don't bring up dating. Some girls might feel shy about it. If she agrees, then you're basically good to go. Of course, if she rejects you, it might be because of the age difference." Percy teased, glancing at Albert beside him. "But I don't think Albert here would have that problem."
"So, how did you two get together?" Cedric asked, lacking experience in this area and seeking advice from the couple.
"Wait until you're both familiar with each other, and then deepen your relationship by exchanging birthday and Christmas gifts. After that, when you go to Hogsmeade, ask her to accompany you." Albert finished and turned to Percy.
"I often write letters to Penelope. Later, well, it was similar to Albert's situation." Percy patted Cedric's shoulder gently. "There's no need to rush. Anyway, Albert isn't competing with you for a girlfriend. You should be more proactive, have confidence, and show your gentlemanly demeanor. There aren't many boys in the entire school who have an advantage over you."
Cedric smiled awkwardly, considering the possibility of inviting Autumn to Hogsmeade the next time they went.
As they neared the castle, Albert spotted Hagrid hurrying toward him, holding a newspaper in his hand.
"Sorry, I have something else to take care of."
After parting ways with the pair, Albert stayed where he was, waiting for Hagrid to approach.
Seeing Hagrid's flustered state, Albert raised an eyebrow and asked, "What's wrong?"
"Have you seen the front page of today's Prophet?" Hagrid asked anxiously.
"Yes, you mean Malfoy's interview?"
"That bastard intends to file a formal complaint and have the matter handled by the Committee for the Disposal of Dangerous Creatures," Hagrid said, looking extremely angry.
Albert pointed to Hagrid's cabin with his chin, indicating that they should discuss this matter in his hunting cabin.
"You should calm down."
"How can I calm down? You don't understand those weirdos on the Disposal Committee. They're like a bunch of bloodthirsty hunters. Whoever they set their sights on ends up getting executed without fail." Hagrid looked slightly hysterical, his despair evident as he spoke about the committee.
"Even if you feel that way, it won't change anything. Anger and panic won't help the situation."
Albert bent down to rub Fang's head, metaphorically pouring cold water on Hagrid's agitated state.
"What should I do?" Hagrid looked at Albert with pleading eyes, hoping for some advice that would save Buckbeak.
The poor hippogriff was currently tied up in Hagrid's pumpkin patch, having lost its freedom.
"Those people on the Disposal Committee will likely favor Lucius Malfoy, so you don't stand a chance in a legal battle." Albert said calmly, "Therefore, going to court is just a formality. Malfoy will use his connections to win the case, convince the committee members to declare the hippogriff guilty, and have it executed. It's a way to spite and strike at you and Dumbledore."
"No, they can't do that. How could they possibly do that?" Hagrid was on the brink of despair. "Then what should I do? How can I save Buckbeak?"
"You can't win in court, but there are other ways to resolve this problem."
"You mean... I've thought about setting Buckbeak free, letting it fly away, but I'm afraid it would be breaking the law..." Hagrid said painfully, "I don't want to go back to Azkaban. That place was a nightmare."
"I'm not asking you to set Buckbeak free. You can find someone else to help." Albert sighed softly, reminding him, "As long as you keep your hands clean and don't leave any evidence, even if the Ministry suspects it was you, they won't bother you."
"But, how do I explain to a hippogriff that it should hide?" Hagrid looked up, his eyes slightly red as he fixed them on Albert.
"I'll handle this matter. Don't worry." Albert glanced at the task prompt and smiled reassuringly at Hagrid.
"What are you planning to do?"
"You don't need to know anything. Just act like you know nothing, and when they come to execute Buckbeak after winning the case, let me know the time."
"You wouldn't be planning to..." Hagrid was startled by Albert's bold suggestion.
"The less you know, the better. Otherwise, no one will be able to help you."
Albert reminded him once again before getting up to leave.
"I know nothing."
Hagrid watched Albert's departing figure, his voice dry and hoarse.
As soon as he left Hagrid's cabin, Albert's gaze shifted to the pumpkin patch in the distance and walked directly toward it.
"Come out." He said.
Hermione emerged from behind a cover, her expression complex as she looked at Albert, having clearly overheard the conversation between him and Hagrid.
"How much did you hear?" Albert asked.
"Most of it." Hermione asked worriedly, "Are you really planning to..."
"Don't say it out loud." Albert lifted his hand to stop her.
"Does Hagrid really have no chance of winning the case?" Hermione couldn't help but ask.
"None." Albert replied bluntly, "So, if we want to save Buckbeak, we have to resort to unconventional means."
"Is... is there anything I can do to help?" Hermione asked, "Perhaps, you need an assistant."
"Are you planning to break the law?" Albert asked.
"What about you?" Hermione countered.
"If we're not found out, it's not illegal."
Albert looked at Hermione intently, "If you want to help, keep this a secret. Don't let anyone else know."
Hermione looked a little lost and perplexed, unable to comprehend, but she nodded gently, agreeing to keep Albert's secret.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
