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Chapter 798: The Beneficiary
Chapter 798: The Beneficiary
Much had happened in the past few days, leaving the students of Hogwarts astounded.
First, there was the sudden announcement by Minister Fudge in the Prophet declaring Sirius Black innocent and revealing that the real betrayer of the Potter family, Peter Pettigrew, had been captured. The article also mentioned the revocation of Pettigrew's Merlin First Class Honor.
Soon after, Snape was found to have disclosed Lupin's condition as a werewolf to his Slytherin students.
By the time Dumbledore informed the students that Professor Lupin had resigned, the news of his lycanthropy had already spread throughout the school, with many students writing home about it.
The following morning, Dumbledore's table was piled high with letters of protest, some even howlers that caused everyone to cover their ears.
Despite all the commotion, neither the Prophet nor the Hogwarts rumors linked any of these events to Albert.
He was the mastermind behind it all, yet it was as if he had never existed, except for a few special contribution medals added to the display cabinet.
As Isabelle and Albert strolled through the school grounds, they casually discussed the recent events. "You certainly got things done efficiently, as always," Isabelle remarked.
Although she was unaware of Albert's methods, she knew that capturing Pettigrew, clearing Black's name, and orchestrating the perfect conclusion was no easy feat.
"I just gave it a nudge at the critical moment," Albert replied nonchalantly.
"I'm more curious about what the Ministry offered you to keep quiet," Isabelle said, knowing Albert too well. She understood that he always had a motive for his actions and wouldn't have involved himself without a benefit.
Albert reached into his Chameleonic Charm Leather Bag and pulled out a wooden box. He opened it to reveal its contents to Isabelle.
Her eyes widened in shock as she recognized the Time-Turner within, and she exclaimed, "The Ministry actually agreed to give you this?"
"It wasn't the Ministry's decision, it was Fudge's," Albert corrected with a smile, closing the box and returning it to his bag.
In truth, Albert had known that handing over Peter would make it impossible for him to claim the bounty on Black from the Ministry.
No one wanted to be the fool who lost out.
Even if the Ministry acknowledged the necessity of paying the bounty, they could still drag their feet through procedures, just as they had with the title of Britain's Youth Representative for Wizenagamot.
As for when the procedures would be completed and the money paid out, that was anyone's guess.
Of course, Fudge was also aware that Albert was not one to be trifled with, as evidenced by the forced approval of the Wizenagamot title.
If Albert wanted to cause trouble, Fudge knew he wouldn't be able to handle the consequences.
There was no need for their relationship to sour, however.
So, following Albert's suggestion in his letter, the bounty of one thousand Galleons was secretly exchanged for a Time-Turner, with the process kept confidential within the Ministry. Albert, in turn, promised not to use the Time-Turner for anything other than learning and research.
What truly sealed the deal for Fudge, however, was not Albert's concession of the bounty but his agreement to remain silent about the entire affair and support the bestowal of Merlin Honors on both parties.
Fudge had witnessed the effects of the Human-Restoration Spell, and he knew that Albert's ability to restore a transformed werewolf to human form was worthy of a Merlin Honor. Fudge's own aspirations for a Merlin Honor were difficult to attain, especially with the Wizenagamot vote being impossible for him to sway.
The compromise benefited Fudge immensely.
After all, Albert only sought a Merlin Third Class Honor, while Fudge could achieve his ambition for a Merlin First Class Honor with minimal effort.
Who truly gained more from this exchange was difficult to say.
For Albert, the bounty on Black was never going to be his, so exchanging it for something useful was a practical decision. The Time-Turner was invaluable, almost like a "regret-erasing potion," enabling him to make up for any mistakes with his actions.
Unless Albert planned to infiltrate the Ministry with Harry during their seventh year to "borrow" a Time-Turner or create a fake one to swap with the real deal, this was the best option. It wasn't the time to antagonize the Ministry, especially since Fudge would inevitably fall from his position as Minister. Albert could then step in and ensure his downfall was even more spectacular.
Maintaining secrecy about the affair and erasing his traces were of no concern to Albert. He had no desire to be the center of attention; he wasn't a monkey in a zoo.
The credit for capturing Pettigrew was initially intended for Snape, but the Potions Master had refused outright, stating clearly that he wanted no part in the glory nor the Merlin Honor that came with it. In Snape's words, the idea of accepting such an honor disgusted him.
Thus, the credit for capturing Peter Pettigrew fell into Black's lap, explaining his bewildered expression as he read the Prophet.
The news report bore little resemblance to the truth as he knew it, but did the truth even matter?
Sometimes, it truly didn't.
"What did Black give you?" Isabelle asked curiously, knowing Albert's style. She was certain Black, who had no connection to Albert, would have had to pay a price.
Albert held up his hand, fingers spread wide, and said, "This many Galleons. But I only took half, and the rest was divided among the other participants."
"You're practically robbing them blind," Isabelle remarked, certain that even students who graduated and worked for years might not earn such a substantial sum.
"That's right, I'm robbing them blind!" Albert declared without shame. "The Blacks are quite wealthy, after all. If Sirius Black had been executed by the Ministry, the direct line would've died out, and their Gringotts vault would've enriched others. It's better that I benefit from it. I provide services for a fair price. You don't know that Sirius Black even came to thank me before he left school and invited me to watch the Quidditch World Cup during the summer."
"Your shamelessness knows no bounds," Isabelle said, reaching out to pinch Albert's cheek, unable to hold back her laughter.
"A thick skin is necessary to make money and find a girlfriend," Albert replied cheekily.
"Enough fooling around," Isabelle said, plucking a flower from a flowerbed. "I've spoken to Professor Babbling, and she's willing to help with Ancient Runes."
"Are you planning to start with ancient runic magic?"
"I thought..." Albert was a little surprised by Isabelle's choice.
"You left a lot of drafts behind. I plan to organize them and then we can publish a book together, just like you did with Uncle Mog."
Speaking of Mog's Fundamentals of Ancient Runes, it was quite a massive undertaking.
"That's a good idea." Albert supported Isabelle's choice, and he knew that she would do so, largely because of him.
As the two chatted and whispered to each other, two clueless guys walked towards them.
"Is there something you need, Mr. Potter?"
Albert didn't give a friendly reception to Potter and Weasley, who were interrupting his date. "We wanted to talk to you about what happened the other night." Harry said in a lowered voice.
Not far away, Hermione watched as she covered her forehead with her hand.
She had actually wanted to stop Harry and Ron from disturbing Albert's date, but Harry hadn't been able to find an opportunity to talk to Albert about that night and hadn't listened to her advice, coming over directly.
"I thought Black would have told you everything!" Albert looked at Harry calmly.
"He doesn't even understand what really happened himself."
Harry had learned some things from Hermione, such as Albert giving Ron's rat to Dumbledore.
Although Albert claimed that Professor Lupin had provided the information about Peter, there were still many doubts, especially the report in the Prophet, which was completely different from what he knew to be true.
"Does the truth really matter that much?" Albert countered.
"I just want to know..." Harry was at a loss for words.
"If you want to know the truth, go ask Hagrid and Hermione. I think they know enough for you to piece together what happened." Albert reminded him, "If you don't have anything else, don't interrupt our date."
"Sorry, and thanks again for saving us last time."
After expressing his gratitude, Harry Potter could only turn and leave helplessly. He felt that Albert didn't want to say more, probably because the two of them had interrupted his date and put him in a bad mood.
"I thought you'd tell him." Isabelle smiled and asked Albert.
"Maybe yes, maybe no, but definitely not now. My temper isn't good enough to be disturbed on a date and still patiently explain things to others." Albert pretended to be angry.
"Let's go over there."
Isabelle reached out and pressed Albert's puffed-up cheeks to help him calm down, then pulled him towards the shade of a tree not far away.
Seeing Harry return, Hermione immediately asked, "What happened?"
"Anderson told me to ask you and Hagrid." Harry said dryly.
"You went to disturb them during their date." Hermione was helpless about Harry's actions, "Anyone would be upset about that."
"Hermione, don't you want to know what really happened that night?" Ron couldn't help but ask.
"Knowing the truth, what difference would it make?" Hermione countered, "Do you expect him to tell us everything?"
"But the report in the Prophet is so strange. They didn't even mention Albert, and Pettigrew was caught by Black, but he himself doesn't know anything about it. Fred and George told me that the Ministry definitely won't pay the bounty for capturing Black."
"If even his friend doesn't know, do you think Albert would privately tell you?" Hermione found Ron's idea amusing. Ever since she was admonished by Albert, her thinking had matured a lot, and she was no longer as naive and childish as before, thinking that everything was a given.
"Black gave Albert five thousand Galleons. I dare say he knows more about this matter than anyone." Harry suddenly said.
Hermione fell silent. Of course, she knew that Albert had helped Black for the money.
But since even Black, the person involved, didn't care and was grateful to Albert, who else had the right to comment?
"That's five thousand Galleons." Ron had never seen so much money in his life.
It was said that Albert divided the five thousand Galleons he got from Black among Fred and George, making Ron almost jealous.
"Let's go find Hagrid. I think he definitely knows what happened that night." Harry felt that as long as he connected what Hagrid and Hermione said, he should be able to figure out what happened that night.
However, when they arrived at Hagrid's hunting cabin, they did not find him.
"Hagrid?"
There was a scratching sound at the door, and the three of them looked at each other. Finally, Harry used the unlocking spell to open the door to Hagrid's cabin.
Fang rushed forward.
"Hagrid?" Harry reached out and patted Fang's head, then looked around the room. No one was inside, but there was a suitcase on Hagrid's bed.
"What's this?" Harry noticed the box on the bed and prepared to walk over to check the rather suspicious-looking box.
"Harry, don't mess with Hagrid's things." Hermione stopped him.
Just then, the box suddenly opened, revealing a tunnel, and Hagrid walked out of it. Seeing the visitors, he was startled. But upon recognizing Harry, Ron, and Hermione, he breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "What are you doing here?"
"Is this an Undetectable Extension Charm?" Hermione looked at the staircase in the box in surprise.
"Hagrid, what is this?"
Hermione had a vague guess, but she still couldn't help but ask, "What's hidden in the box?"
"Shh!" Hagrid made a silencing gesture and closed the door before saying, "Buckbeak is hidden inside. Albert gave him to me a few days ago. He said to release Buckbeak during the summer to avoid attracting the attention of the Ministry."
"So it was Albert who took Buckbeak away. But how did he do it at the time?" Hermione felt that Albert was full of secrets.
"I don't know." Hagrid shook his head.
"Right, Hagrid, can you tell me what happened that night?" Harry didn't forget the purpose of his visit.
"I thought you'd ask Albert. He should know the most, and I think the whole thing has something to do with him." Hagrid had guessed that someone had hired Albert for five thousand Galleons to clear Black's name. Although he didn't know how Albert had done it, the matter had been resolved smoothly.
Albert was indeed very smart.
(End of Chapter)
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