Chapter 813: Arrangements
Chapter 813: Arrangements
"Attend the International Alchemy Conference in Egypt this year?" Isabelle asked in confusion after hearing Albert's suggestion. "I thought you wanted to watch the Quidditch World Cup?"
"The timing doesn't overlap. After the conference, we'll have time to rest before the World Cup," Albert replied with a smile.
"But..." Isabelle hesitated. Now that they had graduated, she couldn't just do as she pleased like before.
"You still have plenty of time to work on your Ancient Runes Guide, and I want you to be happy and carefree." Albert looked at Isabelle gently. "This opportunity is rare, and Catherine will be there too. She mentioned it in a letter recently. Have they been in touch with you?"
"We chatted via the two-way mirror. She said she opened a potions shop and provides beauty treatments for witches in the US," Isabelle nodded, indicating she was aware. "Valeria also asked me if I could arrange accommodations for them. They plan to come to Britain in early August."
"We can put them up at the Leaky Cauldron Inn," Albert suggested without hesitation.
"I don't know if that's a good idea. When you stayed at Catherine's, or rather, Nicholas's place..." Isabelle trailed off, feeling unsure about imposing on their friends by sending them to the Leaky Cauldron.
"How about your place, then? They probably won't stay long, and you can research beauty potions together then," Albert suggested.
There was no way he would allow them to come to this house.
"We'll see when the time comes. If not, we can take them to the Leaky Cauldron," Isabelle agreed. Bringing Catherine and Valeria here had never crossed her mind, and not even Katrina knew the exact location of this house, let alone anyone else.
"Alright, then." Albert made a note of it and then flipped through his notes from the previous night. Turning to Isabelle, he said, "By the way, I need your help with testing something."
"What is it?" Isabelle asked curiously.
Albert walked over to the shelf and picked up the briefcase.
Isabelle knew that this briefcase was extraordinary. Inside was a small, intricate world. It contained a meticulously crafted wooden house and a vast flower garden filled with roses and lilies. The house-elf, Biter, tended to the garden daily.
"I plan to have Biter enter the briefcase, and then you'll take it with you and Apparate elsewhere. We need to see if Apparating affects the person inside the briefcase," Albert explained as he left the study with the briefcase in hand.
"So, you're planning to sneak Nia to the Quidditch World Cup using this method?" Isabelle had already guessed Albert's reason for asking for her help with this test.
"Yes, we'll need to use some special means." Albert nodded in agreement. "I think this is more reliable than using a Portkey or Apparating directly."
Most untrained wizards would struggle with the side effects of Apparating, let alone Nia, who was an ordinary girl. Albert would never put his sister in such danger.
"Biter."
"Yes, Master. How may I serve?"
The house-elf appeared in the hall without warning.
"I need your help with an experiment," Albert said, raising his hand to signal for Biter to let him finish. "I need you to enter this briefcase. Isabelle will then take the briefcase and Apparate. Afterward, tell me how it feels to be inside the briefcase during Apparition."
"Yes, Master. Shall we begin now?" Biter asked in a high-pitched voice.
Albert looked at Isabelle, who nodded to indicate they could start.
He opened the briefcase and gestured for Biter to enter. After the house-elf went in, Albert closed the briefcase and handed it to Isabelle.
Soon, the sound of crackling filled the air outside, and Isabelle disappeared with the briefcase in hand.
However, Albert didn't have to wait long. Isabelle returned shortly.
The two of them opened the briefcase on the hall table and said to the house-elf inside, "You can come out now."
"Master, is it over?" Biter asked, perplexed.
"Yes, it's over. Did you feel anything strange while you were inside?" Albert asked directly.
"No, I didn't feel anything," Biter replied honestly.
"Really?"
"Yes, Master."
"Excellent." Albert smiled at Isabelle. "It seems my idea should work without a hitch."
"A mobile house?" Isabelle guessed Albert's intention behind this contraption.
"You could invite Catherine and Valeria over to your place, and they can stay here. Later, I'll have Biter set up a potion laboratory inside, so you won't have to worry about not having a space to discuss and research beauty potions."
"Wouldn't that be impolite of us?" Isabelle frowned.
"I'll turn the entrance into a door," Albert said confidently, clearly experienced in such matters. "I'll link it to your room, and you can stay there with them. Just tell them it's your and my secret base."
"Only you would come up with something like this." Isabelle agreed, feeling it would be inappropriate to house their friends at the Leaky Cauldron.
While housing them in the briefcase might not be the best option, Isabelle would be staying there too, and they could experiment and discuss potion-related matters at any time.
"By the way, Master," Biter suddenly spoke up. "Yesterday, I received a message from Gringotts. It seems Mr. Lupin deposited a sum of galleons into your vault at Gringotts. I've placed the letter in the study."
"I'm already aware of that," Albert said.
With the Merlin Medal of Honor already in his possession, the matter of hiring Lupin to test the spells was dropped. Lupin had sent a letter the day after Albert received the medal, stating that he had returned the hefty fee.
Albert didn't mind; he never thought Lupin would withhold the galleons. If he had, Lupin wouldn't be the Lupin he knew.
After the experiment, the duo returned to the study to discuss the creation of the 'Ancient Runes Guide'. The knowledge bestowed upon Albert by his Level 3 Runes skill far surpassed what was taught in 'Ancient Runes for Beginners', and with this newfound insight, Albert felt that the beginner's guide was inadequate.
With the knowledge and connections in his mind, he could help Isabelle achieve success in a safe and reliable manner.
Isabelle understood Albert's intentions, realizing he wanted to create a new textbook for Hogwarts students.
"Actually, the Ministry of Magic should gather experts from various fields in the wizarding world to compile textbooks. Most textbooks have a plethora of issues, and the ones in the field of Ancient Runes are far from standardized. I think you'll agree with me on that," Albert encouraged, "Trust me, it won't be long before your name also appears on Chocolate Frog Cards."
"You certainly have a lot of faith in me," Isabelle said, her expression turning odd.
"Of course, if you're willing to give it a shot, I'm sure you'll succeed." Albert spoke with confidence. "We don't have to worry about making a living or finding work. We can focus on doing something more meaningful."
"In my opinion, Miranda Goshawk is far more admirable than most wizards. The school textbooks she authored have benefited countless students. Just because a wizard is skilled in Ancient Runes doesn't mean they're good at teaching. Well-organized books make it easier for students to grasp the knowledge within."
"This indeed holds more meaning," Isabelle said softly as she gazed at Albert.
(End of Chapter)
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