Chapter 815: An Invitation
Chapter 815: An Invitation
"Out of curiosity, how did you get so good at foreign languages?" Nia asked. Ever since the start of the summer break, aside from working on summer homework, she had spent most of her free time practicing languages with Albert. Luke and Sasha had also joined in on these family-like chats to prepare for their upcoming trip to the East.
"Perhaps I have a natural talent for it," Albert replied nonchalantly.
Nia clearly didn't buy it, as Albert seemed to be proficient in a plethora of languages. No one had such an extensive natural talent.
Fluency in a language required frequent practice, something Nia had come to realize during their recent sessions. Albert, however, didn't seem to have had such opportunities.
"Why not consider the subcontinent?" Nia asked as she casually flipped through the books Herbert had brought back from the Far East colonies. She was trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. "There are quite a few people there, and many Britishers still choose to live in that region."
"The subcontinent doesn't really have a large native population," Albert commented. "It's dirty and chaotic, not very welcoming for young ladies. It's also easy to fall sick if you're not used to the environment."
"You seem to know a lot about it," Luke said with a smile. "Did you get this information from books?"
"I've done some investigations," Albert replied softly. "If I hadn't become a wizard, I probably would have considered making some money in our country first, and then heading to America or the Far East. You know, economic crises tend to occur in cycles. They are disasters, but they also present opportunities."
"Okay, I'm not a fool. I understand what you mean," Nia said. She knew that Albert's suggestion for their parents to go to the Far East colonies was related to this.
It was an opportunity, and no one would complain about having extra money.
"By the way, I'll be taking a little trip in a couple of days. A friend has invited me to participate in a competition, and I might even bring back a trophy," Albert said with a smile, addressing everyone.
Mr. Bard had sent him a letter the day before, mentioning the Barnabus Finkley Prize for Exceptional Spell-Casting. The competition was to be held in Spain.
"How long do you plan to stay out this time?" Nia's voice held a hint of displeasure as it rose slightly. Albert had barely spent a few days at home since the start of the holidays, and now he was planning to leave again without taking her along.
"Not too long, a maximum of two or three days," Albert reassured her gently. "I'll remember to bring you back a souvenir."
"I'm not a child. I don't need souvenirs," Nia said unhappily. "Next year, we'll be leaving Europe and may be apart for many years. You should really spend more time with your family."
"Sorry, I've been negligent in that regard," Albert admitted. He had been busy with his own affairs and had indeed neglected his family.
"To achieve success, one must make sacrifices," Luke said, not blaming Albert. He turned to Sasha and said, "The pineapple in the kitchen should be ready by now."
Sasha got up and went into the kitchen. She fished the pineapple out of the brine and began to plate it. As she did so, she glanced out the window and spotted an owl flying toward them.
"Your owl has arrived with a letter," Sasha said, opening the kitchen window and calling out to Albert in the living room.
An owl flew in through the window, glided through the open door into the living room, and landed on the table in front of Albert, lifting its right leg. Tied to the owl's leg was a letter.
Albert pushed the curious Tom aside and took the letter. He glanced at the seal on the envelope and smiled, "It's from the school."
"When are you going to Diagon Alley to shop?" Nia asked eagerly. "Can we go with you then?"
"Of course, we'll go together," Albert agreed.
Albert went into the kitchen to prepare water and food for the owl. Only then did he tear open the envelope and pull out a small stack of parchment. He unfolded it and found his transcript:
Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination Results Passing Grades:
Outstanding (O)
Exceeds Expectations (E) Acceptable (A)
Failing Grades:
Poor (P) Dreadful (D)
Troll (T) Albert Anderson's Results:
Ancient Runes: O Arithmancy: O
Astronomy: O Care of Magical Creatures: O
Charms: O Defense Against the Dark Arts: O
Divination: O Herbology: O
History of Magic: O Muggle Studies: O
Potions: O Transfiguration: O
As expected, he had achieved Outstanding in all twelve subjects.
After reading his O.W.L. transcript, Albert found that he felt no excitement or emotion. Instead, the "Simple Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination" task on the panel had changed to a claimable state.
"What are you looking at?" Nia leaned in, curious.
"Last semester's exam results," Albert replied, handing the parchment to Nia. He then opened the rest of the letters in the envelope, and as expected, the option to purchase a dress robe had appeared on the list.
"Why did you choose to study Muggle Studies as an elective?" Nia asked, having read the book 'British Muggle Families and Their Way of Life'. It was hard for her to imagine how shallow the wizards' understanding of ordinary people was, and given Albert's personality, it was surprising that he had patiently sat through the course.
"Having all Outstanding grades looks better," Albert nodded. "But you're right, wizards don't really understand Muggles at all. Muggle Studies is indeed quite stupid, and sometimes it even makes people feel awkward for no reason."
"I feel like wizards are a bit arrogant, and while magic is useful, the wizarding world is truly backward," Nia said, having been deeply impressed by the backwardness of the magical world. "On the other hand, the development of the ordinary world is much faster than that of the wizarding world."
"That's normal. After all, there are very few wizards, which naturally slows down the development of the magical world," Albert said as he stuffed the letter back into the envelope. He reached out to pat Tom's head and prepared to return to his room to write a letter to Mr. Bard, setting a time for them to meet.
"It looks like there's another owl," Albert said, picking up a piece of pineapple and getting ready to leave the living room. Nia's voice came from behind him.
Albert turned to see a gray tawny owl hovering above their heads. It dropped a letter in front of him and seemed to have no intention of leaving immediately.
Albert bent down to pick up the letter and was surprised to find that the sender was Angelina.
He tore open the envelope, took out the letter, and began to read:
Dear Albert, I received the owl from school yesterday, and my O.W.L.s results were not ideal. I only passed seven subjects, and I'm sure you must have gotten "O" in all of yours.
There's something that's been on my mind. I didn't find the Quidditch team captain badge in the envelope, and I hope you won't laugh at me because of this. I secretly asked Fred, George, and Alicia, but none of them received the badge either. So, I suspect that Professor McGonagall forgot to put the badge into the envelope. I'm hesitating about whether or not to write to Professor McGonagall to inquire about this matter.
If you know anything about it, please reply to me. Congratulations on being awarded the Third-Class Medal of the Order of Merlin.
"I plan to go to the Quidditch World Cup this year to watch the games. Fred said you'll be there too, so see you then.
Have a nice summer! Angelina Johnson"
Albert, of course, knew why Angelina hadn't received the Quidditch team captain badge; there simply wouldn't be any Quidditch matches next semester.
"Follow me," Albert said to the gray tawny owl, not wanting to let it disturb everyone any further.
Soon, Angelina's owl flew away with the note.
Sheila still stood on the table, staring at the departing owl by the window, blinking her mouth as if to say, "Good riddance to that annoying bird."
Albert continued writing to Mr. Bard, informing him that he would be going to Diagon Alley for shopping tomorrow and suggesting they meet there. If he could take care of all the issues in one go, that would be ideal, as not being able to use magic was indeed troublesome.
After finishing the letter to Mr. Bard, Albert shared his plan to shop in Diagon Alley with the group. However, he was slightly surprised to find that Luke wasn't enthusiastic about going to Diagon Alley and had no intention of joining him. Instead, he suggested that they would wait outside for them to finish shopping and then drive them back.
"Grandpa, why won't you come with us?" Nia asked, puzzled.
"I think it's fine as it is. We ultimately can't become wizards, and we don't share the same world as them," Luke said gently as he caressed Nia's head. "Since that's the case, let's not get too involved to avoid future heartbreak."
"Dear, let's go watch a movie instead. It's been a while since we last watched one together," Sasha suggested with a smile. Though she was curious about the wizarding world, she clearly had no intention of leaving Luke behind, and watching a movie was undoubtedly the best way to pass the time.
The next day, Luke drove Albert and Nia to the vicinity of the Leaky Cauldron.
"It looks like there's nothing over there," Sasha said through the car window, puzzled as she gazed at the direction Albert and Nia were heading towards.
"The Leaky Cauldron is right there, it's just invisible to Muggles because it's been enchanted," Luke explained calmly. "Now, let's go watch that movie!"
Holding Nia's hand, Albert walked into the Leaky Cauldron and found it even livelier than before. Most people were discussing the upcoming Quidditch World Cup, and Tom the barman looked surprised to see Albert.
Ignoring Tom's scrutinizing gaze, Albert looked around but couldn't find Isabelle. He then took out his pocket watch and glanced at the time, mumbling, "Perhaps they're waiting for us at the ice cream shop."
"Did you make plans with Isabelle?" Nia asked.
"She's accompanying her sister for shopping. It's a good chance for you to get to know Katrina," Albert explained.
Nia pouted unhappily, clearly preferring to shop with Albert alone, without Isabelle as a third wheel.
Unaware of Nia's mood change, Albert led her to the backyard of the pub and used his wand to open the entrance to Diagon Alley.
"No matter how many times I see this, it still feels incredible," Nia said, staring at the rearranged brick wall.
"Yeah, I felt the same way the first time I saw it," Albert said with a smile as he led Nia through the brick archway. "Welcome to Diagon Alley."
"If possible, I'd really like to wander around and explore," Nia said, looking at the bustling Diagon Alley.
"Unfortunately, we only have two hours for shopping," Albert said, leading Nia towards Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor.
Isabelle and Katrina hadn't arrived yet.
"Oh, look who we have here. It's a rare sight indeed," Florean greeted Albert with a smile.
"Two chocolate nut sundae ice creams, please," Albert said, taking out a Galleon from his pocket.
"No need for that, consider it my treat. I heard you were awarded the Third-Class Medal of the Order of Merlin. My compliments," Florean said as he handed the freshly prepared ice creams to Albert, lowering his voice to ask, "Is this lovely young lady your girlfriend?"
"She's my sister. But thank you for the ice cream. I'll make time to make a prophecy for you soon," Albert said.
"Oh, so they were telling the truth about you being able to make prophecies? A real Seer is quite a rarity these days," Florean said curiously as he sized up Albert.
"Yeah, he can make prophecies, and they're always accurate," Albert started to explain when a familiar voice interrupted him.
"I thought we'd have to wait for a while. What would you like to eat? I'll treat you," Albert said to the two sisters with a smile.
"Then I won't hold back. Katrina, what would you like?" Isabelle asked her sister.
"The same as yours."
Katrina was secretly sizing up Nia, who was holding Albert's hand. She was a beautiful girl, just as stunning as her sister, and was supposedly Albert's non-magical Muggle sister.
Nia took a bite of her ice cream and secretly glanced at Katrina as well.
"Let's head to Madam Malkin's first to get our robes customized," Albert suggested. "We only have two hours for shopping."
"Why the sudden need for custom-made robes?" Katrina asked.
"There will be a Christmas ball at Hogwarts this year," Albert explained. Students who wanted to attend had to prepare formal robes.
"You're not planning to come home for Christmas this year?" Nia asked, sounding even more unhappy.
"Don't worry, I'll find a way to be with you guys for Christmas," Albert reassured her with a smile as he ruffled her hair.
Katrina watched Albert dote on his sister and pouted.
"What's the reason for that?"
"The Ministry of Magic is trying to revive the Triwizard Tournament. Students from the other two schools will come to Hogwarts for the tournament, hence the Christmas ball," Albert shared the information he had. "Apparently, the champion will receive a reward of 1,000 Galleons."
"Congratulations, you'll probably get another trophy," Katrina congratulated him in advance. She didn't think anyone could beat Albert; he was like an unstoppable trophy-collecting machine.
"There's something I want to discuss with you later."
"What is it?" Katrina asked.
"I'll tell you after I'm selected as the Hogwarts champion. If I'm not, then forget I ever mentioned it," Albert said as they reached Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Isabelle furrowed her brows and glanced at her sister, probably guessing what Albert wanted to talk to Katrina about.
As they entered the shop, they found it already occupied. A boy with blond hair was trying on a dark green robe, and he turned to look at them with a sneer. "Mother, I smell something foul. Perhaps we should find another shop."
Albert frowned and stared at Draco Malfoy, narrowing his eyes as a deep malice flashed in them.
Even Nia looked at her brother, suddenly feeling a sense of strangeness, before turning her gaze to the blond boy, likely due to his previous comment.
Nia held Albert's hand as they strolled through Diagon Alley, her big eyes brimming with curiosity and excitement, eager to take in all the sights around her. Albert bought Nia some novelty trinkets, and as they exited a potion shop, she asked softly, "Aren't wizard beauty potions also made from those ingredients?"
"Not necessarily. Typically, potions are what they are, and you shouldn't think too much into it." Albert gently reassured her.
"Didn't you feel nauseous the first time you drank a potion?" Nia asked again.
"A bit, but you get used to it." Albert thought for a moment and added, "However, most wizards don't usually inquire about the specific potion ingredients. They don't mind as long as it cures them."
"That's hard to understand and accept."
Albert took out his pocket watch to check the time and asked, "If there were potions that could make you smarter or more beautiful, even if they looked disgusting, would you drink them?"
"Probably."
"Then that's the right attitude. Just focus on the effects, and don't worry about the rest." Albert said to Nia, "Let's go. We should pick up the robes, and Katrina should be done shopping by now."
"Are we leaving already?" Nia sounded reluctant, wishing she had more time to explore.
As they passed by a shop selling owls, she asked softly, "Can I buy an owl so that I can stay in contact with you?"
"No, at least not for now." Albert directly refused, "Besides, don't we have the Two-Way Mirrors?"
"The mirror I have is with Mom. If you can get me another one, we won't have to worry about communication." Nia pouted, making a request.
"I'll consider it."
"Don't forget."
When the two returned to the robe shop, Isabelle and Katrina had already finished their shopping.
After they were done, Albert suggested going out to eat something and waiting for Luke, who would be picking them up after the movie.
"Are we going to eat on the Muggle side?" Katrina hesitated.
"If you only study Muggles in theory, you'll never truly understand how they live." Albert smiled, "I think starting with their food is a good way to get to know the Muggle world."
Nowadays, milk tea shops were evolving beyond just selling drinks and were becoming more like restaurants.
Of course, Charlie's shop earned a share of profits, and Albert had a stake in it, although it was nominally under Daisy's name.
Katrina took a bite of the fragrant and delicious grilled cheese stick, her eyes narrowing happily as she said, "This is really good."
"Here, have mine."
Nia handed her own grilled cheese stick to Katrina.
"Aren't you going to eat it?" Katrina asked, puzzled.
"No, eating too much of this will make you gain weight. These snacks are very high in calories." Nia whispered.
Katrina looked down at the cheese stick in her hand, suddenly losing her appetite.
"Don't worry, it's fine to indulge occasionally." Albert comforted her with a smile.
Not long after the four of them paid and left the shop, Luke arrived to pick up Nia and Albert's purchases.
"Why aren't you leaving with us?"
Katrina asked, puzzled, as she stood beside Albert.
"I have an appointment with someone else." Albert started walking in the direction of the Leaky Cauldron, "How are you planning to get back?"
"I'll take Katrina back later using a Disapparition spell." Isabelle casually asked, "Who are you waiting for?"
"Mr. Bard. He said he would take me to the Barnabus Finkley Prize for Exceptional Spell-Casting competition." Albert took Isabelle's hand and asked, "Do you want to come along too? We can make it a vacation."
"Never mind." Isabelle shook her head, "Next time, we can go to Egypt together for the International Alchemy Conference."
For some reason, Katrina felt a twinge of sadness for Albert's opponent.
The three of them entered the Leaky Cauldron one after the other, and Isabelle and Katrina left for Diagon Alley, while Albert soon found Mr. Bard at the counter.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." Albert apologized.
"It's fine. Are you done over there?" Mr. Bard didn't mind.
"Yes, all finished." Albert said.
"Then let's go." Mr. Bard greeted Tom and left the pub with Albert.
(End of Chapter)
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