Chapter 876: A Bunch of Quests
Chapter 876: A Bunch of Quests
Due to Albert's series of mischievous actions, Professor Moody's act of putting Albert's name into the Goblet of Fire spread like wildfire among the girls of Hogwarts. Nothing piqued the students' curiosity and imagination more than juicy gossip, and the bizarre rumors even reached the ears of the professors.
In the Dark Magic Defense office that afternoon, Professor Moody was once again venting his anger by randomly smashing things. Just now, someone had approached him to inquire about the truth of the matter, and several girls had even thanked him for entering Albert's name into the Goblet of Fire.
Yes, on his way back to the Dark Magic Defense office, Professor Moody encountered a group of students surrounding him with questions. Everyone believed that Professor Moody had foiled a plot by the other schools to prevent Hogwarts from claiming the championship.
Now, the majority of students in the castle believed that he was the one who had thrown the Mudblood's name into the Goblet, even though Moody vehemently denied it. The feeling of frustration and anger was like having a ball of stinky mud stuffed into his mouth and forced down his throat, causing Moody to feel nauseous.
"I'm going to kill him, I must kill that stinky Mudblood!" Barty Jr. muttered to himself, his emotions of anger and frustration brewing within. The terrifying expression on Moody's face became even more distorted and hideous, and he planned to torture the Mudblood with the Cruciatus Curse before ending his life.
However, little did Barty Jr. know that he was once again being played.
His rage brought a delightful mood to Albert, who was currently on a date in Hogsmeade. He was surprised to find that the 'pleasant surprise' surprise value had already exceeded 70%.
Initially, he had intentionally hidden during the selection of champions, only to appear at the last moment and give Barty Jr. an unexpected surprise. But the surprise value had only reached 63%, leading him to believe that to attain a higher value, he would have to directly reveal the true identity of the fake Moody. However, Albert later noticed a slight increase in the surprise value after he had thanked Moody. Then, he deliberately had Lee Jordan spread the rumor that Moody had helped him enter the tournament, and the surprise value jumped to 71% when the entire school believed it was Moody who had nominated him.
Indeed, how could Moody not be surprised when students suddenly approached him to express their gratitude for helping Albert become a Hogwarts champion?
Of course, what truly surprised Albert were the newly released quests:
Imposter:
Every Dark Magic Defense professor at Hogwarts is suspicious. You have realized that the new Professor Moody may be related to the wizard who tried to prevent you from participating in the Triwizard Tournament. Investigate and uncover the person's true identity.
Reward: 2000 experience points The Mudblood Must Die:
For some reason, you have landed on a certain Dark Wizard's blacklist. He plans to torture and kill you during the final task of the Triwizard Tournament to achieve a certain purpose. Protect yourself during the tournament and avoid being cursed with an Unforgivable Curse.
Reward: 10,000 experience points, 1 skill point, +1 resistance to Cruciatus Curse.
The Dark Wizard Must Die:
You have become aware that a Dark Wizard is attempting to kill you during the third task. As a brave, just, and kind Gryffindor, you should bravely resist and prevent the Dark Wizard from continuing his evil deeds.
Reward: 15,000 experience points, 2 skill points, gain a specified skill from the opponent, 800 Magical World Reputation.
Save the Savior:
You have discovered an evil plot targeting the Savior, Harry Potter, who has been involuntarily dragged into the Triwizard Tournament. As someone in the know, you should do something to help ensure the Savior's survival in the face of this evil conspiracy.
Reward: 1000-30000 experience points (Contribution: 0), 20% increase in Phoenix faction favorability, gain a specified skill (requires contribution above 50%) 20% decrease in Voldemort faction favorability.
"What's wrong?" Isabelle noticed Albert's daze and asked with a puzzled expression, parting her lips.
"It's nothing," Albert replied.
"Don't space out when we're being intimate," Isabelle whispered, a hint of complaint in her voice.
"Sorry, you're just so beautiful that I can't help but be mesmerized," Albert murmured soothingly.
"You seem to be in a good mood," Isabelle remarked.
"That's because I have you by my side. There have been quite a few bothersome things happening at school," Albert said, kissing Isabelle on the forehead, "It's so nice to have you with me."
"You're not being entirely truthful," Isabelle said, her heart warming at Albert's words. She kissed him again, both of them reveling in the feeling of being deeply in love.
"Are you staying for dinner tonight?" Isabelle asked expectantly.
"I'd love to stay overnight, but unfortunately, we have classes tomorrow," Albert mused for a moment, then continued, "Well, I guess it's not impossible. You know I have a Time-Turner, so I can just use it. However, there are some drawbacks to frequent use of the Time-Turner, as it accelerates aging. I dare say that by the time I graduate, I'll be about the same age as you."
The age difference between them wasn't significant to begin with, so it was quite normal for Albert to be a year or two older than his actual age due to frequent use of the Time-Turner.
"I think you lack some reverence for time magic," Isabelle frowned and said, "You should be well aware that the Time-Turner is more dangerous than you imagine."
"Of course, I'm always cautious when using it," Albert reassured her, having already significantly reduced the frequency of his Time-Turner usage.
He quickly changed the subject and shared with Isabelle the troubles he had been facing after becoming a Hogwarts champion.
"It seems that sometimes, being too popular isn't a good thing," Isabelle said with a light laugh, covering her mouth.
"I didn't ask to be popular," Albert replied.
"Don't worry, the girls are just temporarily infatuated with you. Once this wave passes, things will get better," Isabelle reassured him, caressing his face gently.
"I just don't understand why they can't calm down a bit. They know you're my girlfriend," Albert complained.
"Don't blame them. Girls at this age tend to indulge in fantasies. They probably see you as... well, a prince charming," Isabelle said, finding nothing strange about it as she understood all too well what the girls were thinking, "If you announce our engagement, I think the girls will give up on you."
"Let's not do that. I don't want to be stared at by a bunch of people," Albert said, bringing the topic back to Isabelle, "How have you been lately? Are you getting used to working here?"
"You can help me co-author the 'Book of Ancient Runes'."
Albert replied without hesitation, "With my knowledge of Ancient Runes, I doubt I can be of much help." Isabelle knew what Albert was referring to when he mentioned the 'Book of Ancient Runes' that he intended to compile.
"Once you finish the 'Ancient Runes Guide,' take a good rest, and you'll surely find something you want to do." Albert said gently, "If you're truly at a loss, you can help me set up the sailboat in the laboratory. That ship is quite important to us."
"The Second Wizarding War?"
Isabelle actually wished for Albert to take her away from Britain, far from that vexing place. However, she knew that Albert had no intention of leaving, at least not until the worst-case scenario unfolded in Britain.
Albert remained silent for a moment, reluctant to discuss these troubling matters when they were together. He steered the conversation towards lighter topics, such as the champions from the other two schools.
"I'm not interested in Quidditch stars." As Albert asked if she wanted him to get Krum's autograph, Isabelle smiled and gazed at Albert, "Actually, I'm more interested in you."
"I thought we knew each other pretty well by now." Albert said softly, "Both physically and otherwise."
"You still give me a sense of mystery." Isabelle's cheeks flushed slightly.
"Is it because of that identity?" Albert asked tentatively.
"Probably not."
"Mystery makes one all the more charming." Albert hugged her and asked with a smile, "Have you grown to like me even more?"
"Like you? I'm absolutely smitten." Isabelle murmured.
"The feeling is mutual." Albert said with intense eyes.
After taking a bath, the couple sat across from each other, enjoying the sumptuous dinner prepared by the house-elves, casually chatting about light-hearted and mundane matters. Albert invited Isabelle to watch the first task of the Triwizard Tournament with him.
"You're just bullying the other schools' champions." Isabelle took a sip of champagne and looked up at Albert, who was eating a steak, "Don't you think?"
"It's not bullying." Albert said, his eyes fixed on Isabelle's skin, which glowed in the firelight, "The other champions will definitely cheat; it's a tradition."
"What is it?" Isabelle noticed Albert staring at her.
"I suddenly feel that the Elixir of Life isn't so bad." Albert murmured, "Like Nicolas and Perenelle, it would be nice to live on forever."
"You're thinking about retirement before you even start working." Isabelle didn't want Albert to have a fallout with the Flemels over the Philosopher's Stone.
However, Isabelle was unaware that Albert could create the Philosopher's Stone and the Elixir of Life himself. His confidence stemmed from the specified skill rewarded by the panel task. As long as he chose the formula for the Philosopher's Stone, with his expertise, recreating the stone wouldn't be difficult.
"Retirement sounds nice; you can live the life you want." Albert said to Isabelle, "Do you have a life you want to live?"
Isabelle shook her head. In truth, many people hadn't thought about the life they wanted to lead, as their busy work lives left them no time to ponder such things.
"What about you?" Isabelle asked.
"To live happily and joyfully." Albert replied without hesitation.
"So, that's why you signed up for the Triwizard Tournament?"
"I want to be your champion."
"That sounds wonderful." Isabelle's cheeks flushed, "But even without the Tournament, you're already my champion."
Outside, the rain showed no signs of letting up, pattering against the windows. In the kitchen, the house-elves had already cleared the table of dishes.
In the bedroom, the fireplace crackled warmly, and the couple snuggled together on the soft bed, whispering sweet nothings. Occasionally, they could hear the giggles of girls from outside the window.
Albert stayed in Hogsmeade until late at night, using the Time-Turner to return to a few hours earlier. He dragged his slightly weary body back to the Gryffindor common room.
It was almost eleven o'clock, and the rain continued to fall outside. There weren't many students left in the common room, and Albert's entrance caused no stir.
Of course, it might have been because Harry Potter was sitting right there in the common room.
For some reason, Albert felt a sense of dissonance.
Ah, Ron Weasley was missing.
The trio had become a duo, no wonder it felt odd.
Harry and Hermione were whispering to each other when Albert entered, and his arrival immediately caught Hermione's attention.
"Is something the matter?" Albert asked, raising an eyebrow, as Harry approached him.
"Yes, I have a letter for you." Harry took out a piece of parchment from his pocket and handed it to Albert. He hesitated for a moment before adding, "Can we talk?"
As the two boys spoke, the students in the common room perked up their ears, curious about their conversation.
Albert took the letter and glanced at its contents:
Dear Mr. Anderson, I would like to speak with you via the two-way mirror later tonight, after eleven-thirty. — Sirius Black
"Sirius Black should have given you a two-way mirror. May I have it?" Albert crumpled the parchment and stuffed it into his pocket. He then looked up at Harry and asked.
"A two-way mirror? Oh, you mean the one in the package?" Harry walked over to where he had been sitting and picked up an unsealed package containing an antique-looking mirror.
"Don't you know how to use that mirror?" Albert was surprised, "Didn't Black explain it in his letter?"
Harry shook his head; he had no idea what the mirror was for.
"The two-way mirror is an ancient form of magic that allows for video communication, like a phone call, and you can see the other person's appearance in the mirror. The technology for two-way mirrors has been lost, and they are now rare," Albert explained briefly to Harry and Hermione, "You just need to call out the name of the person who owns the other mirror, and as long as they hear your call and come to their mirror, you can talk to each other through them."
"So, I just need to call out Sirius's name, and I can see him?" Harry asked eagerly.
"Yes, as long as Black is on the other side of the mirror, you can communicate that way." Albert nodded, "Okay, give me the mirror for now, and I'll return it to you tomorrow."
"Um..." Harry hesitated for a moment, then bit the bullet and said, "Can you stay in the common room for a while? I'm tired of being kept in the dark."
"If Black permits it, I don't mind." Albert found a vacant spot next to the duo and sat down, casually reaching out to pet Crookshanks, who was sitting on Hermione's lap.
"Meow!" Crookshanks purred contentedly, gently swaying its tail and rubbing its head against Albert's hand affectionately.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
