Chapter 896: The Book of Origins
Chapter 896: The Book of Origins
As Karkaroff rarely appeared in Hogwarts Castle, it took a while for people to realize that the Durmstrang headmaster had gone missing.
Lately, there had been an influx of negative press about Karkaroff in the newspapers, as if the reporters didn't know what else to write about without him.
Rita Skeeter, of course, seized the opportunity and caused a stir with her quill, successfully attracting the attention of countless readers.
Somehow, discussions about Death Eaters and their master, the "Mysterious One," had suddenly become more prevalent within the castle walls.
Most students felt a sense of awe when talking about the Mysterious One, but privately discussing these matters gave them a thrilling sensation that many craved. Photos of Harry Potter's Boggart incident from the previous year were selling for high prices on the black market, and Voldemort's ugly appearance had become a popular topic of conversation.
Someone had also dug up the incident from several years ago when Voldemort infiltrated Hogwarts to steal the Sorcerer's Stone.
And thus, the savior, Harry Potter, became even more famous.
This directly led to an increase in the number of ball invitations he received recently.
It was amidst this atmosphere that the fourth Wizarding Card semifinals quietly began.
"Is the activity room for the Wizarding Card Club ready, like you mentioned last time?"
On a weekend morning, Albert found himself cornered by a group of girls during breakfast, all eager to ask him about this matter.
Of course, their interest wasn't solely in the activity room, but also in speaking with Albert himself.
Albert discreetly signaled to Fred, who shrugged helplessly. George immediately understood and nudged Lee Jordan, indicating that it was his turn to step in.
"Ahem, the activity room for the Wizarding Card Club is ready, and this is it." Lee Jordan cleared his throat, then proudly pulled out a thick book from his bag. The book was encased in an exquisite leather cover, and he placed it on the table, drawing everyone's attention. With a flourish, he undid the leather covering and revealed the book within.
Everyone's gaze immediately fixed on the book, unable to look away. They couldn't help but be captivated by the book Lee Jordan had produced—it was simply too cool.
It was a gorgeous silver metal book with a metal relief of a majestic lion-eagle hybrid creature on the cover. The creature was lazily lounging, its claws seemingly holding something.
The edges of the metal book were adorned with ancient magical patterns, giving it an impressive and powerful feel.
"Did Albert make this himself?"
Many found it hard to believe, as the book was simply too extravagant and resembled a work of art.
"We helped out a bit during the making of it," Lee Jordan said shamelessly.
George suddenly felt the urge to facepalm. While it was true that they had lent a small hand, this book was mostly Albert's creation.
"So, it turns into the activity room when you open it?" Alyssia asked, unable to contain her curiosity. She seemed eager to try opening the book to see the transformation for herself.
In fact, everyone was curious, and one brave soul decided to give it a go. But when they undid the clasps and opened the book, they were all stunned to find that it was just an ordinary book, nothing more! Within its pages were recorded the development history of the Wizarding Card Club, along with many old design sketches.
Of course, it also included the champions of the Wizarding Card Club throughout the ages.
Everyone turned to look at Albert, feeling a bit cheated.
"To turn it into the activity room, you need a special key, which I have right here," Albert explained preemptively, before anyone could voice their doubts. "After we graduate, the key will be given to Professor McGonagall for safekeeping, and this book will remain in Hogwarts forever as the exclusive activity room for future members of the Wizarding Card Club."
"Can we take a look inside?"
The book's stunning appearance had everyone curious about what the activity room would be like.
"Of course," Albert replied, "but let me finish my breakfast first. We'll head over to the activity room later for the fourth Wizarding Card Club semifinals." He gestured for everyone to be patient.
However, the crowd of onlookers continued to grow, and Albert eventually had to cut his breakfast short. He led the way to a secret passage on the second floor of the castle, a place that wasn't often used.
"Why are we doing it here?" someone asked, confused. "Why not just open it in the Great Hall?"
Albert ignored the question and, amidst everyone's stares, placed the metal book in the passageway. Then, he took out a keyring-like object from his pocket and placed it in the metal groove on the book's surface.
As Albert placed the key into the groove, he withdrew his wand and tapped it lightly three times. The ancient runes on the edges of the book's pages began to move like snakes, and soon, the book started to shake vigorously. Suddenly, it unfolded on its own, forming a magical door.
This scene stunned all the students present.
There was no helping it; the previous scene had been too impressive, reminiscent of the feeling a Muggle-born wizard would get when first entering Diagon Alley through the backyard of the Leaky Cauldron.
A brand new door had opened before their very eyes.
Albert raised his wand and tapped the doorknob. The door opened automatically, revealing a pitch-black entrance that lit up as Albert stepped inside.
"Welcome to the Wizarding Card Club's activity room," Albert said with a smile, inviting everyone in.
"Now, no pushing, enter in an orderly fashion," Lee Jordan said, brandishing his wand to maintain order and prevent the crowd from rushing in chaotically. After all, the entrance to the secret passage was rather narrow.
As the students filed into the so-called activity room, they found that the space within was even larger than they had imagined.
It resembled a miniaturized version of the Great Hall, with small round tables that could seat four to five people each, accompanied by lazy sofas on the sides. Surprisingly, there were also windows all around the room, allowing a view of the outside scenery.
"This place is so comfortable," Hannah remarked.
"Of course, it's meant to be a place for everyone to relax and interact, so comfort is a priority," Albert replied with a smile.
"What are these?" Angelina asked curiously.
"Chairs."
"Chairs?"
"Yes, go ahead and take a seat to try them out."
Hannah sat down gingerly and let out a contented sigh. She found that the peculiar chairs were surprisingly comfortable.
It was truly incredible.
"Did you do all this by yourself?"
Hermione widened her eyes as she took in the cozy environment, thinking that it might be an even better place to study than the library.
"We helped a bit, too," Fred and George protested.
"This place can accommodate about a hundred people. If necessary, the room can be divided into two parts to provide a quiet area for those who prefer peace and quiet."
Albert waved his wand lightly, and the curtains were drawn, dividing the entire activity room into several spaces.
"However, I'm a bit worried that they'll make a mess of this place," Hannah said, glancing at the people around her and lowering her voice. She didn't think everyone would consciously maintain the cleanliness of the room; it would be too difficult, as evidenced by the state of the Gryffindor common room.
"Maintaining the environment here is a collective effort, and in the future, only those who join the club will be allowed to enter," Albert cleared his throat and continued, "Now, quiet down, I have a few things to say!"
The initially noisy activity room gradually fell silent as everyone turned to face Albert, awaiting his announcement.
"From now on, I will draw a golden line at the entrance. Anyone who is not a member of the Wizarding Card Club and crosses that line will be punished."
The girls giggled, "What kind of punishment?"
"I haven't decided yet. Maybe they'll sprout onions by their ears or scales on their skin. I haven't figured out the specifics yet, but it will definitely deter non-members from entering."
"Aren't we all members of the Wizarding Card Club already?" someone asked, confused.
Albert pointed to a list on a bulletin board near the entrance, "I'll cast a spell on that list, and only those whose names are written there will be considered members of the Wizarding Card Club and allowed to enter. As members, you are expected not to deliberately vandalize this place, or you will be cursed. Of course, this rule won't affect any of you here today. I plan to have everything finalized by the start of the next semester. Until then, feel free to come here and play cards on the last weekend of every month. Take this time to consider carefully if you wish to join the Wizarding Card Club. Before then, I hope you'll all help maintain the cleanliness of this place."
"Now, let's move on to today's main event," Albert continued, "Today, we will be selecting the champion of the fourth Wizarding Card Club tournament. To be honest, I'm hoping Diggory wins so that I won't have to dance with the champion again. There are simply too many girls asking me to dance, and I can't keep up." Amidst the girls' good-natured laughter, Albert waved his wand, and a noticeably larger round table appeared before them.
"Now, let's welcome the semifinalists of the fourth Wizarding Card Club tournament," Albert announced, unfurling a piece of parchment and reading aloud, "First up, we have Mr. Diggory and Miss Granger. Let's give them a round of applause!"
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
