Chapter 997: A Magical Pill
Chapter 997: A Magical Pill
The next morning, a light drizzle fell outside the castle.
In Albert's limited memory of Hogwarts, the start of a new term always seemed to coincide with rainy weather.
After quickly getting dressed and preparing breakfast for Tom, he reached out to ruffle the cat's head affectionately. He decided that after breakfast, he would ask the house-elf to take the cat to Isabelle, where it could fulfill its true purpose as a feline companion.
"Where are Fred and George?" Albert asked Lee Jordan, who was in the process of tying his shoelaces. He had noticed that they were the only ones left in the dormitory.
"They're in the common room putting up advertisement flyers," Lee Jordan replied with a smile. "Those two are always full of energy."
As the two of them headed downstairs after washing up, they spotted a group of students gathered around the bulletin board in the common room. Fred and George were there, grinning from ear to ear as they distributed flyers advertising their latest prank products.
Rather unexpectedly, the most popular item turned out to be the intelligence-boosting candy that Albert had created as part of his magical confectionery. This particular candy was designed to enhance one's energy, intellect, and cognitive abilities.
However, there was a catch. Students had to sign up in advance and pay a deposit to reserve their supply of the coveted candy.
"I must remind you all that the intelligence-boosting candy should not be used during exams, especially O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s," Fred and George were explaining to the eager crowd. "It will definitely be detected by the invigilators, so don't entertain any notions of cheating. But, it can help you revise more efficiently. Whether or not it's worth the price is up to you to decide. Don't say we didn't warn you..."
While they cautioned against using the candy during crucial exams like O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s, they left the possibility open for its use during regular end-of-term tests. Even if it was prohibited for those as well, students could still benefit from the effects while doing their homework.
Hermione, her expression complicated, watched the Weasley twins handing out samples of the intelligence candy. She then turned her head slightly to glance at Albert, who was standing quietly by. "Aren't you going to stop them?" she asked.
"Why would I do that?" Albert replied, puzzled by her question.
Hermione found herself at a loss for words.
"For Fred and George, their N.E.W.T. results are just a piece of paper that won't matter much for their future plans," Albert explained calmly, outlining the twins' intentions. "They're entrepreneurs-in-the-making, and they're using their remaining time at Hogwarts to lay the groundwork for their future ventures."
"In fact, they're doing it right now," he added.
"They're practically printing money!"
Ron, who had been approaching them, chimed in with a mix of awe and envy. "I saw some students paying galleons upfront to Fred and George to reserve their supply after trying the intelligence candy."
"They're just going to use it to cheat!" Hermione exclaimed, her frustration evident.
Lee Jordan, however, saw through the intentions of those students with ease. "Maybe it would be detected during O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s," he said, "but there's not much risk during regular end-of-term exams."
"You knew they would try to cheat, and yet you still sold it to them!" Hermione said, a hint of anger creeping into her voice. She felt that Fred and George were enabling their classmates to cheat, which was unfair to those who studied diligently.
"Are you suggesting that we shouldn't let people use knives to cut vegetables just because they can also be used to kill?" Albert countered. "You've used it yourself, haven't you? Did you ever consider cheating with it? It's a matter of personal choice, and besides, don't underestimate the professors."
Hermione fell silent, unable to refute Albert's logic. She had indeed been one of the first users of the intelligence-boosting candy, but she had never once considered using it for cheating.
When Hermione finally lifted her head, Albert was already nowhere to be seen.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Ron asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Nothing," she replied, her voice lacking its usual conviction.
Hermione felt a twinge of dejection, sensing her own immaturity in this situation.
As Albert had once told her, the world wasn't simply divided into black and white.
Of course, she understood this concept.
But...
At that moment, the students in the Great Hall were abuzz with discussions about the scream they had heard the night before. Those who had stayed up later than usual had also heard Umbridge's piercing shriek.
"Umbridge must have had a nightmare last night," Lee Jordan said as he handed Albert the new term's homework schedule that he had gotten from Professor McGonagall. "We don't have the Dark Arts Defense lesson until Wednesday morning."
"The curse of the mysterious person is indeed terrifying. It's already taking effect!" Albert said, putting away the schedule. "I have another class coming up, so you go ahead and inform the students from the other colleges. Tell them I've prepared even more generous prizes this year."
"What curse?"
"I heard Umbridge had a nightmare and woke up screaming last night. I suspect it's the curse taking effect," Albert said offhandedly, as if Umbridge's nightmare was a matter of fact.
"I really don't understand why Umbridge would choose to come to Hogwarts to teach the Dark Arts Defense class," Shana said, picking up on Albert's implication. "Wouldn't she be more comfortable staying at the Ministry of Magic as the Deputy Minister?"
"Who knows? Maybe Fudge gave her a mission!" Lee Jordan speculated.
"A mission?"
"Like taking control of Hogwarts, getting rid of Professor Dumbledore, and expelling Harry Potter."
"Really?" Shana looked at Albert.
"She's probably thinking along those lines. The Ministry has always wanted to interfere with Hogwarts, and now they've finally found their opportunity," Albert said, wiping his mouth with a handkerchief after finishing his meal. "It's a shame that when outsiders try to lead experts, they always end up making a mess of things."
"But why isn't Professor Dumbledore stopping her?"
"Many people think he's gone crazy," Lee Jordan reminded them.
"No, I think they're the crazy ones for believing what they read in the newspapers instead of trusting in what Professor Dumbledore has done for the wizarding world," Shana said, shaking her head at the absurdity of it all.
"Have their brains all been squeezed by a door or something?"
"Maybe." Albert shrugged.
He continued to attend Ancient Runes classes, even though his understanding of the subject was such that he didn't really need to. However, Albert found that he could gain some inspiration from Professor Bathsheba's lectures, especially if he wanted to create new textbooks. Sometimes, understanding something and being able to teach it were two very different things.
During lunch, Fred and George excitedly announced to Albert that they had received twenty-two orders for the intelligence-boosting candy, as well as successfully selling a small number of prank items. This was undoubtedly a fantastic start.
"We're thinking of introducing a night tour package soon. What do you think?" Fred asked tentatively.
"There's no need to rush. It's not a one-time deal, and it's more important to have a steady stream of income." Albert soothed the twins, who were thrilled by the large amount of galleons they had earned. "Also, it will be difficult for you to earn as many galleons as you did today in the future."
"Because the students only have a limited amount of galleons to spend?" George guessed.
"You can promote beauty products to the girls, fun little toys to the students who like mischief, and academic aids to those who want better grades..." Albert said to the attentive Weasley twins, "Now, the most important thing for you is to gather information on the students' preferences and categorize them. You could even create a form for them to fill out, offering prizes or discounts to those who are willing to participate. This intelligence is crucial if you want to get them to spend their galleons on your products in the future. Focus on that first, and then I'll teach you more."
"I'll work on the form, and you can help me review it later." George agreed with Albert's idea, understanding the importance of figuring out what the students wanted and how much they were willing to spend.
As for whether they could develop corresponding products, that was another matter entirely.
"Everyone is quite puzzled as to why the Wizarding Cards competition started so early this year," Lee Jordan said, seizing the opportunity to bring up the topic of the Wizarding Cards after Fred and George's business discussion was concluded.
"Also, this term is our last year at Hogwarts. What will happen with the position of heir after we graduate?"
"We can let the students elect the next heir after Luna finishes school. As long as there are enough perks associated with the position, there will be a bunch of students vying for it." Albert had already thought about how to handle the situation, "Even if problems arise, it doesn't matter. After all, we can't solve every issue that comes our way. By the way, I'll go talk to Professor McGonagall about this matter later."
Interestingly enough, Professor McGonagall didn't object to the idea.
The reason was simple—she was featured on one of the Wizarding Cards.
Unlike Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall hadn't made it into the Chocolate Frog Cards, but being included in the Wizarding Cards was still quite an honor.
As a side note, Albert had already been featured on a Chocolate Frog Card, wearing his Fire Dragon costume and looking extremely handsome. It was said to be the most popular card among female students at the moment.
As Albert was discussing the future of the Wizarding Cards Club with Professor McGonagall, there was a knock on the door of the Transfiguration office.
"Come in!"
Professor McGonagall looked up from the parchment she was reading and frowned at the figure who had pushed the door open. "Mr. Potter, why aren't you in class?" she asked.
"It seems you've managed to offend Umbridge on the very first day of term," Albert remarked upon seeing Harry Potter, "I remember Hermione and the Weasleys reminding you about this."
"I tried to be patient, but Umbridge keeps targeting me deliberately. There's only so much I can take." Harry said helplessly, "I don't know what else to do."
As he spoke, Harry handed a piece of parchment to Professor McGonagall, who read it and then fixed him with a stern gaze.
"So, you shouted at Professor Umbridge?"
"No, Professor. I took a calming draught. How could I possibly shout at her?" Harry said calmly.
"A calming draught?" Professor McGonagall was puzzled, not quite understanding what Harry was getting at.
"Yes, a specially brewed calming draught!" Harry reached into his robe pocket and pulled out a bottle, "Take one of these, and it will help you stay completely calm. I thought it might be useful when dealing with Umbridge."
"Are you saying she's a fraud?"
"I merely tried to discuss the truth with her, but Umbridge couldn't counter my arguments, so she became annoyed and angry." Harry shrugged, feigning innocence.
"I recall reminding you not to argue with her," Albert interjected.
"I know, but there are some things I can't deny. Otherwise, the Ministry will start spreading propaganda that I'm a fraud, and they'll use it to attack Dumbledore and make me a laughingstock."
"You already are one." Albert reminded him.
"I know, but...they'll be the ones laughing on the other side of their faces soon enough." Harry said nonchalantly, "I never believed Voldemort would just sit idly by, and then it will be their turn to be mocked."
Hearing Harry utter Voldemort's name caused Professor McGonagall's heart to clench. She continued, "So, you told her that the Dark Lord, whose name shall not be mentioned, has returned?"
"They wanted me to deny it, but on this matter, I cannot back down."
"Mr. Potter, you need to be careful." Professor McGonagall put down Umbridge's note and looked at Harry with utmost seriousness, "The consequences of your conflict with Umridge could be far more severe than just losing house points or being detained."
"I know." Harry turned to Albert and said something that shocked Professor McGonagall, "So, I was thinking that we should just expel her from the school. I heard she's already being affected by the Dark Arts Defense curse."
Professor McGonagall stared at Harry Potter, her eyes wide, unable to believe what she was hearing.
"Umbridge just wants to ruin me, get rid of Dumbledore, and take his place as Headmaster," Harry stated calmly, revealing the truth. "But unfortunately for her, she's become the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, and everyone knows that professors in that position tend to be rather unlucky."
"Because of the curse of the mysterious person," Albert added. "As long as that person is still out there, the curse on the position won't disappear."
"How do you know?"
"I've studied curse magic, and I can guess how it works," Albert explained.
"You should be the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor," Harry said with a hint of admiration.
"Are you cursing me to drop dead?"
"If it were you, we would definitely learn a lot of useful things," Harry said bluntly, not hiding his disdain for Umbridge. "That woman is a joke. When she teaches, I feel like I'm in a History of Magic class."
"That's indeed terrible," Albert agreed, nodding. "After all, she's an outsider, and you can't expect Umbridge to have excellent teaching skills."
Facing the two students blatantly evaluating a professor in front of her, Professor McGonagall's expression turned stiff.
"Aren't you being a bit too much?" she interjected.
"Do you have a better idea, Professor?" Harry asked.
"You can secretly reveal to Umbridge that Dumbledore has a secret base in the Forbidden Forest, possibly the headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix," Albert suggested offhandedly, spinning a story. "Then, lead her into the lair of the Acromantulas, and let those two nuisances destroy each other."
"Mr. Anderson, this is not funny at all," Professor McGonagall glared at Albert, who was clearly joking.
"I think it's a workable plan. Maybe those giant spiders will eat her all by themselves," Harry agreed seriously. "Even if it fails, it doesn't matter. Letting the Ministry deal with those Acromantulas is better than having them constantly watch us. It's a good thing for them to contribute something to Hogwarts."
"You can also tell Umbridge that Dumbledore has a way to make those Acromantulas obey his orders," Albert continued. "Those spiders were brought in by Hagrid, and since Dumbledore can give orders to Hagrid, he can indirectly control those spiders."
"That's enough, both of you!" Professor McGonagall said helplessly. She never expected her students to plot against a Hogwarts professor right in front of her.
"Those Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest will eventually cause trouble. Hagrid is too attached to them. It's not a bad idea to let the Ministry deal with them and contribute something to Hogwarts," Albert thought out loud. "But Hagrid will be furious if he finds out, and you'll have to bear the consequences alone!"
Harry's cheeks twitched, and to his surprise, he seriously nodded in agreement.
Then, he asked, "How do we leak the information to Umbridge?"
"Umbridge will definitely find an opportunity to use Veritaserum on you."
"Using Veritaserum on students is illegal," Professor McGonagall weakly reminded them.
"Professor, you underestimate the lack of scruples of politicians," Albert countered. "If necessary, Umbridge would even use the Cruciatus Curse on students, so Veritaserum is nothing. By the way, she'll probably invite you for a drink one of these days, so be careful."
"What should I do then?" Harry asked, playing along.
"Take the antidote for Veritaserum, pretend to be affected by it, and leak the information to her," Albert said as he waved his wand and produced a small bottle, which he handed to Harry. "There are three pills inside. Take one each time to counteract the effects of Veritaserum."
"Detention!" Professor McGonagall had to bring out the big guns.
However, Albert had already produced the antidote for Veritaserum.
"Professor, we're just joking," Harry said, putting away the antidote.
"This doesn't seem like a joke to me," Professor McGonagall glared at Harry. "And you, Mr. Potter, are to serve detention for your behavior."
"I know," Harry turned to Albert. "What would you do if you were me?"
"You can try casting a Memory Charm on her to make her forget about giving you detention," Albert suggested gently. "If you don't know how, I suggest you ask Granger. I believe she knows how to cast a Memory Charm."
"I really shouldn't have argued those pointless issues with her. I should have just made her leave Hogwarts," Harry muttered.
"For heaven's sake!" Professor McGonagall adjusted her glasses in frustration. "Hogwarts is already in a bad enough state as it is."
"Professor, you should get used to it. Things will only get worse. The Ministry will definitely take other measures to interfere with the school, and Umbridge will eventually drive out Dumbledore and become the new Headmaster. That's one of the reasons she came to Hogwarts," Albert warned.
"What about my detention, then?"
Harry was considering the feasibility of Albert's suggestion, but he knew he couldn't pull it off as perfectly as Albert. If he made a mistake, he would be in deep trouble.
"You can go experience Umbridge's teaching first and then consider whether to carry out those plans," Albert stood up to leave. "Don't take these professors too seriously. This is destined to be a ridiculous term, and you'll realize that soon enough. It's better to adjust your mindset and enjoy the show."
"Fine, detention, what a pain. I'm leaving too, Professor. I think Anderson is right. There's no need to be too polite to that kind of person!" Harry also stood up, intending to leave with Albert. But noticing Professor McGonagall's dark expression, he took out the bottle of pills from his pocket and poured one out for the professor.
"Here, Professor. Take one, and you'll figure things out soon enough." With that, Harry turned and left, leaving Professor McGonagall staring at the pill in bewilderment.
(End of Chapter)
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