Daily Life at Hogwarts - Chapter 28

Hogwarts had indeed won numerous trophies. In the trophy display room, Albert found trophies from the Triwizard Tournament, the International Wizards Chess Competition, the Magical School Potions Championship’s Golden Cauldron, and the Creative Medal from the Cairo International Alchemy Competition. Of course, one could also find the Special Contribution Award given to Voldemort, or rather, Tom Riddle.

“I wish I could have a trophy displayed here,” Lee Jordan said, staring at the trophies behind the counter, his face full of envy and admiration.

“I think Albert might have a chance. As for you… maybe not!” The twins appeared behind Lee, one on each side, each placing a hand on his shoulder, laughing and consoling.

“No one knows the future,” Albert casually comforted, “You might get a trophy or something displayed here too. That Special Contribution Award is quite easy; just discuss with Dumbledore and donate about five thousand or ten thousand Galleons to the school. He will surely arrange one for you.”

Upon hearing this, the trio’s faces twitched. Donate five thousand or ten thousand Galleons? How could you speak so lightly of such an amount?!

That’s a lot of Galleons!

The twins didn’t even have a single Galleon in their pockets. They even doubted if their family’s entire wealth added up to that much.

Breaking free from the twins’ grasp, Lee Jordan asked, “Don’t you hope…”

“Actually, I’m more curious about the prize money. As for other things, they’re irrelevant to me,” Albert interrupted. Compared to honor, he valued gold coins more; money is the most tangible thing.

Especially in his past life, there were sayings like “money makes things easier” and “money brings confidence.”

“Don’t look at me like that. I’m just being practical,” Albert coughed lightly, quickly changing the topic. “Let’s go to the fifth floor. I have a feeling the library might be there.”

“You’re right, money is good. I hate poverty,” the twins looked at each other, not refuting Albert’s words.

After all, nobody likes poverty.

Especially the financially struggling Weasley twins, they could relate more than anyone.

The four of them made their way to the fifth floor and, indeed, they found the library. However, at that time, it wasn’t open yet.

“Let’s check other places,” Albert suggested. It was a wise choice, as they soon found what seemed to be the entrance to a secret passage behind a suspiciously tall mirror.

“What are you doing here?”

While they were inspecting the entrance, Snape appeared behind them silently.

“We’re looking for shortcuts, Professor,” Albert replied, not minding Snape’s grim expression, knowing well who he was facing.

“Shortcuts,” Snape stared into Albert’s eyes, but the latter turned away, “We believe there might be shortcuts leading to other floors here.”

The easiest way to prevent one’s mind from being read, as everyone knows, is to avoid direct eye contact.

“Oh, it’s opening!” Suddenly, the mirror slid aside, revealing a gap.

Snape seemed to want to say something but was interrupted by Albert.

“By the way, Professor, could I take a picture of you?” Albert raised a camera, asking sincerely.

Not only did Snape freeze, but the expressions of George and the others also became peculiar.

Without showing any emotion, Snape stared at Albert, who kept his smile, ignoring Snape’s deadly gaze.

“Sir, may I?” Albert asked again.

“If you have time to wander around…”

“No sir, we’re not wandering around,” Albert clarified earnestly, “We’re just trying to get a quick understanding of the castle’s layout during our free time. It’s essential for any freshman. After all, Hogwarts doesn’t give us a map, right? Knowing the shortcuts can prevent newcomers from unintentionally being late.”

At this, even Snape was at a loss for words, and the others were left in astonishment.

Why can you sound so righteous and confident?

But it did seem to make some sense.

The Hogwarts Castle truly resembled a labyrinth. How come the school doesn’t distribute maps, yet they don’t allow us to familiarize ourselves with the layout?

Snape’s lips quivered slightly, staring coldly at Albert. “If you have so much time, why not review ‘Magical Drafts and Potions’ more often? In our next class, I’ll be asking you first. Now, immediately, vanish from my sight.”

“See you on Friday then, Professor.” Albert waved with a smile, nudging the trio beside him as they rounded a corner and disappeared down the corridor.

“Wow, you actually wanted to take a picture of Snape.”

“You even dared to confront him head-on.” The twins gave Albert a thumbs up in unison, laughing, “Didn’t you know? He’s famously known as…”

“I didn’t confront him. I just stated the facts,” Albert denied any confrontation with Snape, merely speaking the truth.

“Right, indeed, just facts,” George nodded in agreement, even the trio had to admit that it was indeed just facts.

So, Snape couldn’t really do anything to him.

“By the way, you just mentioned Snape is famously known as what?” Albert changed the subject. “Famously known as what?”

“…famously unreasonable,” George couldn’t help but laugh, “but his expression just now was hilarious.”

“Where do you think that passage leads to?” Lee Jordan was more curious about this matter.

“Don’t know. Let’s check it out in the afternoon!” Albert noticed a new task popping up on his interface:

Expert in Seeking Trouble.

Snape is one of the least popular professors in Hogwarts history among other houses. You’ve successfully teased him once, why not continue this grand act?

Task Progress: 1/5.

Reward: 2000 experience points.

Indeed, quite the expert in seeking trouble!

“By the way, how are you planning to handle…?” Fred suddenly asked.

“Handle what?” Albert questioned in confusion, “Which thing?”

“The questioning!” Lee Jordan reminded, “Didn’t Snape say he would question you in the first class?”

“It’s fine. It’s just questioning. As long as it doesn’t exceed the knowledge from ‘Magical Drafts and Potions’, there shouldn’t be any major problems.” Albert was confident in his memory, considering questions to be just minor annoyances.

“I almost forgot about that. Suddenly, I’m looking forward to next Friday’s potions class.” The trio exchanged glances, remembering that Albert’s memory was exceptional and his intellect sharp. Answering Snape’s questions shouldn’t be an issue.

“Do you think if you answered all correctly, Snape would award you points?” George suddenly asked.

“Definitely not,” Albert stated with certainty.

“I thought so. By then, everyone will see what kind of professor he truly is.”