Chapter 70
When Albert noticed Hermione sighing in relief at his casual praise, he asked curiously,
"Why do you seem genuinely tired? I always thought you were the type brimming with confidence."
"Because I realized something today," Hermione said, her voice thoughtful. "While you were away, I complained to Percy about his twin brothers. They once turned Ron's teddy bear into a spider when he was three, and now he has nightmares about them. When he was five, they nearly tricked him into making an unbreakable vow."
"What does that even mean? Are the Weasley twins so fond of pranks because they were born mischievous?" Albert raised a brow.
"Not exactly," Hermione rolled her eyes. "Don't you see? Wizards born into magical families have huge advantages in learning magic."
She held up a finger and began to count. "The twins are only two years older than Ron, yet they could already perform Transfiguration spells—turning a teddy bear into a spider—before they even came to Hogwarts. Many students can't perfectly master that spell even after they arrive at school. And then there's the Unbreakable Vow—they knew about it when they were only seven years old."
Albert leaned in, listening with genuine interest.
"From these things, you can see how strong wizards from magical families are," Hermione continued. "Take Ron's slug-vomiting curse as another example. Madam Pomfrey had to use magical stimulation to force Malfoy to spit them out quickly. You can't just counteract something like that immediately unless you've read the right books and practiced multiple times."
Then she raised her head, meeting Albert's gaze. Her voice softened.
"If blood purity and family background put pressure on me because of who I am, then your presence gives me the most exciting kind of pressure."
"Me?" Albert blinked in surprise. "How much pressure could I possibly give you? I didn't even score higher than you in last year's finals. If not for my talent in magic, you would've been first."
"Yes, but exams aren't everything," Hermione replied quietly. "In the wizarding world, magical power is what truly matters. You've mastered spells that are unique and extraordinary. I've gained so much recently only because of you—without you, the ghosts wouldn't have talked to me at all. What else do I have besides chewing through books? And don't forget, you train with me."
Albert studied her for a moment, thoughtful. He couldn't help recalling how, in his past life's "original book," Hermione had endured school life under constant stress: the basilisk roaming the castle, the tense atmosphere, and the weight of her own ambitions. Back then, she might not even have had time to reflect on her feelings.
"You don't need to be so tense," Albert reassured her gently. "Even in the wizarding world, test results reflect skill to some extent—there's plenty of practical work involved. Your ability to read quickly and combine spells creatively makes me jealous, honestly."
Hermione's lips curved into a small, shy smile as he continued,
"The only reason it feels like I've gotten ahead is because magical knowledge is far more hidden than in the Muggle world. It's hard to find information that truly enhances magical ability. I was just lucky to stumble across some of it. Without your help in class, I'd never be first."
Hearing his words, Hermione's mood lightened considerably.
Albert seized the moment. "By the way, Nick told me last time that there's a place in Hogwarts where students have hidden things for centuries. Why don't you come with me next time? We might even find a book you've been looking for."
Part of him wanted to help a friend; another part knew her sharp eyes might spot magical treasures he could miss.
Hermione brightened immediately. Sharing knowledge in the wizarding world was rare—and this felt like a true adventure. Impulsively, she hugged Albert and whispered, "Thank you."
The sudden gesture startled him. Though he had lived in Britain for a decade, he still wasn't fully used to its casual displays of affection.
Later that evening, after helping a few first-years with their homework, Albert turned in early. Tomorrow would be the first Quidditch match of the year, and the first real challenge for Gryffindor's team. He needed to be at his best if they were to win.
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The next morning, after an early breakfast, Albert followed Harry and the rest of the team to the Quidditch pitch. The air was warm and damp, with distant rumbles of thunder rolling over the hills.
The Gryffindor players looked tense. After all, Slytherin had upgraded to the Nimbus 2001s this year, giving them a clear equipment advantage.
But the moment the teams took the field, the crowd erupted in shock.
Gryffindor also had Nimbus 2001s.
The news spread like wildfire: Albert Black had bought the entire team new brooms with his own money.
A wave of hope surged through the Gryffindor stands. Cheers roared as if victory itself had already arrived.
The match began, and the team's intense training paid off immediately. With equal brooms, Slytherin lost its mechanical edge.
Albert noticed a rogue Bludger veering unnaturally, relentlessly pursuing Harry. It could only be one thing—Dobby's interference.
Without hesitation, Albert leaned forward, accelerating sharply. He caught up to Harry and swerved just in time to deflect the Bludger away from him.
Moments later, the rain began to pour, and Harry's situation worsened. Fred and George had no choice but to guard him like personal bodyguards, keeping the rogue Bludger from striking.
"That Bludger's gone mad—it's just like last year!" Hermione exclaimed to Neville in the stands, watching the chaos unfold.
To be continued…