Chapter 85
After returning from the Forbidden Forest, Albert found himself busier than ever. Each day, he devoted a great deal of time to studying the secrets of natural affinity. Fortunately, his body had been strengthened during his last visit to the Forbidden Forest—a welcome change, as his physical stamina had always been a weakness. In the past, running or engaging in any physically demanding task would quickly exhaust him. The ritual he had performed in the forest had greatly reduced his fatigue, allowing him to remain physically untroubled.
After several days of research and reflection, Albert finally began to grasp this new knowledge of natural affinity. However, he understood that truly improving this ability would require long periods spent communing with nature; it could not be enhanced through sudden bursts of study as it had been this time.
While occupied with his work, Albert noticed that most students in the common room and Great Hall were discussing their summer holiday plans. He was startled to realize that the school year had already drawn to a close.
At noon on the final day of term, just as the Weasley twins had finished agreeing with Albert on their summer holiday meeting coordinates, a flock of owls swept into the common room, delivering final grades to every student.
Albert discovered that, as in the previous year, he had retained first place. Hermione had once again taken second place—though this time she was closer than ever, with an overall score of 99 out of 100, just a single point behind his perfect 100.
But this year's letter was different from last year's. Attached to the parchment was an additional envelope. Opening it, Albert saw writing inside, penned in shimmering emerald-green ink:
Dear Mr. Albert,
I am delighted to inform you that you have once again achieved first place across all of Hogwarts. Therefore, you are invited to visit the Headmaster's office today at 3:00 p.m. to receive your reward, in recognition of your exceptional effort.
Yours sincerely,
Minerva McGonagall
Deputy Headmistress
"What's going on?" Albert muttered, intrigued. At that moment, Hermione descended the staircase from the girls' dormitory, holding an identical letter in her hand.
"Albert, did you get this too?" she asked, spotting the open parchment in his grasp. "Do you have any idea what this is about? I haven't seen anyone else receive the same letter. I even asked some of the older girls in our House, but they didn't know anything, so I thought I'd ask Professor McGonagall."
"Well," Albert replied, "the letter says to go to the Headmaster's office at a set time, and that time is now. Let's go."
Together, they left the common room and made their way to Dumbledore's office.
When they reached the door, Albert knocked lightly. The Headmaster's voice floated from within: "Come in, please."
They entered to find Dumbledore seated behind his desk, a quill in hand, the nib stained with ink as he finished writing something. Setting his quill aside, the Headmaster gestured for them to sit before asking, "How can I help you?"
Albert produced the letter. "We noticed that Hermione and I were the only ones to receive this," he explained. "We wanted to know what's going on with this 'reward.' We asked older students, but no one knew anything."
"Ah, yes," Dumbledore said, removing his spectacles and placing them on the desk. "This is something we do every year for second-year students. We take the top two students of the year and present them with a reward, both to encourage continued excellence and to inspire a little friendly competition."
Glancing at the two Gryffindors, he added warmly, "I'm very pleased to see that this year's top two are both from Gryffindor."
Hermione blushed, feeling both proud and slightly embarrassed at the praise.
"Of course," Dumbledore went on, "we don't choose the reward for you. That's why Professor McGonagall sent you the letters—to come here and select your own. So then… what would you like?"
Without hesitation, Albert replied, "Professor, I'd like permission to enter the Restricted Section of the library for at least two months. Is that possible?"
Dumbledore had just opened his mouth to respond when Hermione burst in eagerly, "Me too, Professor! For the past two years I've wanted nothing more than to read those books in the Restricted Section—I've been so curious!"
The Headmaster chuckled, clearly amused. He had half-expected them to ask for money—or, if they were clever, a week's holiday. But this? He hadn't seen it coming.
"Very well," he said at last. "Two months it is. But even with access, some books are off-limits. Any book marked 'Danger—Do Not Touch' is forbidden. Agreed?"
"Yes, Professor!" they both said in unison.
As they left, Dumbledore leaned back in his chair, gazing at the ceiling. "Why is it," he murmured to himself, "that when I look at those two, I'm reminded so much of McGonagall and Arthur? The same thirst for knowledge…"
Closing his eyes, he whispered, "I only hope I haven't made the same mistake I did fifty years ago."
That evening, the End-of-Year Feast was as lavish as ever. Ravenclaw had claimed the House Cup this year, with Gryffindor losing by a single point despite their Quidditch victory. Still, the Gryffindors were in high spirits, pleased enough simply to have beaten Slytherin. Hermione alone felt a twinge of regret, though it was quickly swept away by the joyful atmosphere.
Early the next morning, the Hogwarts Express carried the students back to London. Albert, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, and the Weasley twins spent the journey enjoying the latest wizarding treats. Hermione, at first absorbed in a book, eventually joined in the chatter.
When the twins learned that Albert and Hermione would have access to the Restricted Section next year, they exchanged a knowing look.
"The Restricted Section hasn't had a student in it for forty-four years," George whispered conspiratorially. "At least now we'll know someone who can get in without being caught."
Leaning closer, he murmured, "Albert, when you're in there, could you copy a few passages on Advanced Metal Transfiguration? Fred and I have… plans."
Albert grinned. "Don't worry. I won't forget. Just remind me when we're back."
They chatted freely after that. Ginny, with an air of mystery, revealed that she suspected Percy of looking for a girlfriend. The twins were immediately delighted, and Albert was certain they would seize the chance to tease him mercilessly.
The train gradually slowed and finally stopped. As they made their way to the platform, Albert and Hermione ran into Harry and Ron. During their goodbyes, Harry slipped Albert a small scrap of paper with numbers written on it.
"Can you call me at the Dursleys' over the summer?" Harry asked. "I c
an't stand spending two whole months with only Dudley for company…"
"No problem," Albert said, pocketing the note. Then he passed through the barrier with them before heading home.
To be contined