Chapter 102
The next day, the students began heading to their first classes of the new school year.
Albert, Ron, and Harry were on their way to their first class on the first floor with Professor Trelawney, who taught Divination and Seer Studies.
Before Albert could climb the stairs leading to the upper floor, Professor McGonagall stopped them and wanted to tell him something.
Albert said, "Ron, Harry, go ahead to the classroom. Professor McGonagall wants to speak with me. I'll catch up with you."
Ron replied, "Alright, Albert," and then he and Harry continued up the stairs.
Albert descended slightly to speak with McGonagall and asked, "What's the matter, Professor?"
Professor McGonagall put her hand inside her pocket and pulled out a fairly large key, yellow in color, which she handed to Albert. She said, "This key is for the Restricted Section of the library located on the lower floor. The Headmaster has told you and Hermione not to touch any books marked 'Danger.' When you go to the Restricted Section, go with your partner, Hermione."
Albert eagerly took the key and told her he would follow her instructions.
As McGonagall was about to leave, Albert spoke again, "The Headmaster, Dumbledore, told us that the Restricted Section hasn't been opened in 45 years. Why has it only been opened this year for us?"
McGonagall was surprised, as she hadn't expected the Headmaster to reveal that. She said, "I don't know why he allowed you to access it for three months. If you want an answer, ask the Headmaster yourself."
Although Albert didn't get an answer, he felt extremely happy, as he knew his power could grow by exploring the Restricted Section.
As you know, Albert had learned from Hermione over the holiday, via letters delivered by owls, that he and Hermione had achieved the highest results in the annual exams from the previous year—results higher than anyone in Hogwarts history.
The previous highest score had been by Professor Filch in 1948, when he was in his final year, scoring 99/100. Since then, no one had surpassed that—until Albert, who scored a perfect 100/100, and Hermione, who scored the same as Professor Filch, 99/100.
Albert said, "I don't know if Professor Filch accessed the Restricted Section because of his exceptional score back then. I think I should ask him personally!"
What excited Albert most, beyond the powerful spells in his family library, was the school's age.
Hogwarts had been established a thousand years ago, an age that alone would make any student dream of setting foot in the library, even to see a single spell.
A thousand years ago, the four founders—Gryffindor, Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Hufflepuff—had come together to create the strongest, most advanced school in the world.
At that time, many powerful and advanced spells had been created. Just the name, the "Restricted Section," was enough to excite anyone.
Albert put the key in his pocket and climbed the stairs to the upper floor.
Albert thought to himself, "This could make me stronger than I already am. If I can find just one or two powerful spells, I'm certain I'll become incredibly strong." He smiled, feeling good even though he hadn't yet reached the Restricted Section.
Albert finally arrived at Professor Trelawney's Divination class. The professor looked a bit unhinged, with wild, frizzy hair sticking straight up as if struck by lightning, wearing glasses, and acting very strangely.
Albert realized he was late, as everyone else from his year in Gryffindor had already taken their seats.
The surprise, which Albert had anticipated, was that Hermione appeared suddenly at her seat beside Harry and Ron.
Albert knew that Hermione now had the Time-Turner, as in the original story, which McGonagall had given her. She used it to go back in time and have more study time.
Ron was shocked by Hermione's sudden appearance next to him and said, "Where have you been? Why did you appear suddenly in front of me?"
Hermione put her bag down and said, "I've been here for a while. I bet you were the one who didn't see me."
Albert witnessed Hermione's sudden appearance in front of Ron at the table.
He apologized to Professor Trelawney for being late, explaining that McGonagall had contacted him about something, which caused the delay.
Professor Trelawney understood and told Albert to sit at the second table between Neville and Seamus.
Albert went to the table and sat in the middle, with Seamus and Neville on either side.
Suddenly, without warning, Professor Trelawney raised her hands and spoke seriously:
Trelawney: "Do you… see those small cups on the table?"
Some students replied, "Yes!"
Trelawney: "And the yellow pitcher in front of the cups?"
Again, some students said, "Yes!"
Trelawney smiled, lowered her hands, and said, "Then… take the pitcher, pour some tea into each cup, and drink it all. Today's l
esson lies in what appears at the bottom of the cup…"
To be continued…