"That person just now… do you know her?" George mumbled softly, watching Field's departing figure.
"A friend from the Transfiguration Club," Albert replied without looking up. "Field is very talented at Transfiguration. It's said she's published articles in Transfiguration Today. After graduation, she'll probably continue in that field."
Indeed, students chosen by Professor McGonagall for the Transfiguration Club often published in Transfiguration Today. A few pages of the magazine were reserved for Hogwarts students particularly skilled in the subject.
"Do you know what kind of jobs people good at Transfiguration usually take? Like becoming a professor?" Lee Jordan asked suddenly.
"I don't know."
"Actually, after graduation, girls usually don't work for long—they take care of their families," Fred whispered. "That's the norm. Of course, there are exceptions."
"Is that so?" Albert blinked. He wasn't very familiar with the customs of the Wizarding World. But he did know that in Britain, being a full-time mother was considered a profession, with a status far higher than in his previous life.
"Yes," George agreed, nodding. His own family was an example.
"My family is like that too," Sanna whispered. "What about yours?"
"They're both lawyers," Albert replied.
"Who takes care of you?" Sanna asked curiously. She had just finished her homework.
Whenever they had assignments requiring research, they habitually went to the library together, shared information, and then wrote their essays individually. This tradition, started by Albert, saved time and effort, and everyone enjoyed the cooperative atmosphere.
"I can take care of myself," Albert said matter-of-factly.
The others looked at him in surprise, then remembered his usual independence. He didn't seem like someone who needed looking after.
"You…" Sanna paused, then changed the subject, pointing to a symbol for good luck on his parchment. "Is this really useful? You didn't just draw it randomly, did you?"
"This is the rune gibu auja, meaning good luck," Albert explained softly. "Ancient wizards carved it into amulets or 'luck stones' to bring fortune."
"I think you're lucky enough," Sanna muttered.
"I think so too," Fred grumbled.
"Is this really useful?" Sanna pressed. She had noticed that the older student earlier seemed interested in the symbols and recognized them.
"I'm not sure. Why don't you try it yourself?" Albert suggested.
"How?" Sanna asked.
"Carve the symbol onto a stone or tree. Then drip your own blood onto it to activate it," Albert said with a wink. "If it works, tell me. Then I'll sell amulets at Hogwarts and make a fortune."
"Include me," George said immediately.
The others rolled their eyes. They knew Albert was joking. Whether the symbols worked was unknown.
"You haven't even tried it yourself?" Fred asked incredulously.
"I'm still researching," Albert admitted.
"So you're going to put the symbol on an amulet?" George remembered the cross Albert had made earlier.
"No, I'll design a new one." Albert shook his head. He knew they doubted him, but he didn't mind. Without his intuition, he wouldn't believe it either.
Though Albert had mastered reading and writing Ancient Runes, applying them and unlocking their mysteries required further exploration. For now, he recorded his research on parchment, giving himself the feeling of studying magic.
Later, he could turn these notes into a book: The Manuscripts of a Wizard Researching Runes. Perhaps one day, a Hogwarts student would decipher his riddles and find a "treasure" hidden in the castle.
Maybe he could even compile a textbook for Ancient Runes.
The idea seemed good.
Just then, his system panel flashed with a new notification:
Rune Expert You are already ahead of most in the field of Runes. To prove your authority, compile a book on Ancient Runes and make it a textbook for Hogwarts' Ancient Runes class. Reward: 10,000 experience, 1 skill point, Title: Rune Expert, Wizarding World Reputation +300.
Albert was stunned. Had simply thinking about becoming an expert triggered the task? He tested the theory, but no other tasks appeared, which disappointed him slightly.
Still, the appearance of the task meant it was possible. Even if he couldn't complete it now, perhaps he could in the future. Maybe he really would write a book on Runes.
"What are you thinking about? Come on," Fred called, noticing Albert lagging behind.
"Nothing. I was just thinking I should rest early today," Albert said. "After all, if I have to get up early tonight…"
He stopped abruptly. Fred had quietly gestured, and before Albert could follow his gaze, a harsh voice interrupted:
"Get up early tonight? Why would you get up early tonight?"
Filch stood nearby, glaring. He had clearly overheard Albert's words and taken them as provocation. He stalked forward, eyes fixed on Albert. "You'd better not let me catch you wandering at night…"
"Cough, cough…" Albert looked helplessly at his friends, rolling his eyes.
"How could it be such a coincidence?" he muttered after Filch left.
"Filch must have thought you were teasing him," Fred said, trying not to laugh. It really was bad luck—just as they turned the corner, Filch had appeared.
"You know this was just an accident," Albert said innocently.
"Of course we know," the three replied in unison.