In MacDougall's original plan, the book he was writing consisted of three parts, and the parchment he had just taken out was the draft for the second.
Albert pulled out a few sheets from the stack and began reading carefully, occasionally using his quill to revise linguistic flaws and sometimes discussing potential issues with the two professors.
Isabelle was undoubtedly the most frustrated person in the room. She couldn't understand a word, let alone join the conversation. All she could do was help organize materials or flip through parchments, trying in vain to decipher their meaning.
"How on earth did he learn Ancient Runes?" Isabelle muttered softly.
"He's better at reading and comprehension than Morg," Professor Broad nodded. "At his current level, in a few years he might surpass ninety-nine percent of wizards. Once he's an adult, I'll recommend him to publish a book on Ancient Runes."
Isabelle opened her mouth, then swallowed her words.
"You shouldn't compare yourself to him. Sometimes geniuses appear—it's truly unbelievable," MacDougall agreed. "Wouldn't you say so, Mr. Albert?"
"Writing a book? I'll consider it after I graduate. I haven't thought about it yet." Though Albert said this lightly, he was already considering a quick-start guide. Ancient Runes for Beginners existed, but to him it was far from simple. He could easily use the knowledge gained from his skill upgrades to create a practical version, much like Miranda Goshawk's Standard Book of Spells.
Isabelle's facial muscles twitched. She wanted to accuse him of boasting, but given his proficiency, he might actually be able to do it.
They worked until afternoon, eating lunch in the office courtesy of a house-elf. Afterward, they sat on the sofa, continuing to discuss the manuscript.
Albert now understood MacDougall's idea: first create a book difficult for most to understand, then compile explanatory volumes to help readers interpret it.
Isabelle had already slipped away after lunch. It was impressive she had lasted that long. The three men spoke only in Ancient Runes, leaving her completely bewildered.
"Isabelle left?" Broad remarked. "She lasted longer than I expected."
Albert didn't respond, continuing to help MacDougall identify problems.
"If she wants to understand or participate, she'll need to improve her Ancient Runes," MacDougall said softly. "She needs a push."
"A push?" Albert's mouth twitched. He changed the subject. "I still can't grasp the threshold. Something's missing, but I don't know what."
"Don't worry. Once we finish this book, you'll master its secrets," MacDougall promised.
"I hope so," Albert sighed, checking his pocket watch. It was nearly three-thirty. "I'm leaving now. I have Apparition Class."
"You're wasting your time," Broad shook his head. "Apparition is too early for you."
"Listen more, learn more—it will always be useful," Albert replied.
As he was about to leave, MacDougall called out.
"What is it, Mr. MacDougall?" Albert asked.
MacDougall slipped a small black notebook into his hand. "I believe this will help you."
"Thank you." Albert pocketed it and left.
"You think highly of him too," Broad said with a smile. "Isn't he more suitable than you expected?"
"He's an unexpected surprise. Talented, good-natured," MacDougall nodded. "But it's too early to say more. Other matters can wait until he's grown."
Albert was unaware of their words. By the time he reached the Great Hall, Twycross was waving his wand, conjuring old-fashioned wooden hoops for each student.
Albert leaned quietly against a corner, listening attentively.
"The most important thing in Apparition are the three D's," Twycross repeated: Destination, Determination, Deliberation. He always emphasized them before practice.
"Focus on your destination…"
"Determine to occupy the space you envision," Albert murmured. "Enter the void state. Movement must be deliberate."
He longed to try it himself. Even if he splinched, it didn't matter. At worst, McGonagall would scold him and deduct points. If he could master Apparition, it would be worth it.
Students stared at their hoops, following Twycross's instructions.
"One, two, three."
"Pop" sounds echoed through the hall.
Only a few succeeded, landing inaccurately and losing bits of themselves—nails, strands of hair. More spun in place and collapsed, drawing laughter.
One unlucky Hufflepuff was splinched, his lower half appearing a few feet away. The Heads of House rushed over, and with a bang and purple smoke, his body was reattached.
As attention focused on the boy, Albert attempted Apparition. His target was an empty spot a few meters away.
He concentrated, imagining himself there, entering the void state.
No pop. He remained in place. He knew he had failed.
But he didn't mind. Failure was normal; no one succeeded on the first try. Without the panel's help, he hadn't expected success.
He checked his skill list—still no Apparition. Frustration flickered, though he had anticipated it.
"Right, this might work!" Albert thought suddenly. If he could experience Apparition once, perhaps the skill would appear.
"It's worth a try. I just don't know who would help me," he muttered.
Determined, Albert turned and walked toward the Defense Against the Dark Arts office.