"Actually, I've always been curious about why you can speak foreign languages so well."
Since the vacation began, apart from doing her summer homework, Nia has spent almost all of her remaining time practicing foreign languages with Albert. Luke and Sansa also joined in this family chat to prepare for the upcoming journey to the East.
"Maybe it's because I have a natural talent in this area." Albert said without blushing or beating his heart.
Nia obviously didn't believe it because Albert could speak a lot of foreign languages.
Even if he is gifted, no one is as gifted as he is.
A language needs to be used frequently to be mastered. The practice during this period has made Nia realize this deeply, but Albert obviously does not have such an opportunity.
“Why not be optimistic about the subcontinent?”
Flipping through the books that Herb brought back from the Far East colony, Nia found a new topic, "The subcontinent also has a large population, and there are still many British people living in the subcontinent."
"There are actually very few real people in the subcontinent," Albert commented simply. "It's very dirty and messy over there, and it's not very friendly to girls. People who are not used to it are prone to getting sick."
"You seem to know a lot about this." Luke asked with a smile, "Did you get this information from a book?"
"I have done some research," Albert said softly. "If I hadn't become a wizard, I would probably consider making some money in the country first, and then go to the United States or the Far East with the money I earned. You have to know that the outbreak of economic crises is regular. It is a disaster, but also an opportunity."
"Okay, I'm not stupid, I understand what you mean." Nia knew that Albert's decision to let their parents go to the Far East colony was obviously related to this matter.
This is an opportunity. No one would complain about having little money.
"By the way, I'm going on a long trip in a couple of days. A friend has invited me to participate in a competition. Maybe I can bring back a trophy." Albert said to everyone with a smile.
Mr. Budd wrote to him yesterday and mentioned the Barnabus Finkley Prize for Excellence in Spellcasting, which is to be held in Spain.
"How long do you plan on staying out here?"
Nia's voice was a little higher, and she was obviously not very happy. Albert had only been at home for a few days during the holiday, but he was ready to go out again, and he didn't even take her with him.
"It won't be long, two or three days at most." Albert comforted him softly, "I will remember to bring you a souvenir."
"I'm not a child. Why would I want souvenirs?" Nia said unhappily. "We're leaving Europe next year. We may be apart for many years. You should spend more time with your family."
"I'm sorry, this is indeed my negligence." Albert has been busy with his own affairs and has indeed neglected his relatives around him.
"If you want to succeed, you have to give something." Luke didn't blame Albert, and said to Sansa, "The pineapple in the kitchen should be soaked."
Sansa got up and went into the kitchen, took the pineapple out of the brine and put it on a plate. She inadvertently caught a glimpse of an owl flying towards her.
"Your owl," Sansa said, opening the kitchen window and speaking to Albert in the living room.
An owl flew in through the window, flew through the open door into the living room, landed on the table in front of Albert, raised its right leg, and an envelope was tied to the owl's leg.
Albert pushed Tom aside, reached out and took the envelope off. He glanced at the wax seal on the letter and said with a smile, "It's from school."
"When are you going to Magic Street to buy things?" Nia asked expectantly, "Can we go with you then?"
"Of course, let's go together then."
Albert went to the kitchen to prepare water and food for the owl. Then he tore open the envelope, pulled out a small stack of parchment, and unfolded it to find his report card:
OLL results
Passing score: Excellent (O)
Good (E)
Pass (A)
Unsatisfactory grade: Poor (P)
Very bad (D)
Range (T)
Albert Anderson's results are as follows:
Ancient Runes: O
Arithmancy: O
Astronomy: O
Care of Magical Creatures: O
Charms: O
Defense Against the Dark Arts: O
Divination: O
Herbalism: O
History of Magic: O
Muggle Studies:
Potions: O
Transfiguration: O
As expected, he got excellent grades in twelve subjects.
After looking at the Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination transcript, Albert found that he was not moved at all. Instead, the "Simple Ordinary Wizarding Level Examination" in the panel task became available for collection.
"What are you looking at?" Nia leaned her head closer.
"Last semester's test report card."
Albert handed the parchment to Nia and opened the other letters in the envelope. Sure enough, there was an additional purchase option for a dress on the list.
"You're actually taking Muggle Studies?"
Nia had read the book "Family Life and Social Habits of British Muggles". It was hard for her to imagine that wizards had such a superficial understanding of ordinary people. Moreover, given Albert's personality, he was able to patiently complete this course.
"It's better to say that all of them are excellent," Albert nodded. "But you are right. Wizards don't understand Muggles at all. Muggle research is indeed stupid and sometimes even embarrassing."
"I feel like wizards are a bit arrogant, and although magic is useful, the magic world is really backward." Nia was deeply impressed by the backwardness of the magic world. "On the contrary, the development speed of the ordinary world is much faster than that of the magic world."
"That's normal, because there are so few wizards, which means the development of the magic world is destined to be slow." Albert stuffed the letter back into the envelope, reached out and touched Tom's head, and prepared to go back to the room to write a letter to Bud and arrange a meeting time for both parties.
"It seems there is another owl." Albert picked up a piece of pineapple and was about to leave the living room when he heard Nia's voice coming from behind him.
When Albert turned his head, he saw a gray owl circling above everyone's heads. It threw a letter in front of Albert and didn't seem to have any intention of flying away immediately.
Albert bent down to pick up the letter and found that the sender was Angelina.
He opened the envelope, took out the letter and began to read:
Dear Albert:
I received an owl letter from the school yesterday. My OWLs results were not very ideal. I only passed seven subjects in the end. I think you must have got "O" in all your OWLs.
There is one thing that has always bothered me. I didn't find the Quidditch team captain's badge in the envelope. I hope you won't laugh at me for this. I have secretly asked Fred, George and Alicia, but none of them received the badge, so I suspect that Professor McGonagall forgot to put the badge in the envelope. I am hesitating whether to write to Professor McGonagall to ask about this.
If you know anything, I hope you can write back and let me know. And congratulations on receiving the Order of Merlin, Third Class.
I plan to go to the Quidditch World Cup this year, and Fred said you'll be going too, so see you then.
Have a great summer!
Angelina Johnson
Albert certainly knew why Angelina didn't receive the captain's badge of the Quidditch team, because there would be no Quidditch competition next semester.
"Come with me."
Albert told Gray Owl that he couldn't let this guy disturb everyone.
After a while, Angelina's gray owl flew away with the note.
Sheila was still standing on the table, looking at the owl that flew away from the window, blinking her lips, as if to say, "The annoying guy is finally gone."
Albert continued to write to Bard, telling him that he was going to Diagon Alley to go shopping tomorrow and that he would meet him there. It would be even better if he could solve all the problems at the same time, as not being able to use magic was a hassle after all.
After writing the letter to Bard, Albert told everyone about going to Diagon Alley for shopping, but what surprised him was that Grandpa Luke was not enthusiastic about going to Diagon Alley, and had no plans to go with Albert. He just said that he would wait outside for them to finish shopping and then take them back.
"Grandpa, why don't you go together?" Nia asked puzzledly.
"I think it's good like this now. After all, we can't become wizards, and we are not in the same world as wizards." Luke stroked Nia's head gently and said, "Since this is the case, let's not have too many intersections, otherwise we will be unable to let go in the future."
"Honey, let's go to the movies then. We haven't been to the movies together for a long time." Sansa suggested with a smile. Although she was also very curious about what the wizarding world was like, she obviously didn't intend to leave Luke behind. Watching a movie was undoubtedly the best choice to kill time.
The next day, Luke dropped Albert and Nia off near the Leaky Cauldron.
"There seems to be nothing over there." Sansa looked at the place where Albert and Nia were heading through the car window in confusion.
"The Leaky Cauldron is right over there, but ordinary people can't see it because it's enchanted." Luke explained calmly, "Okay, let's go watch a movie!"
Albert walked into the Leaky Cauldron holding Nia's hand and found that the bar was more lively than before. Most people were talking about this year's Quidditch World Cup. Tom, the bartender, was a little surprised to see Albert.
Albert ignored Tom's scrutiny and looked around for Isobel. When he didn't find Isobel, he reached into his pocket and took out his pocket watch. He glanced at the time and muttered, "Maybe they are waiting for us at the ice cream shop."
"You made a date with Isobel?" Nia asked.
"She's going shopping with her sister," Albert explained. "It's a good opportunity for you to get to know Katrina first."
Nia pouted in dissatisfaction, obviously preferring to go shopping with Albert. If Isobel was around, she would become an unnecessary light bulb.
Albert didn't notice Nia's change of mood and took her to the backyard of the bar, using his wand to open the entrance to Diagon Alley.
“No matter how many times I see this place, it’s always incredible,” Nia said, looking at the rearranged brick wall.
"Yeah, I also felt it was incredible when I saw it for the first time." Albert took Nia's hand and walked into the brick arcade, saying with a smile, "Welcome to Diagon Alley."
"If possible, I really want to go around and walk around." Nia said, looking at the bustling Diagon Alley.
"Unfortunately, we only have two hours to shop." Albert took Nia's hand and went to Florin's Cold Drink Shop.
Isobel and Katrina were apparently not there yet.
"Oh, look who I see, what a rare visitor." Florin greeted Albert with a smile.
"Two chocolate nut sundaes." Albert pulled a Galleon out of his pocket.
"No, I'll treat you for free. I heard that you won the third-class medal of the Order of Merlin." Florin smiled and handed the two ice creams he had just made to Albert, and asked in a low voice: "Is this beautiful girl your girlfriend?"
"She is my sister," Albert corrected, "but thank you for the ice cream. I will find time to predict for you some other day."
"Oh, it seems that what they said about your predictions is true?" Florin looked at Albert curiously. "Real prophets are rare."
"Yes... He can predict, and it's very accurate." Albert was about to say something when he heard a familiar voice coming from the side.
"I thought we had to wait a while." Albert said to the two sisters with a smile, "What do you want to eat? It's my treat."
"Then I'm welcome, Katrina, what do you want to eat?" Isobel asked her sister with a smile.
"Same as you."
Katrina was secretly looking at Nia who was holding Albert's hand. She was a beautiful girl who was no less beautiful than her sister. It was said that she was Albert's sister, a Muggle who could not use magic.
Nia took a bite of her ice cream and also secretly looked at Katrina.
"Let's go to Madam Malkin's robe shop first," Albert suggested. "We have two hours to shop."
"Why do you suddenly want a custom dress?" Katrina asked.
"The school will hold a Christmas dance this year," Albert explained, and students who plan to attend must prepare formal dresses.
"You're not planning on going home for Christmas this year?" Nia became even more unhappy.
"Don't worry, I have other ways to go back and spend Christmas with you." Albert said with a smile, touching Nia's head.
Katrina pouted as she looked at Albert who doted on her sister.
"What is the reason?"
"The Ministry of Magic is trying to restore the Triwizard Tournament. The other two schools will come to Hogwarts to participate in the competition, so Hogwarts will hold the Christmas Ball." Albert told everyone what he knew. "It is said that the champion will receive a reward of 1,000 Galleons."
"Congratulations, you have another trophy." Katrina congratulated him in advance. She didn't think anyone could be Albert's opponent, this guy was simply a ruthless trophy harvesting machine.
"When the time comes, there is something I want to discuss with you."
"What is it?" Katrina asked.
"Wait until I'm chosen as the Hogwarts Champion. If not, just pretend I didn't say anything." While they were talking, they had already arrived outside Madam Malkin's robe shop.
Isobel frowned and looked at her sister. She probably guessed what Albert wanted to say to Katrina.
They entered the store, which was already occupied. After the four of them entered, the store seemed even more crowded.
A young boy with flaxen hair was trying on a dark green dress. He turned his head to look in the direction of the footsteps and said in a sarcastic tone, "Mom, I smell a strange smell. Maybe we should change stores."
Albert frowned and stared at Malfoy, squinting his eyes to examine the mother and son in front of him, with a hint of deep malice at the corner of his mouth.
Even Nia couldn't help but look at her brother, suddenly feeling a little strange, she looked at the blond boy in front of her, obviously because of the words just now.
Narcissa Malfoy looked at the four people entering the robe shop and said, "Well, let's go to Tofan Clothing Store. We can buy better dresses there."
“Cause and effect is a very magical thing.”
Albert's voice was very soft, but it happened to be heard by Malfoy who was about to leave.
"I thought you would be angry." Katrina glanced at Albert and said.
"That will only make you look uneducated." Albert said calmly to Madam Malkin, "I need to order two new school uniforms."
"You don't want a dress?"
"No, I have a dress," said Albert. "That one is pretty good."
"The one from last time? Isn't it too small?" Isobel knew which dress Albert was talking about.
"No, it's enchanted to automatically adapt to the height and body shape of the wearer," Albert explained softly. This was actually what Bud had told him in the letter. "Your dress is actually the same."
"oh."
Isobel was a little surprised. While Albert was measuring her body, she quietly pulled Katrina aside and talked about the dress.
However, Katrina eventually had a custom gown made.
After measuring their clothing sizes, the group decided to continue shopping.
Nia took Etet shopping, while Katrina wanted to go to the bookstore to buy books.
"I'll go with you. We'll meet at the robe shop." Isobel was worried about her sister shopping alone. "What courses are you going to take next semester?"
"Arithmetic Divination and Ancient Magic Runes, as well as five basic courses." Albert handed a small bag of gold coins to Isobel, "Then I'll leave it to you."
"You're not angry, are you?" Katrina asked in a low voice as she watched Albert leave.
"No." Isobel shook her head.
Katrina whispered, "Don't you think he dotes on his sister too much?"
"His family will be leaving the UK soon, and it's normal for Albert to take some time to spend with his family," Isobel said calmly.
Katrina opened her mouth, not knowing what to say.
After separating from the McDougal sisters, Nia's mood suddenly improved a lot. She grabbed Albert's hand and took him shopping around. Her big eyes were full of curiosity and excitement, and she wanted to take in all the scenery around her.
Albert bought some novelty items for Nia.
When they came out of the pharmacy, Nia's expression looked very abnormal. She asked in a low voice: "Could the wizard's beauty potion also be made from those things?"
"Not necessarily. Usually, potions are just like that. Don't think too much about it." Albert comforted softly.
"Did you feel sick when you drank the potion for the first time?" Nia asked again.
"A little bit, but you'll get used to it." Albert thought for a moment and said, "However, wizards usually don't explore the specific formula of the potion, and they don't care. As long as they can heal themselves, that's enough."
“It’s hard to understand and hard to accept.”
Albert took out his pocket watch, checked the time and asked, "If there is a potion that can make you smarter or prettier, but those potions look a bit disgusting, would you drink it?"
"Probably."
"That's right, you just need to focus on its effect, and don't worry too much about other things." Albert said to Nia, "Let's go get the robes. I think Katrina should have finished shopping."
"Are we going back?" Nia was a little reluctant, as she still had many places she wanted to go.
When the two of them passed a shop selling owls, she whispered, "Can I buy an owl so I can contact you through it in the future?"
"No, at least not now." Albert refused directly, "Besides, don't we have a two-way mirror?"
"That mirror is with my mother. If you can find me another mirror, we won't have to worry about communication problems in the future." Nia pouted and complained.
"I'll take a look then."
"Don't forget."
When the two returned to the robe shop, Isobel and Katrina had already finished shopping.
After finishing shopping, Albert suggested going out to eat something and wait for Grandpa Luke to come and pick them up after watching the movie.
"Do you want to go to the Muggle side to eat?" Katrina hesitated.
"If you only take Muggle Studies, you will never know how Muggles actually live." Albert said with a smile, "I think it's a good idea to start learning about Muggles by learning about their food."
A few of them went to the nearest Charlie's Milk Tea branch, where they ordered some delicious desserts, such as various pies and grilled cheese sticks with explosive calories, fried chicken legs of various flavors, fried chicken nuggets, grilled sausages, and hand-pulled pancakes.
Today's milk tea shops are no longer just milk tea shops, but are beginning to transform into gourmet food shops.
Of course, Albert also got a share of the money earned from Charlie's shop, but it was nominally under Daisy's name.
Katrina took a bite of the delicious grilled cheese stick, squinted her eyes happily and said, "This is delicious."
"This is for you."
Nia handed Katrina her portion of grilled cheese sticks.
"You don't want to eat?" Katrina asked in confusion.
"No, eating too much will make you fat. These things are high in calories." Nia explained in a low voice.
Katrina looked at the cheese stick in her hand and suddenly felt that it was not delicious anymore.
"Don't worry, it's okay to eat occasionally." Albert comforted with a smile.
Not long after the four paid and left the store, Luke drove over to pick up the things Nia and Albert bought.
"Why didn't you leave together?"
Katrina asked Albert, who was still standing next to them, in confusion.
"I have an appointment with someone else." Albert walked towards the Leaky Cauldron, "How are you going to get back?"
"I'll use Apparition to take Katrina back later." Isobel asked casually, "Who are you waiting for?"
"Mr. Budd, he said he would take me to participate in the Barnabus Finkley Excellent Spellcasting Competition." Albert took Isobel's hand and asked, "Do you want to go with us? Just treat it as a vacation."
"Forget it." Isobel shook her head. "Let's go together next time when we go to Egypt to attend the International Alchemy Conference."
Katrina didn't know why she suddenly felt sad for Albert's opponent.
The three of them entered the Leaky Cauldron one after another. Isobel and Katrina returned to Diagon Alley, and Albert soon found Mr. Budd at the counter.
"I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long," Albert said apologetically.
"Have you finished dealing with that?" Bud didn't care about that.
"It's all right now," said Albert.
"Let's go, then." Mr. Bud said hello to Tom and left with Albert, who had just returned to the Leaky Cauldron.