In the early hours of the morning, Albert stirred from a light sleep. The dormitory was pitch black, and he couldn't tell the time, but he could clearly hear the shallow breathing of his roommates.
Quietly, he slipped out of bed to change into his clothes—only to hear a familiar voice in the darkness.
"We thought you'd sleep until morning."
"So, George, you lost." Fred sat on the edge of his bed, grinning at his twin. "I told you Albert would wake up."
"Alright, you win," George muttered, looking dejected.
"Good evening." Albert pulled on his sweater, glanced at the two, and asked, "Together?"
"Of course."
"It's a pity Lee Jordan's really asleep!"
"Should we wake him?"
The twins lit their wands, pointed them at Lee's bed, and watched his steady breathing. Then they shook their heads in unison. "Give up. He can't be woken."
"Then leave him." Albert wrapped the thick towel Nia had given him around his neck and reminded them casually, "It's freezing tonight. Dress warmly or you'll catch a cold."
"We're prepared," the twins replied confidently. They were seasoned night wanderers, far more experienced than Albert.
The three crept downstairs. The Gryffindor common room was deserted, the fire in the hearth long extinguished.
"Should I cast the Disillusionment Charm on you now?" Albert adjusted his winter cloak, raised his wand, and said, "When we go out, stick close. Don't get lost."
"Where are you going?" Fred asked curiously. "The Restricted Section?"
"Yes. I want to borrow some books," Albert admitted, lowering his voice. "The Book of Spells, Powerful Potions, or other advanced texts. I'm especially interested in Felix Felicis. The Restricted Section must have records."
"You plan to brew the luck potion?" the twins asked in unison, exchanging a glance.
"Not yet—it's difficult. But one day, yes. I'm confident in my Potions skill." Albert's panel gave him certainty others lacked. Felix Felicis was too valuable to ignore.
"Planning to make a fortune selling it?" Fred and George grinned. "It'd be popular. Bring us along when you get rich."
"That's not a bad idea. A small sip could sell for twenty Galleons—or more." Albert smirked. "Though with your brewing, you'd only make poison."
"A small sip!"
"Twenty Galleons!"
The twins' voices rose in excitement, ignoring his warning.
"The value of Felix Felicis is enormous, but brewing it is extremely complex. Only a true Potions Master can succeed. Even then, mistakes waste months of work. Failure is catastrophic." Albert reminded them, "It doesn't create real luck—it's more like a powerful buff. Everything goes smoothly, which feels like luck."
With his panel and experience pool, Albert knew he could one day master it.
The twins were fascinated. A potion that brought fortune and wealth was irresistible. They knew poverty too well; riches were always preferable.
"Alright, I'll use the Disillusionment Charm. Who's first?" Albert asked.
"No need. We have a better way."
"A better way?" Albert feigned ignorance, though he suspected what they meant.
"Use this." The twins pulled an old piece of parchment from their pocket, waving it like treasure.
"What's that?" Albert lowered his voice, pretending confusion. He didn't know about the Marauder's Map.
In the dim light, Fred and George couldn't see his expression.
"A map. Remember the drawer of 'Confiscated Materials, Highly Dangerous' we raided from Filch?" Fred whispered.
"Oh, so this is what you found—an old parchment?" Albert raised his wand. Nothing appeared.
"Invisibility magic? Invisible ink?"
"This is a map of Hogwarts. It needs a password. But yes, it hides its contents." George tapped the parchment with his wand and murmured, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."
"Up to no good?" Albert almost laughed, but nodded seriously. "Indeed, up to no good."
The parchment transformed, ink lines crisscrossing to reveal a detailed map of the castle.
"It's remarkable. The creators put great effort into it," Albert whispered. "It uses advanced tracking magic."
"What magic?" George asked.
"Tracking. They marked everyone's location in the castle. Their skill is impressive."
"Exactly. It shows Filch patrolling after midnight, trying to catch you. But you weren't awake then, so he wasted his time," Fred said with a wink.
"So you learned about secret passages from this map?" Albert asked, narrowing his eyes.
"Yes. The Marauder's Map showed us." The twins whispered, "Don't tell Lee Jordan."
"I know." Albert nodded. "But there are secrets in this school you don't know."
"What secrets?" they asked together.
"The broom cupboard you were searching for earlier," Albert said mysteriously.
"You found it?"
"That's not a broom cupboard. Follow me." Albert smiled, his voice low. "You'll be very surprised."