Perhaps he had gained a bit of a reputation—or perhaps not.
In any case, Albert was surprised to find that a wizard had actually written back to him.
The man's name was Ad Fuskco. His reply was brief, expressing willingness to correspond and leaving Albert a question: his thoughts on Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration.
The question wasn't difficult; in fact, it was simple enough that Albert suspected Fuskco already knew his age.
But Albert didn't care about that. What mattered was the new task that appeared on his panel:
Extensive Social Circle Befriend five famous wizards in the Wizarding World and maintain correspondence with them to gain unexpected rewards.
Wizards befriended: 1 / 5
Reward: 5000 Experience, Wizarding World Reputation +500
Albert hadn't expected a task to appear like this. Even if he couldn't complete it immediately, he could in the future. He never thought he had too much experience. Feeling cheerful, he began drafting a reply.
After finishing the letter, he sealed it and gave it to Shera. Only after watching the owl fly away did he return to his breakfast—only to find his bread full of holes from Shera's pecking.
Albert shook his head, cleared the plate with a flick of his wand, and picked up another slice.
"You're in a good mood. Did something happen?" Angelina asked curiously.
"Mr. Fuskco wrote back to me," Albert said, omitting any mention of the task panel.
"Mr. Fuskco?"
"I don't know him either. I just replied to his letter," Albert explained casually. "It doesn't take much time."
He didn't add that he doubted they would correspond often. Famous people were busy; they didn't have time to write letters every day. Not everyone was like Tom at home, who spent his days eating, sleeping, and sunbathing.
"Have you heard?" Lee Jordan appeared, looking mysterious.
"No, what?" Albert asked.
"Apparition class!" Lee blurted out.
"Wasn't that mentioned after Christmas?" Albert raised an eyebrow. "Can younger students sign up?"
"Are you thinking of signing up?" Fred asked lazily.
"Yes. Apparition is convenient—I'll need it eventually," Albert nodded. "Don't you want to learn? It'll make travel easier."
"Don't even think about it unless you're seventeen," Lee said grumpily. "They're starting this afternoon. You can watch the older students practice."
"I read Hogwarts' history—you can't Apparate inside the school," Sanna said uncertainly. "Will they practice outside?"
"No, in the Great Hall," Lee said.
"That's impossible," Sanna frowned.
"Nothing's impossible. The Headmaster will probably lift the protective magic temporarily," Albert said. "By the way, does anyone have an owl I can borrow? I want to order some things." He opened a potion book to the page on Developing Potion.
"Don't you have one?" Lee asked.
"Shera's delivering a letter. I want to write to the apothecary in Diagon Alley for ingredients," Albert explained.
He was preparing to complete the magic photo task to unlock Alchemy. He had thought creating the protective bracelet would trigger the skill, but it hadn't. So he decided to pursue Alchemy directly.
"You can borrow mine," Alicia offered.
"What potion are you brewing?" Fred asked. "Not Felix Felicis, is it?"
"Developing Potion," Albert said, pointing to the page. "It makes figures in photos move."
"Sounds good. Can you share some?" Sanna asked. "I'll help."
"If there's any left, sure," Albert agreed.
"Albert, we're going out later. Coming?" Fred asked.
"Where?" Angelina asked. "The Quidditch pitch?"
The Gryffindor team had practice that afternoon. With the championship close, Charlie wasn't slacking.
"I have an appointment," Albert declined.
"Who?" George asked. "You're not going to the Forbidden Forest with us?"
"Forbidden Forest?" Angelina's voice rose. "What for?"
"Adventuring and treasure hunting!" the twins said together.
They planned to search for valuable potion ingredients. After the last incident, they had studied One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi and were eager to hunt for treasures.
Lee Jordan hesitated. The last punishment had been harsh, making him question whether it was worth it. Still, he knew the forest held precious things. The twins wanted Albert along—his luck was uncanny. If Albert went, Lee would follow.
"With Albert, the risk drops," they said.
"It's Professor Bard Broad. I'm going to spar with him in wizard chess," Albert said casually.
"Broad? The International Wizard Chess Champion? You'll lose terribly," George said, and the others looked at Albert with pity.
"Playing strong opponents is more interesting. Even if I lose, it's nothing. Besides, isn't it nice to have a champion as a guide?" Albert said lightly.
"That sounds reasonable," Fred admitted. "But it still sounds like an excuse for losing."
Albert rolled his eyes and ignored them, focusing again on the Developing Potion.
Alchemy.
He was excited.