After breakfast, Albert and his friends lingered in the Great Hall. Fred, George, and Lee Jordan announced plans to head to the library.
"I didn't know when you two became so diligent," Percy remarked, raising an eyebrow at his brothers.
"We've always been diligent," Fred protested.
"We're going to look up some things. Albert, want to come?" George asked hopefully.
"Have you forgotten? Albert has an appointment with Professor Broad," Lee Jordan scoffed, rolling his eyes. "And you two scoundrels dare say my memory is bad."
"We were wrong," the twins admitted in unison.
"Hmph, good that you know," Lee said smugly, before resuming his bickering with them.
"There's Quidditch practice this afternoon, don't forget," Angelina reminded the twins, then turned to Albert. "What about you?"
"I'm afraid not," Albert shook his head.
"What are you going to Professor Broad for?" Alicia asked curiously. She knew Albert had been visiting Broad regularly but didn't know why.
"Hmm, it's a secret," Albert said with a wink.
"Are you close with Professor Broad?" Percy asked, surprised. "He's quite an extraordinary person."
"Not really," Albert replied, checking his pocket watch. "Alright, I have to go."
"This guy is always so mysterious," Angelina muttered. "He's skipped Quidditch practice several times, and Charlie isn't happy. Ever since Albert caught the golden snitch, Charlie's considered him the next Seeker."
"Designated?" Sanna asked, confused.
"Charlie's graduating soon. Wood will be the next captain. Charlie wanted Albert to stay as Seeker, but Albert isn't keen on Quidditch," Angelina explained, secretly envying his luck.
"He has plenty going on—don't forget the Transfiguration Club," Sanna reminded.
Just then, an older student approached. "Where's Anderson? Has anyone seen him?"
"Baker, what do you need him for?" Percy asked respectfully.
"I heard he was eating here," Baker said helplessly. "He hasn't been to the Transfiguration Club in a while, and I came to ask what's going on."
"Albert just left. Professor Broad needed him," Sanna explained.
"Professor Broad?" Baker frowned. "Please remind him not to forget his Transfiguration Club essay. That's all."
"Who was that?" Angelina asked.
"You don't know Baker? He's Gryffindor's student body president. He's published in Transfiguration Today and even won the Most Promising Newcomer Award," Percy explained.
Baker was Percy's benchmark, just like his brother Bill—but even more dazzling.
"I feel like I'm seeing Albert a few years from now," Alicia said suddenly.
"I agree," Sanna nodded.
Meanwhile, Albert stood at the Defense Against the Dark Arts office door. To his surprise, Isabelle from Ravenclaw was there.
"An essay?" Albert pulled out his notebook, finding no record.
"You were absent the week before last," Isabelle reminded him.
"Oh. When's it due?"
"Tonight's Transfiguration Club."
"No time!" Albert sighed. If he'd known earlier, he could have prepared.
"If you start now…" Isabelle eyed him suspiciously. "By the way, are you here to see Professor Broad?"
"Yes, a little something," Albert said, knocking on the door.
"You're earlier than I expected," Broad greeted with a smile. Isabelle paused, glancing at Albert curiously.
"Isabelle, come in too!"
The office was a mess. Books and parchment covered desks and walls—the results of recent research.
"What is going on?" Isabelle gasped. In her memory, Broad's office was warm and orderly. Now it looked like a research fanatic's den.
"Nothing. Please take these books to Madam Pince, and borrow the ones on this list," Broad said, handing her a parchment.
Then he gave Albert another scroll. "This is from Morg. He'll be here soon. Take a look."
"Is this finished?" Albert asked, scanning it.
"No, only a third complete," Broad replied. "What would you like to drink?"
"Milk tea. I just had breakfast," Albert said, settling on the sofa and reading. "It's faster than I expected."
Isabelle, about to leave, was stunned. "Uncle Morg is coming to school?" She remembered him as perpetually busy.
"Morg is writing a book. Albert and I are assisting," Broad explained casually. "You can help too. You've started Ancient Runes—this will improve your skills."
"Oh?" Isabelle gave Albert a long look, then left with the books.
"How is it?" Broad asked.
"I can't understand much," Albert admitted after flipping through pages. "This isn't written for ordinary readers. Without deep Ancient Runes knowledge, even knowing the words doesn't help."
Albert himself was a contributor, yet still struggled. His level had improved, but comprehension was difficult.
"What's the purpose of such a book?" he wondered.
Broad smiled knowingly. "I don't fully understand it either. Morg says it's meant to elevate the entire standard of Ancient Runes. Ordinary people may not grasp it—but someone will."