Chapter 246: Coincidence and Necessity 

"You made that bet with Katrine last time, was it for this?" Isabelle's gaze at Albert became increasingly perplexed. She couldn't quite understand what this guy was up to.

"Ah, you actually guessed it!" Albert pretended to be surprised. Of course, this poor act couldn't deceive Isabelle's sharp eyes.

The latter didn't say anything; she just calmly looked at Albert, as if silently saying, "Go on, I'm listening."

"Cough, well. Actually, I'm just pursuing Katrine. It's just that your sister is really stubborn. I don't think she'll easily give up without winning once." Albert made up another reason off the top of his head.

Speaking about pursuing someone's younger sister in front of their older sibling seemed a bit... challenging, to say the least. Well, Albert was genuinely curious about Isabelle's reaction.

Isabelle's expression was quite complex, lacking the anger or any other intense emotional reaction he had expected. She simply said softly, "I don't mind you pursuing Katrine. However, it's a bit too early now. It's too early for Katrine!"

"Why?" Albert blurted out, unable to hold back.

Of course, he wasn't asking why it was too early, but why Isabelle would agree, and seemingly even approve, of him pursuing her sister. That... seemed quite strange. At least, in Albert's eyes, it was very strange.

What does this kid know about love?

If a twelve or thirteen-year-old brat wanted to pursue his sister, Albert would definitely have to sort them out.

"Because Katrine's mindset isn't mature enough yet." Isabelle looked up at Albert and answered the question directly. "Your mindset is already mature enough, but Katrine isn't there yet. That doesn't bode well for you two to start a romantic relationship."

"As for why I agreed?" Isabelle gazed at Albert. Sometimes, she felt that this guy's thinking was so different.

"Why?" Albert was genuinely curious about the reason.

"After all, you are the most outstanding student at Hogwarts, second to none." Isabelle's words directly acknowledged Albert's talent and ability.

In fact, she wasn't wrong. Albert was indeed the most outstanding student in the entire school. After all, no one else had a cheat code like he did.

"Cough, I was just making a joke." Albert's facial expression became a bit stiff, and he awkwardly smiled at Isabelle.

"I know, I could tell." Isabelle nodded, not getting angry over it. She actually found it amusing.

Since you know, why did you say that? Are you implying that you want my permission to pursue my sister?

Albert suddenly had a strange feeling: his values hadn't completely assimilated into this world yet!

He was still carrying the mentality of the previous generation, which was why sometimes he seemed a bit out of place.

"But, giving ten Galleons, you're quite generous!" Isabelle sighed lightly. "Thank you for that. I haven't seen Katrine so happy in a long time."

"Knowledge has always been valuable. In a way, I'm not at a disadvantage!" Albert shook the notebook with the eagle loop riddles he had recorded in his hand. "One day, when I compile the eagle loop riddles I've collected into a book, I can earn even a hundred Galleons, not just ten. I'm sure it'll be a profitable venture."

Isabelle found Albert's unique way of thinking even more intriguing. Although his idea was unconventional, it wasn't wrong. Knowledge was valuable, and indeed, he could do that. Many people simply hadn't thought along those lines.

"Continue, I'll wait here. After we enter the chamber later, I'll tell you about my discovery." Isabelle redirected the conversation and pulled up a chair to sit quietly next to Albert, watching him knock on the door and answer the eagle loop riddles.

To be honest, the remaining riddles weren't difficult, at least not for Albert. It was like practicing problems – the more you do, the faster you become, and the more in tune you get. In less than half an hour, Albert had finished answering the rest of the riddles. After confirming on the task panel that he had completed the "Greedy Marauder" quest, his mood instantly became even better. However, Albert wasn't in a rush to claim the task reward. He pushed open the door of the chamber and entered with Isabelle, who had been waiting patiently.

"What secret did you discover?" Albert walked to the wall and brushed his hand over the ancient magical script on the wall. He couldn't help but ask.

"What about you? What have you discovered?" Isabelle didn't immediately answer; instead, she asked aloud.

"You go first, then I'll share." Albert motioned for her to speak.

"Alright. You know about the eagle loop riddles of Ravenclaw, right?" Isabelle walked over to Albert's side, gazing at the ancient magical script on the wall, and softly said, "We need to answer the eagle loop riddles to enter."

Albert raised an eyebrow, but he still listened quietly as Isabelle continued.

"Just like the first threshold outside," Isabelle turned her head to face Albert and continued, "If you answer incorrectly, you have to wait for someone else

"Ancient magical script. Perhaps, Ravenclaw wants us to master the correct usage of the ancient magical script." Albert's fingers brushed over the wall's inscriptions as he muttered to himself, "It is said that Rune script is a magical script, but this obviously goes beyond our understanding of Rune script."

The chamber fell into an eerie silence.

"Is Professor Smith's purpose for coming to Hogwarts really to find Ravenclaw's chamber?" Albert broke the silence again, voicing his doubts to Isabelle.

"Why would you think that?" Isabelle was a bit surprised, studying Albert from head to toe.

"I don't know, call it intuition. While Professor Smith has shown enough curiosity about Ravenclaw's chamber, I feel like he's not risking teaching at Hogwarts just for this... There might be other reasons." Albert frowned and explained, "I believe there's something more to it than this."

"Do you think I know something behind the scenes?"

"Yes, I think you probably know quite a bit."

"Do you want to know?" Isabelle didn't deny it; she answered with a question, as she indeed knew some things.

"Yes." Albert nodded.

"Fine, telling you won't hurt, anyway, it's related to you too."

"Related to me?"

"More accurately, it's related to an inheritance issue within the Smith family, or maybe not just the Smith family, but it's a matter of inheritance." Isabelle spoke about this matter as if it weren't very pleasant.

"I think you might be mistaken. I'm a Muggle-born wizard from a Muggle family," Albert kindly reminded her.

"Muggle-born wizard? No, I don't believe you're just a pure Muggle-born wizard." Isabelle directly shook her head and denied that, quite certain in her judgment. "Professor Bode and Uncle Moeg help you not just because you're a genius."

"Why would you say that..." Albert was quite surprised. Although he also found it a bit odd, Professor Bode definitely seemed to have intentions of nurturing him.

"Because I've been in a similar situation. In a way, you're a mirror image of me. Don't misunderstand; I mean this in a certain context," Isabelle's expression became even more melancholic, as she talked about some childhood memories with Albert. "After my father passed away, Professor Bode, Uncle Moeg, and some of my father's friends took good care of me and my family. Thanks to their help, Katrine and I had a relatively pleasant childhood."

"Considered a genius from a very young age." The girl's tone carried a hint of sarcasm. She continued, "They weren't as enthusiastic before I was seen as a genius."

"Do you dislike them?"

"No, not really. I'm actually grateful to them. Thanks to their help, I had a happy childhood. However, later on, my situation became similar to yours now. They seem to be doing everything they can to foster me, as if they're raising an... heir."

"An heir?"

"Yes, an heir." Isabelle didn't deny it, nodding and continuing, "At first, I didn't pay too much attention to these things; I just found them a bit strange. Later, I read through my father's old diaries..."

"From what I know, my father and Professor Rowena Smith had similar experiences." Isabelle turned her head away, not allowing Albert to meet her gaze. "Now you're facing the same situation. What do you think the reason might be?"

"My situation is similar to yours?" Albert responded without hesitation, "Because I'm also a genius?"

"Not only that. Although you are indeed a genius, it's definitely not just because of that." Isabelle shook her head. "They are still exerting extra effort to help you achieve even greater accomplishments."

"So, you must have some bloodline connection to the Smith family?"

"I'm a Muggle-born wizard." Albert reminded her with a semi-smile.

"I know, but that doesn't mean your family must be Muggles. They could be Squibs or wizards living in the Muggle world. It must trace back to a certain generation, likely connected to that family. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been chosen."

Damn, she guessed it right!

Albert could feel his heart beating a bit faster.

This guy is really something!

"Oh!" Albert pretended he knew nothing and gave an ambiguous response, shaking his head. "What else?"

"There's no love without a reason in this world," Isabelle reminded.

"That's true. By the way, it seems like you know quite a lot," Albert assessed Isabelle again, deeply furrowing his brows. "But I don't think they would tell you these things. That means everything you said is your own speculation, or perhaps you learned it from somewhere else. But I think the former is more likely. How did you figure all this out? I'm not thinking about that for now, but why did you tell me? Just like you said, there's no love without a reason. Are you planning to use me? Or do you want me to help you with something?"

Isabelle fell into a brief silence at his words, seemingly contemplating whether to reveal more to Albert.

Taking advantage of this moment, Albert quickly glanced at the newly released tasks. Though he had already guessed some things, he still wondered what exactly was the deal with this "heir."

"Ancient secrets.

You seem to have become entangled in something, involving an ancient family. You, as an inexplicable contender for the position of heir, need to figure out what's going on.

Reward: 2000 experience points, +10 favor with Isabelle MacDougall.

Albert stared at the task panel, feeling a bit surprised. He hadn't expected that his favorability could actually increase?

"Tell me what you know, and if you need me to do something," Albert motioned to the girl.

"I don't know much, actually. I only know it's about securing a spot as an heir, or more precisely, competing for a certain family name. But I'm not sure about the specifics because it's all very secretive. Not many people know about these things," Isabelle said.

"Heir, family name?" Albert raised an eyebrow slightly. He naturally knew he had a connection to the Smith family, but he hadn't expected to be wrapped up in something like this.

"Does every Smith have this opportunity? Or perhaps, every person with that bloodline?" Albert inquired.

"Probably not. I feel like the spots are selected. As far as I know, my sister Katrine wasn't chosen," Isabelle shook her head.

"Isn't that unfortunate for her?" Albert made a wry smile and curiously asked, "How did you confirm this?"

"She hasn't had much contact with Professor Bode and Uncle Moeg, let alone being introduced to other well-known wizards," Isabelle continued, "Our situations are similar. Of course, I won't deny that you're more of a genius in certain aspects."

"Do you care about this matter?" Albert asked in return.

"Not really," Isabelle replied truthfully, indicating that she wasn't particularly interested in becoming that so-called heir.

"Was your father also once a contender for heir?" Albert recalled Professor Smith's Boggart, feeling a bit uneasy.

"Well, I think so," Isabelle muttered softly.

"Do you think I'm one of them too? And are you looking for allies?" Albert guessed the answer and found it quite likely. "On another note, what do I gain from all this?"

"You should be able to inherit a significant sum of Galleons," Isabelle replied without hesitation. "Ancient families usually have a lot of money."

"Do you think I look like someone who's short on Galleons? Even if I were, do you believe I couldn't earn them myself? Why would I want to compete for such a ridiculous inheritance?" Albert was a bit impatient and interrupted, "To be honest, I'm quite averse to getting involved in family disputes, especially when I have no connection to the Smith family. And even if there were, do you plan to hand the inheritance over to me?"

Isabelle fell into a brief silence, then nodded at Albert.

"Frankly, I'm quite averse to this matter too," Isabelle didn't hide her disgust, continuing, "My sister and mother are more important than these damned inheritance rights."

"Why don't you just give it up, then?" Albert retorted.

"Don't you find that statement amusing?" Isabelle's expression became even stranger, "Do you expect me to go directly to Uncle Moeg and discuss this matter? How do you think he would react? It's wiser to act as if I know nothing. That's the best course of action."

"Fine, you're right." Albert nodded, admitting that.

"However, you said the inheritance rights are related to Ravenclaw's chamber?"

"I'm not sure," Isabelle shook her head. "I'm still trying to find a way to solve it, but I'm still stuck here. Tell me about your findings!"

"Well, do you think I was lying just now?" Albert shot back.

"At the very least, you didn't tell the whole truth," Isabelle stated.

"Fine, by your previous logic, Ravenclaw prefers to have people learn voluntarily, much like the riddle of the eagle. Though some people might figure out the answer through their wit, it's still a minority. Most people need to learn." Albert's finger traced over the inscription on the wall that read, "Exceptional cleverness is humanity's greatest treasure."

"To pass through here and obtain the treasure Ravenclaw left behind in her chamber, one needs to master what Ravenclaw wants us to learn here... ancient magical script!"

"So, you weren't lying, just omitting some secrets."

"Not omitting, you simply didn't notice, or noticed but were unwilling to admit. As you're studying ancient magical script, you've probably realized too that ancient magical script is merely an ancient form of writing," Albert reached out and brushed the words on the wall, "But to truly understand how to use them, that's what we need to master to pass Ravenclaw's set challenge and proceed to the next stage. And when we genuinely grasp it here, it means we've obtained the treasure left behind by Ravenclaw. Very Ravenclaw, isn't it?"

"Knowledge is sometimes a form of wealth," Isabelle suddenly laughed, her laughter filled with genuine delight.

"Yes, that's very Ravenclaw, and it's also in line with the idea that exceptional cleverness is humanity's greatest treasure," she softly added, "Are you planning to tell Professor Smith about this?""Why not? But I doubt he can open the hidden chamber. Maybe he can seek help from Headmaster Dumbledore, but what good would that do? Even if he manages to open it, he'll just enter the next chamber and still end up empty-handed," Albert shrugged, "Of course, maybe inside the chamber, we could find some of Ravenclaw's legacy, like the vanished diadem."

"Ravenclaw's diadem? I don't think you're placing your wisdom in that thing, are you?"

"I was just mentioning it casually! By the way, Professor Smith seems a bit unfortunate. The treasure he expected in the chamber turned out to be like this."

Albert made a face, not really caring about this matter. Is Professor Smith really that pitiable?

Who knows?

"You might be the next person to open the chamber," Isabelle leaned against the wall and couldn't help but exclaim. After all, Albert's proficiency in ancient magical scripts far exceeded theirs. While she had made good progress, she was still a beginner.

The two chatted about trivial matters for a while longer, and Isabelle suddenly said, "It's ten o'clock. Professor Smith should be arriving soon."

"He's coming here?" Albert furrowed his brows and asked.

"Yes, we arranged it yesterday. You should stay as well. Consider it an opportunity to study ancient magical scripts," Isabelle's mood seemed quite good. "When he arrives, you can tell him your previous speculations!"

"Alright."

About ten minutes later, there was movement outside the chamber, and the door was opened from the outside. Professor Smith walked in, his gaze falling on Albert. He seemed somewhat surprised to see him here.

"You're here too, that's perfect..." Professor Smith greeted Albert with a smile.

"Professor Smith, Isabelle and I were just discussing..." Albert hurriedly interrupted and immediately told Professor Smith about his and Isabelle's speculations.

After a long silence, Professor Smith let out a deep sigh, his face filled with bitterness. "What you've said is highly possible. It explains why this chamber is in this state."

Perhaps he shouldn't have told him. Often, the truth was more cruel than lies.

Professor Smith took a few deep breaths, suppressing his emotions. He then reached out and patted Albert's shoulder. "Among us, you're the only one who might open the chamber. I hope you can put in extra effort. Once you've officially opened it, just let me know. After all the effort I've put in, I don't want to end up still in the dark. That would be too cruel."

Having said that, Professor Smith turned and left, his departing figure seeming desolate, as if he had aged several years in an instant.

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