Treasure Trove

"Good afternoon, Professor Broad."

Albert knocked lightly on the door of the Defence Against the Dark Arts office. After receiving permission, he pushed the door open and entered. His gaze fell on Professor Broad, who was sitting on the sofa reading a book. He didn't forget to thank him for what happened last night, "Last night, thanks to Professor Broad, thank you for saving the three of us."

"You're welcome." Professor Broad smiled at Albert. "I think even if I hadn't gone, you would have found a way to get them both out of the Forbidden Forest!"

Albert didn't answer. He did have a way to get the Weasley Twins out of the Forbidden Forest, but he wouldn't admit that he was capable of doing so.

After all, he's only a freshman now, so it's impossible for him to use Apparition.

"Have a seat, what would you like to drink?" Professor Broad said with a sigh, pointing to the books on the table. "Morg has already had the books printed. His efficiency is as high as ever. Look at the fruits of your labor these past few days!"

"You mean Mr. McDougal has already published a book?" Albert sat down opposite Professor Broad, picked up the book on the table, and gently ran his fingers over the gold-embossed letters on the cover: "Advanced Runes Studies".

It is indeed a high-level study of Runes, and the title is straightforward and direct.

"There's a surprise on the first page!" Professor Broad winked mysteriously at Albert.

"A surprise?" Albert looked at Professor Broad suspiciously, puzzled, and turned to the first page of the book.

The text above reads:

Dedicated to the youngest Runes Master, in gratitude for his help in completing the writing of Advanced Runes Studies. — Morg McDougal

Albert was stunned. Of course, he knew who the Runes Master" in that sentence referred to, but when had he ever been... Runes Master? "Actually, Morg considered printing your name on it as well. However, he later felt that with your abilities, you didn't need to rely on him to become famous, and besides, it was a bit too early for you to become famous now."Professor Broad closed the book, looked at Albert opposite him, and continued, "This book was a gift from him to you."

"I remember that ' Advanced Runes Studies ' wasn't finished yet, was it? Oh, I see." Albert turned to the last page, looked at the contents, and understood what was going on. Mr. McDougal had divided the book into three parts.

"In a while, this book will be available for sale in bookstores, but I don't think many people will buy it," Professor Broad said with a smile. "Morg even made a bet with me about it, saying that he could sell a hundred copies."

Albert glanced at the price of the book: 5 Galleon.

The price of a book isn't actually that expensive, but the question is how many people will actually study this stuff?

I can't even understand it, let alone buy it.

Moreover, the population of Britain wizards is a major problem. If it can't be translated into other languages, selling even a hundred copies would be a testament to Mr. McDougal's skill.

"Oh, right, I have something for you." Professor Broad placed a glass bottle in front of Albert. "It's the venom of Acromantula. When I was tracking your trail, I found an Acromantula you had killed, and I took the opportunity to collect some of its venom."

"For me?" Albert noticed that the venom of the Acromantula had been specially treated, and Freezing Charm had been cast on the glass bottle.

"Yes, this is your spoils."

Speaking of this, Professor Broad was quite emotional, "I just didn't expect there to be so many Acromantula in the Forbidden Forest, and I certainly didn't expect you to defeat them."

Actually, the vial of poison in front of Albert was obtained from the first Acromantula he had defeated; the unfortunate creature was eventually killed by Albert using a series of spells.

Professor Broad later discovered a bunch of Acromantula in the Forbidden Forest, so he stopped collecting venom, which was related to his rush to find someone.

"Professor, could you..." Albert hesitated for a moment, but still said, "...help me get rid of it. I don't have any use for this thing."

"I knew you'd say that!" Professor Broad nodded in satisfaction. "It's a wise choice. The venom of the Acromantula is difficult to preserve, and this liquid is very precious. This bottle... is probably worth 50 Galleon. Of course, it might be worth more on the black market."

"Then I'll have to trouble you!" Albert said. He knew very well that there was no real use for him holding this thing; it would be more practical to exchange it for Galleon.

If you ever need the venom of the Acromantula, just take a stroll through the Forbidden Forest, and you'll have it.

After all, it's Acromantula breeding farm! "Here you go." Professor Broad handed Albert the pre-prepared Galleon. Actually, it wasn't hard to guess Albert's choice from the start.

"Thank you, Professor!" Albert expressed his gratitude.

"You're welcome." Professor Broad was increasingly pleased with Albert, and he continued, "There's one more thing."

"What is it?"

"You still have that map of Gryffindor's Secret Treasure, don't you?" Professor Broad bluntly exposed Albert's lie.

The latter's expression froze; he neither admitted nor denied it, but simply listened quietly as Professor Broad continued.

"Don't try to enter the Forbidden Forest again; it's still very dangerous for you," Professor Broad warned.

"Are there really such things as Secret Treasure?" Albert asked curiously.

"Legend has it that the Four Founders left behind their own legacy at Hogwarts, a gift for Hogwarts students," Professor Broad said, recounting what he knew. "However, the so-called Secret Treasure Secret Treasure is just a legend. No one knows where it is, and no one has found Secret Treasure. Of course, if it were so easily known, it wouldn't be called Secret Treasure."

Albert fell silent, feeling that Professor Broad might know something.

Every Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor who comes to Hogwarts to teach has their own purpose. Could it be that Professor Broad is here to find the so-called Secret Treasure?

Ravenclaw's Secret Treasure? Wait... a secret... treasure... Ravenclaw... the Room of Requirement...

It is said that the Room of Requirement was designed by Ravenclaw.

Perhaps Ravenclaw's Secret Treasure is hidden there!

Professor Broad probably already knew... Albert felt he might have guessed the so-called truth.

You can give it a try if you have the chance.

"What are you thinking about?" Professor Broad interrupted Albert's thoughts.

"I'm wondering where the Acromantula in the Forbidden Forest came from. There are so many of them, it's no joke. Could someone really be raising Acromantula?" Albert said casually.

"It's probably not very likely," Professor Broad said seriously, staring at Albert. "Don't rush into looking for any Secret Treasure."

"I value my life very much," Albert replied.

"By the way, I heard you use a wand made of redwood?" Professor Broad suddenly brought up Albert's wand, leaving the latter somewhat puzzled.

"Yes, Mr. Ollivander said it's a wand that brings good luck." That's what Albert usually tells people when he talks about Redwood wands.

"That's good. The wand made of redwood is quite nice." Professor Broad nodded, relieved.

He knew, of course, that the so-called Redwood wand that could bring good luck was a complete hoax, but wizards who wielded such wands were usually well-prepared and could usually escape danger.

Albert Anderson clearly fits this description. As can be seen from last night's events, his ability to find the two Weasley and return safely from the Forbidden Forest was not solely due to the luck brought by the Redwood wand, but rather because Albert had made a series of preparations from the very beginning.