Gossip

As soon as Albert left the Headmaster's Office, the portraits, who had been pretending to be asleep, became lively and started discussing what had just happened.

"That boy looks very...intelligent." The bald wizard in the portrait above the right side of the desk suddenly spoke up. "His speech and behavior are not like those of a twelve-year-old boy. Even adult wizards are not as calm as him in this kind of situation."

"Mr. Anderson is intelligent, and also...special," Dumbledore said softly, his glasses gleaming with an unusual light. "And of course, very confident."

Yes, Albert is very confident.

"I also think he expected this outcome," said the curly-haired witch next to the portrait of the bald old wizard. "He clearly understands the value of the Gold Membership Card and knows that Hertok won't give it up easily."

"Obviously," Dumbledore. Albert naturally understood the value of that Gold Membership Card and knew that Hertok wouldn't give it up; it was far too important for an apothecary.

An old wizard with a goatee, dressed in silver-green pajamas, replied without hesitation, "I don't like him much."

"I'm truly astonished, Phineas. What makes you dislike that boy?" A shrewd-looking witch raised a thick birchwood wand and questioned, "Is it his Muggle-born wizard status, or his last words?"

"What did I just say?" Phineas covered a yawn, pretending that he had just woken up and had forgotten what he had just said.

Continuing this topic would be very disadvantageous for him.

"That boy has a strong magical talent and is very gifted; he doesn't seem like Muggle-born wizard at all," said a frail old wizard.

"He is Muggle-born wizard, Armando," Dumbledore said calmly. "However, if we trace his lineage back a few generations, he should be a collateral relative of Smith."

"Is it that famous Smith Family?" The former principal was a little surprised, as he knew something about the mysterious Smith Family.

"Yes, I think so," Dumbledore said. "Last semester, I looked up his information. Anderson's grandfather was Squib and his father was Muggle, but Anderson himself is indeed a rare Magical Genius."

"It's rare to hear you use the word 'genius' to describe someone," said the curly-haired old witch.

"Dumbledore is saying that the boy will be the next him?" Phineas asked with a hint of sarcasm. "Griffin full of wisdom and courage?"

"Mr. Anderson is far superior to me," Dumbledore said, sparing no praise.

"This must be the funniest joke I've ever heard this century." Phineas clutched his stomach and laughed exaggeratedly.

However, he was the only one laughing in the Headmaster's Office, which made the former principal feel very bored, and the laughter gradually subsided.

"Mr. Anderson has surpassed many others in his research on Ancient Runes." Dumbledore recalled his conversation with Brood, during which Brod commented on Albert: "Albert, you are a genius."

Especially in the study of Ancient Runes, they have an almost innate instinct, and can master knowledge that many people may not be able to acquire in a lifetime without any effort.

Later, Albert searched for books in the library and even helped McDougal revise his new book, things that Dumbledore naturally knew about.

To be honest, McDougal himself didn't fully understand his book.

Since Albert ventured into the Forbidden Forest a few months ago to rescue Fred and George, Dumbledore's opinion of Albert had risen even higher, and he also greatly admired Brood's keen eye.

Without extraordinary courage, wisdom, and strength, it is highly likely that once you venture deep into the Forbidden Forest, you will not be able to return.

The outer perimeter of the Forbidden Forest isn't dangerous, but the depths are! "The Smith Family always seems to produce some geniuses; there's nothing strange about that," Phineas said, scoffing.

Although Black was reluctant to admit it, the Smith Family's history was indeed much longer than Black's; it was a very mysterious family.

As for why the Smith Family is considered mysterious?

Even the Smith Family members were unaware of the Smith Family's mystique.

Very few people outside the area know about these things.

Only those wizards who live long enough and are wise enough can possibly discover some clues over the long years.

Rumor has it that someone in the Smith Family will inherit the so-called secret.

As for who this person is, nobody knows.

Anyway, that's what people used to say.

However, it is precisely through this peculiar method of inheritance that the Smith Family's secret has been preserved.

However, no one knew what secrets the Smith Family was hiding.

If you ask Smith's direct heirs, they can only helplessly reply, "I don't know either!"

"That family has indeed produced quite a few outstanding wizards." Dumbledore nodded in agreement with Phineas's point of view. Rowena was Smith's direct descendant. "I remember... Brood and Rowena had a good relationship."

Hertok would say that Brood has a wide circle of connections, which is not wrong.

They knew and maintained friendly relations with many of the more famous Wizarding World in Britain and even Europe.

However, this is a relatively loose group, with most people usually remaining neutral. The rule for entering this circle is to demonstrate amazing talent in some area, be noticed by them, and maintain contact through correspondence.

As for why Dumbledore knew?

That's because he's also a member of this circle.

Before graduating from Hogwarts, Dumbledore met many famous wizards, received help from them, and maintained friendly correspondence with them.

It wasn't until Dumbledore entered Wizengamot that he began to vaguely perceive the terrifying influence of this loose yet vast circle.

If they wanted, these people combined could directly decide a verdict in the Wizengamot Supreme Court, or force a poorly performing Minister of Magic to resign and be fired.

Although they never did this, perhaps precisely because they never did, no one ever noticed the problem.

But Dumbledore discovered it.

Because he maintained good relationships with most of the members of Wizengamot.

The topic of discussion surrounding the portraits of the school principals has been brought back to the forefront.

"That boy seems to dislike the Ministry of Magic very much."

"This is indeed a problem with the Ministry of Magic, Evra. If I were in your shoes, I would be angry too."

"I thought you were the best-tempered one among us, Dilys."

"A good temper doesn't mean weakness," said Dilys. "I support his actions. I suspect that Director himself has problems."

"But he seems prepared to have the Head of the Misuse of Magic Office removed from office." This is what Evra dislikes.

"No, he just wanted Hertok to tell the truth," Dumbledore smiled. "She'll agree to apologize, just like Anderson said, it's the cheapest solution."