Commission

After the banquet ended, everyone took their leave.

"Thank you for your invitation, Professor Broad," Albert said, expressing his gratitude to Professor Broad after all the guests had left.

"It seems you've had a good haul," Professor Broad said with a smile, gesturing for Albert to come inside and continue the discussion.

"Yes."

Albert sat down in the armchair opposite Professor Broad and looked at the old man in front of him, saying, "Alchemy is far more profound than I imagined; it is truly fascinating."

"Alchemy is a profound subject," Professor Broad said gently. "It contains many things, as you should have noticed, and your knowledge limits your abilities."

"Yes, I've noticed." Albert said with a hint of helplessness, as he had only been in contact with the Wizarding World for a short time.

"No need to rush. For most wizards, alchemy only begins when they reach adulthood. However, it's regrettable that the vast majority of wizards find it difficult to go far in this field," Professor Broad shook his head. "After leaving school, how many people can truly focus on studying magic and alchemy?"

After leaving school, many wizards' magical skills did improve, but that was about it.

"Where is the Silent One?" Albert asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I didn't expect you to know about the Silent Ones." Professor Broad was surprised.

"After receiving the warning letter last time, I specifically checked the Ministry of Magic." Albert grinned maliciously. "Know yourself and know your enemy."

"The affairs of the Department of Mysteries are top secret; nobody knows what they're doing," Professor Broad said, looking at Albert. "Are you disappointed?"

"I wouldn't call it disappointment, since I never had any expectations, so how could I be disappointed?" Albert's tone was very calm.

"That's good. I don't approve of you joining the Department of Mysteries." Professor Broad didn't like the Department of Mysteries very much. Although it was the largest research institute in the British magical world, it didn't produce many substantial results. They did research some very advanced things, but it didn't help the Wizarding World much.

"You can get a basic understanding of it, but don't put in the effort to study it; that would only be a waste of your time and talent."

Seeing the confusion on Albert's face, Professor Broad explained, "Dumbledore also spent a very short time there. With your talent and ability, you will inevitably come into contact with this field sooner or later; it's just a matter of time."

"Oh." Albert responded noncommittally. He already knew what the Department of Mysteries had, and he wasn't interested in those things. After all, he wasn't a research fanatic, and he only created magical items for his own benefit.

Yes, Albert has always been a selfish person.

Selflessness?

What is that thing? In my past life's worldview, I would have kicked it into some corner long ago.

"I know you want to take the path of Broad and Precise, but that's a big problem." Professor Broad had to give Albert a heads-up first. "Nicholas is a very special case. His life has been so long that he has had enough time to learn and master many things."

He continued, "Most wizards are like me, or like the other wizards here today, only proficient in one area. After all, human energy is limited. I hope you understand that this will help you make your future path smoother."

"I'll keep an eye on it," Albert nodded. He wasn't too worried about these issues, since he had a panel to learn skills and could learn them faster than others.

"Actually, Rowena was also quite skilled in alchemy," Professor Broad sighed softly. "Later, he neglected it because of certain things."

Albert didn't understand why Professor Broad would bring up Professor Smith. He felt that the old man in front of him seemed to have a lot to say to him, but didn't want to say it directly, so he was subtly reminding him.

Because of that matter? He felt it was better to pretend he didn't know; some things, once spoken out, become less beautiful.

"Remember those Ancient Runes I had you translate last time?" Professor Broad steered the conversation elsewhere. "In Hogwarts School, there's a magical room on the Seventh Floor of Hogwarts Castle, opposite the tapestry of the Troll Bashing Barnabus. Some people call it the Come and Go Room, or the Room of Requirement... It was designed and built by Ravenclaw, and it contains Ravenclaw's... treasure."

Professor Broad told Albert the location of the Room of Requirement and how to get in, and the latter just listened quietly, his expression becoming even stranger.

"It seems you already know those things." Professor Broad saw that Albert's face didn't show much reaction, so he guessed the reason, but he wasn't surprised. Instead, he continued, "This is also one of the reasons why Rowena went to teach at Hogwarts. If you can unravel the secret that day, remember to tell me."

"What's inside?" Albert asked curiously. "And I think with Mr. McDougal's level of Ancient Runes, it shouldn't be difficult to unravel the secrets there."

"He failed," Professor Broad said.

"It failed." Albert was stunned. He knew Mr. McDougal's level of Runes better than Professor Broad.

"I need you to do something for me," Professor Broad said, ignoring Albert's change in expression.

"Is Professor Smith also concerned about this?" Albert countered.

"He doesn't know, so it's best not to tell him," Professor Broad sighed. "Rowena is the kind of person with a rather radical personality."

Entrustment.

Bard Brood seems to need your help with something, but before that, you need to unlock the second level of the Ravenclaw Knowledge Vault.

Reward: 3000 experience points.

"Prerequisite task?"

Albert glanced at the Task Panel and was somewhat taken aback, because the task was shown to be completed.

Should we collect it or not?

After careful consideration, Albert decided to put it aside for the time being.

After all, this isn't a game, and judging from Professor Broad's evaluation of Professor Smith, it doesn't seem very positive.

"Something important?" Albert asked again.

"It'll be a secret for now." Brood smiled mysteriously. "You'll find out when the time comes. Remember not to tell anyone else, especially Rowena."

Albert was puzzled. What did this mean? Was he telling me to be wary of Professor Smith?

"I understand!" Albert nodded, indicating that he would not tell anyone else.

"By the way, are you planning to stay here until the Christmas Holiday end, or should I have someone take you home?" Professor Broad brought up another matter.

"Could you please have someone take me home?" Albert considered for a moment, then decided to go home and spend the rest of the Christmas Holiday with his family.

"You can borrow a few books from here, and return them to me after you've finished reading them," Professor Broad added. "I'll have someone take you back tomorrow morning."

During the remainder of the Christmas Holiday, Albert stayed at home. Although it was a pity that he couldn't use magic, he still enjoyed the leisurely feeling, occasionally teasing the Fat Cat Tom, snuggling on the sofa with his family, eating and watching TV. He liked the warm feeling he had rediscovered.

That's the taste of home.