Awareness

Ultimately, Albert did not get to stay overnight at Isobel's house as he had hoped; in the first place, he hadn't expected to be able to stay overnight anyway.

It's not the right time yet.

Isobel's mother, Mrs. McDougal, is very similar to Albert's mother, Daisy; both are working women.

If there is any difference, it is probably that Mrs. McDougal is not good at housework, and the seafood feast that day was prepared by the McDougal sisters together.

They sat at the table chatting about everyday things.

It was a perfectly normal meal, and it was clear that Mrs. McDougal was very pleased with Albert, especially when Albert mentioned that his parents were equally pleased with Isobel.

As for Albert's Muggle-born wizard identity, Mrs. McDougal didn't seem to care much. Dinner passed peacefully with casual conversation, and both left a good impression on each other.

Finally, Mrs. McDougal used her connections to connect the fireplaces on both sides, allowing Albert to use the Floo Network to return home before 10 o'clock.

The dinner was a little different from what Albert had expected, but everything went smoothly.

"The wizard's magic is truly incredible."

Seeing the figure emerge from the fireplace, Herb reached out to support Albert, who nearly fell.

"How's it going over there?" Daisy asked.

"Everything went well." Albert dusted himself off, picked up Tom, who was curiously approaching, and sat down on the sofa.

"Why are you all saying such nonsensical things?" Nia looked the three people in front of her up and down, sensing that they were hiding something from her.

"She's willing to help research Beauty Potion," Albert changed the subject. "Perhaps, there will be a day when she succeeds."

"Isn't it said that wizards' Beauty Potion can change a person's appearance?" Daisy quickly picked up the conversation, not forgetting the France wizards she had met during her last vacation in the snowy mountains.

"Potions are magical things. Since they can make people immortal, they could also make them ageless," Albert casually explained. "The success rate should be quite high, and they're very profitable."

Nia wasn't interested in the so-called Beauty Potion; her eyes were fixed on Albert, as if trying to glean something else from him.

The rest of the time was spent talking about similar things, especially after learning that the Philosopher's Stone was about to be destroyed. Daisy and Herb couldn't understand it, but they could only express their regret.

While Albert was chatting, McDougal and his two daughters also finished cleaning up the dishes and sat down at the table to talk about the day's events.

"Your boyfriend seems quite unusual," Mrs. McDougal said. "He doesn't look like Muggle-born wizard at all."

Noticing her daughter's gaze, Mrs. McDougal quickly added, "I'm not saying he's bad, I just think he's extraordinary. No Muggle-born wizard could do what he did, especially... It's undeniable that Albert is very talented, but establishing friendly correspondence with other famous wizards is not an easy thing."

"Does Mom care about that?" Isobel asked softly, looking at his reflection in his teacup.

"No, I'm just a little curious."

Mrs. McDougal shook her head and said, "Even for the most talented wizard, it's not easy to be popular among a group of famous wizards."

The wizarding community is actually very narrow; in some cases, even if you are exceptionally talented, you may not be able to get in without an introduction.

Her daughter's boyfriend is clearly very famous in many circles.

Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, Runes, alchemy... and even recently becoming the youngest International Wizard's Chess Champion —even Dumbledore probably couldn't have achieved this level of skill when he was young.

Mrs. McDougal felt a little strange, but she didn't delve into it. Everyone has their own secrets, and for Isobel, this was actually a good thing.

The three chatted until late, their conversation revolving around Albert. Isobel also spoke about his relationship with Albert, and Katrina's expression became quite complicated after listening.

Sure enough, they were all scammers.

The idea that they only started dating last semester is a lie.

Even Mrs. McDougal was surprised that her daughter had started dating so early.

"Does Katrina also have feelings for Albert?" Mrs. McDougal asked after Katrina returned to her room.

"It seems so," Isobel said after thinking for a moment. "After all, Albert has always been very popular, the best boyfriend among the girls at school."

"I know you've always been very opinionated, but I don't want this to ruin your relationship." Mrs. McDougal frowned slightly. Although she thought the possibility of such a thing was probably low, she still felt she should say it just in case.

After all, Isobel will graduate early, while Albert and Katrina will graduate together in two years. Who knows what might happen in those two years?

After all, Katrina is also a beautiful girl.

"She had no chance," Isobel said, shaking her head. "She never had a chance from the beginning."

"Albert wants to get engaged to me after he comes of age." The girl's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke. "Uncle Morg will be our witness."

"He was much more proactive than your father," Mrs. McDougal recalled, resting her chin on her hands. "Your father didn't have the courage to propose to me until he was in seventh grade."

Mrs. McDougal didn't object. She figured it would be pointless to object anyway. Her eldest daughter was a genius, far more outstanding than her father, and matured early because of her family background. She had sacrificed a lot for the family, Mrs. McDougal hoped her daughter would be happy.

Albert was clearly more of a genius and also precocious. It is said that the two were very similar, which is why they came together and had their own topics to discuss.

"Actually, you're hiding something from me, aren't you!" Mrs. McDougal suddenly said. "Your father was also taken care of by Morg back then, and he had a good relationship with many famous wizards."

"When I chatted with Albert, I even saw a resemblance to your father in him, only Albert was more talented," Mrs. McDougal said irritably. "I'm not stupid. Your father didn't inherit much from the family, but he has a beautiful manor here and can even stay at home doing magical research."

Isobel pursed his lips but didn't say anything.

"And your Uncle Morg."

Mrs. McDougal scoffed. "He didn't inherit much from the MacDougal Family, yet he became a wealthy and famous wizard in a short time, and even has House-elf helping him manage the manor."

By the time Mrs. McDougal married Isobel's father, the McDougal family had already fallen on hard times and had not left much wealth.

After her husband's death, her family continued to receive care from his friends. Isobel was even quite fond of Morg, who was even preparing to be their witness at their wedding, which was rather strange.

If you take stock of their social circles, it's not hard to find the problem. Perhaps it's a circle that only Genius Wizard are qualified to join!