Potholes Everywhere

"Are you really planning to give this book as the prize for this year's Wizard Card Competition?" Lee Jordan looked up at "The Magical Me" that Albert had handed him and asked speechlessly, "I dare say this is definitely the most unpopular prize ever."

"It's very valuable; it has Lockhart's autograph on it!" Albert reminded him with a smile.

"Signature? He'll sign any book Lockhart." Fred curled his lip in disdain. "I think this year's champion would rather take ten Galleon than this piece of junk."

"You didn't actually want this book, so you gave it to Albert as a prize in the Wizard Card Competition, did you?" George looked at Albert with a strange expression. "I think this book was the prize you received after Lockhart!"

At that moment, all three of them looked at Albert with strange expressions.

"No, this is a prize that Professor Lockhart kindly offered after he learned that I planned to use his book as the prize for the championship," Albert said with a smile. "In other words, this time the champion will not only receive ten Galleon, but will also receive a copy of 'Magical Me' kindly offered by Professor Lockhart, with his autograph on it."

All three men's lips twitched slightly, meaning they had gotten the book for free from Lockhart. Truly, Albert was something else! None of them had anything to say. Perhaps those girls would be interested in Lockhart's book? "By the way, how's the contact going over there?" Albert casually changed the subject.

"Dad has already made the arrangements for us. You know they have connections there, but the price might be high. We should get a reply in the next few days," Fred and George said in unison, exchanging a glance.

"But is this really a good idea? It will probably require a huge investment of Galleon, and we certainly won't make a profit if we start production now," Lee Jordan said, somewhat irritated. It would be good if Wizard Card could be officially put into production, but if they couldn't be sold, they would definitely lose money, and they didn't have much capital.

"Do I look like someone who likes to lose money?" Albert reassured with a smile. "We'll definitely make money, don't worry. After all, this is a unique business, and we're not just asking about prices or starting production immediately."

Although Albert was very confident, and they were also very confident in Albert, they were still unsure in their hearts!

In the end, the group could only trust Albert's plan, even though the Weasley Twins preferred that Albert spend his limited Galleon on developing joke gadgets.

After discussing this matter, the three of them went back to their dorm to get their homework and prepared to go to the library together.

Hermione suddenly leaned over and started discussing with Albert the Charms Lockhart used in the book "Travels with Trolls".

"Didn't you consult Professor Lockhart?" Albert asked Hermione, puzzled.

"Professor Lockhart believes I should be alone..."

"No, no, Professor Lockhart may be right, but that would waste a lot of your time," Albert interrupted. "I think you should consult Professor Lockhart instead; it would be more appropriate for you than to come and ask me, wouldn't it?"

Hermione thought Albert was right; the knowledge in the book would be difficult to learn without someone explaining it.

"You can go with other girls," Albert kindly suggested. "It would be best to form a Defence Against the Dark Arts Club and invite Professor Lockhart to give you professional guidance. It's easy to see from the books that the professor is very good at dealing with Dark Magic and Dark Creatures. Even just verbal guidance can benefit everyone greatly."

"That's a good idea." Hermione nodded, then heard Albert say, "If Lockhart isn't willing, you can just invite Harry into the club, Lockhart will definitely be happy to help you."

"I understand, thank you Albert." Hermione ran off quickly.

You shouldn't do that.

After Hermione left, Harry came to Albert's side with Ron, but his face looked very gloomy.

Harry had no desire to be dragged into the "Lockhart Worship Club" by Hermione.

"Professor Lockhart has done many great things. He must be very experienced in fighting Dark Magic and Dark Creatures. If he could share some of his experience, it would benefit you immensely," Albert said with a smile.

Harry's expression froze. Hearing Albert's praise of Lockhart, although it sounded somewhat reasonable, it still felt very unreliable.

Harry had come to understand Lockhart's character all too well over the past month, and frankly, he was skeptical of Lockhart's supposedly great achievements. After all, most Muggle books were fictional creations; who knew if Lockhart's many remarkable books were also his own invention? "Harry, do you want to join us?" Hermione rushed back, a notebook in her hand, looking at her two friends. "We're..."

Just as Albert was considering how to escape, Fred, George, and Lee Jordan walked over with their homework, providing him with the perfect assist.

"I have something to do, so I'll be leaving now. You two continue your conversation," Albert said to Hermione. "If you need any badges, you can contact us; we can give them to you at cost price."

With that, Albert and his roommates went to the library.

"I always had a feeling that guy was up to no good," Harry muttered to himself, watching Albert's departing figure.

"I heard from Fred that Albert is very good at Defence Against the Dark Arts, and that Albert taught them all their dueling techniques," Ron suddenly said. "I witnessed them dueling with wands during the summer vacation, and they were really amazing."

"Isn't it said that magic can't be used outside of school?" Harry thought back to the warning letter he received from the Ministry of Magic, which caused him a lot of trouble.

"As long as there are other wizards in the Wizarding World, the Ministry of Magic will never be able to figure out who is using magic," Ron reminded him. "I remember telling you this before."

"Oh, I think that's true." Harry was even more annoyed. He didn't want to talk to Hermione about Lockhart. He was already trying to avoid Lockhart, so why would he want to go over there? That would just be asking for trouble. "Is Albert really that amazing?" Hermione looked at Ron curiously, wanting to get an answer from him.

"Impressive," Ron said quietly. "Remember last semester, when Albert scared Malfoy so much he wet himself with just a few words?"

"I remember Albert made a Prophecy for Malfoy, something like that," Harry, pleased that the two had turned the conversation to Malfoy.

"By the way, did that Prophecy come true in the end?"

"Have no idea."

The atmosphere suddenly became a little awkward. None of the three could remember what Albert had said to Malfoy back then, and the conversation had stalled.