Albert did not know whether Hermione would catch Rita Skeeter as she had in the original story and make her cool her heels in a glass jar for a while.
However things developed, Albert did not care. It had nothing to do with him, after all.
He continued living his school life according to his original plans, occasionally taking out his notes to refine his earlier schemes. As for teaching Hermione the Shield Charm, it did not take much of his time or energy.
Hermione herself practised diligently and completely mastered the Shield Charm in just one day, preventing owls from finding her location.
What surprised Albert most, however, was Hermione's progress. In only a few days, she had narrowed down Rita Skeeter's Animagus form.
"I suspect Rita Skeeter's Animagus form is a beetle. After the Second Task ended, Viktor caught a beetle in my hair." Hermione told Albert about the strange occasions when she had seen Malfoy talking to thin air.
"Catching a flying beetle will not be easy." Albert smiled and reminded her, "It will take patience and luck. Besides, once this term is over, you probably will not have another chance."
"I'm sure that woman will sneak into Hogwarts again to eavesdrop for information. I'll catch her." Hermione was confident in herself. Seemingly remembering something else, she asked, "By the way, are you really not coming with us to see Sirius tomorrow?"
"No. I have Apparition Class tomorrow, and I have an appointment with Professor Flitwick in the afternoon." Albert shook his head. "If you are lucky enough, you should be able to catch that annoying woman. But you only get one chance. Catch Rita Skeeter before she realises she has been exposed. If you fail, Rita Skeeter will not give you a second chance."
"I'll be