Chapter 86

The weekend arrived with a radiant sun casting its golden glow upon the Hogwarts grounds. A gentle autumn breeze rustled the leaves, creating a delightful melody in the air. From the towering windows of the Gryffindor Tower, one could catch glimpses of students frolicking on the lush green lawn below, their laughter echoing through the castle walls.

The entrance to the Gryffindor common room swung open, revealing Lee Jordan, the mischievous Gryffindor student. He crawled into the room, his eyes eagerly scanning the surroundings until they settled upon Albert, who was seated by the crackling fireplace. Lee hurriedly made his way over, unable to contain his excitement. "Albert, I heard you defeated a Slytherin student!"

His words hung in the air, capturing the attention of those within the bustling common room. Heads turned, curious to hear more about this extraordinary event.

Albert paused, his gaze lifting to meet Lee Jordan's, who approached him with a puzzled expression. "What do you mean by defeating a Slytherin student?" Albert inquired, genuinely perplexed.

Lee Jordan replied with a mischievous grin, "Quite literally, my friend."

Just as the conversation unfolded, the entrance to the Gryffindor common room swung open once again, and the Weasley twins, Fred and George, scurried inside, their movements filled with urgency.

"I heard you bested those Slytherins," Fred exclaimed, scanning Albert up and down as he spoke. After a brief moment, he added, "Well done! But next time, remember to give us a call. We wouldn't want to miss the action!"

Bewildered, Albert questioned the trio, "What in Merlin's name is happening?"

George looked at him skeptically, casting suspicious glances at the people around them. "Don't tell me you're oblivious to the rumors swirling about."

"I honestly have no idea," Albert responded, shaking his head. "I've been occupied practicing the cutting charm."

Fred, noticing the doubt etched on his friend's face, realised that something was amiss. He interjected, "But Albert, everyone is talking about it! They're saying..."

Albert interrupted, cutting through the chatter, "Hold on a moment. I don't recall laying a hand on anyone. Besides, do I strike you as someone skilled in physical altercations with my lanky frame?"

As he finished speaking, Albert playfully patted his wrist, humorously insinuating that the rumors were nothing more than jests.

Though Albert may not have possessed a brawny physique, he was by no means frail or weak. He did get into a couple of fights when he was younger, but he doesn't talk about it.

"I highly doubt anything would befall me unless someone decided to engage in a fist fight, but even then, I would worry more about the other guy, or girls," Albert asserted, his frustration evident as he observed the bewildered expressions of his companions.

George contemplated the situation and proposed, "Did you use magic against them? It would be more believable if you used your magical abilities to defeat the Slytherins."

After all, Albert's prowess in the mystical arts exceeded that of most first-year students.

A warning flashed in Albert's eyes as he retorted, "Careful, my friend, or I might have to consider legal action for slander." He gestured toward an empty armchair nearby, silently beckoning Lee Jordan and the Weasley twins to join him.

"What on earth is happening? So many people claim you've done something to the Slytherins," George exclaimed, his expression a mix of confusion and curiosity.

"Enough with the rumors," Albert sternly admonished. "Whether you choose to believe them or not, I could easily gather a group of individuals to spread tales of your fondness for humming and dancing in the shower."

Lee Jordan's eyes sparkled with mischief, eager to discover the truth. "Is that true?" he prodded.

"Be careful, my friend, or you may find yourself on the receiving end of a good old beating," Albert playfully threatened, dispelling any notion of truth in the rumor.

"Let's hear your side of the story. Rumours don't just emerge from thin air," George interjected, urging the others to silence and allowing Albert to recount the events.

"As you know, on weekend mornings after breakfast, I often venture out with my camera, capturing moments that I would eventually share with my family," Albert began, his voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "While walking along the second-floor corridor, I encountered a group of Slytherin students approaching me side by side. I tried to step aside, granting them passage, but one of them purposefully rammed into my shoulder. To my surprise, that individual stumbled and fell to the ground, clutching their injured shoulder in pain."

With an innocent tone, Albert continued, "I extended a helping hand, assisting them to their feet, and then inexplicably, they shrieked out in agony. This time, it was their palm they clutched, but I remained baffled by what had transpired."

"Is that all?" the trio exchanged puzzled glances.

"Why are people claiming you sent that Slytherin student to the school hospital?" George inquired, his expression tinged with bewilderment.

"How am I supposed to know?" Albert pondered for a moment, his tone earnest. "Perhaps I inadvertently persuaded those Slytherin students to accompany their comrade to the school hospital for a thorough examination."

Albert's account painted him as an unwitting victim, as if he had unintentionally caused an unexpected calamity.

The perplexed trio listened intently, attempting to grasp the truth concealed beneath the layers of gossip and speculation.

"In any case," Albert concluded with a shrug, "I would advise you to take those rumors with a grain of salt. They seem to be a concoction of wild imaginations and idle minds. Let's focus on more important matters, like the upcoming Potions class."

Fred, George, and Lee exchanged glances, momentarily bewildered by the contradictory accounts of Albert's supposed altercation with the Slytherins. Yet, Albert's calm demeanor and plausible explanation brought a sense of relief, allowing them to dismiss the rumors for the time being.

With that, the four friends resumed their conversation, their laughter echoing through the Gryffindor common room, oblivious to the lingering whispers and tales that circulated beyond their haven.