The next morning, Albert's eyes fluttered open to the sterile, quiet atmosphere of the Hospital Wing. The Draught of Living Death had ensured a deep, dreamless sleep. He felt remarkably restored, just a little hungry, and noticed a faint, lingering ache in his legs from the frantic climbing and running of the night before.
He sat up, hid a satisfied yawn behind his hand, and stretched his arms lazily. Turning his head, he observed the Weasley twins in the beds next to him. Both were awake, staring blankly at the ceiling, clearly still grappling with the after-effects of the Portkey.
"Are you two enjoying the luxurious accommodations?" Albert asked, a half-smile playing on his lips.
"Not remotely," Fred muttered, his voice muffled by the sheets. "I feel like my stomach is still spinning. Honestly, the most violent travel experience of my life."
George groaned in agreement. The Portkey, which forcibly drags a person across vast distances with a sensation akin to being pulled through a straw, had taken its toll. Albert, having already experienced Apparition, possessed a slightly greater tolerance for magical travel sickness, but for the twins, it had been a traumatic rush of nausea and hysteria.
"Well, you'll be pleased to know that the worst of the dizziness usually passes after a night's rest," Albert said, swinging his legs out of bed. "I'm heading off for some food. You two can keep the beds warm."
He stood and began dressing, using a quick, subtle Reparo charm to mend the small tear in his robes caused by scrambling up the Guardian Tree.
"Albert." Fred's voice was suddenly serious, calling his name before he could leave.
Albert paused, turning back. "What's up?"
"Thank you. For saving us," the twins said in uncharacteristic, genuine unison.
"You're welcome," Albert replied, offering a warm smile and a slight wave. "We're friends, aren't we?"
Watching Albert leave, the two brothers exchanged a look of profound, quiet gratitude. If Albert hadn't noticed their absence, correctly guessed their location, and risked his life to navigate the deep forest and defeat the overwhelming threat, they would have been nothing more than spider sustenance.
"Yes," Fred murmured, watching the door swing shut. "Friends."
Albert knew he'd missed breakfast in the Great Hall, so he bypassed the empty dining area and headed straight for the Hogwarts Kitchens. He was immediately welcomed by the beaming, enthusiastic House Elves, who swiftly provided him with a lavish, freshly cooked brunch.
As he ate, Albert brought up his Quest Panel. Last night's frantic defense had certainly paid dividends.
The immediate reward for surviving the night was clear: he had defeated 94 Giant Eight-Eyed Spiders, earning a staggering 4700 Experience Points.
"Worth every moment of panic," he thought, thoroughly pleased with his dangerous night's haul.
His eyes then drifted to a newly completed quest.
Quest Update:
You've already received the Hogwarts Special Contribution Award once, so why not get a few more? During your time at Hogwarts, secure two more Special Contribution Awards, etching your name into Hogwarts history.Current
Progress:1/3 (One Award Secured)Rewards:6000 Experience Points, One Level 3 Designated Skill Point, and +200 Reputation in the Magical World.
Albert stared at the information, nearly dropping the sausage he was eating. This is an incredible mission! He hadn't expected the accolades—the points awarded by Dumbledore and Brood—to translate into such a potent, repeating long-term quest.
He then looked at the two new Quest that had appeared late last night.
New Quest :
You've discovered a map to Gryffindor's hidden treasure. While its reliability remains debatable, some claim the treasure contains priceless artifacts. As an explorer, you shouldn't miss this adventure to locate the hidden treasure and enter the vault.
Reward: Unknown.
"Unknown?" This was the first time Albert had seen an undisclosed reward.
He had lied to Professor McGonagall, claiming the map was lost in the forest, but it was safely tucked away in his pocket. He hadn't taken the twins' ramblings seriously; he had merely kept the map hoping it would trigger an investigative quest.
He pulled the old parchment out. The map felt ancient, worn, and legitimate. On the back, new magical text had appeared:
"This is a great adventure!"
Below the phrase, a faint, glowing, compass-like needle had materialized, slowly twitching and pointing in a specific direction.
It certainly looks convincing, Albert mused. No wonder Fred and George believed it was authentic. He considered the possibilities behind the map's creation:
Genuine Relic:The map is real, created by the founder himself or a trusted associate, and the treasure is waiting to be found.
Wizard's Legacy: The map was created by a later, highly skilled wizard (perhaps an explorer) who did find the original treasure and left this elaborate, magical facsimile to invite others to follow in his footsteps and experience the same adventure. The phrase "It's a great adventure" supports this idea.
A Grand Hoax: It's a sophisticated joke or misdirection, designed to lead foolish explorers—like the Weasley twins—into ridiculous or dangerous situations.
"I'll hold onto this for now," Albert decided, tucking the map back into his pocket. The direction the compass was pointing was generally southeast, which could lead even deeper into the Forbidden Forest, potentially right into the growing Acromantula colony.
A man must know his limits. I was lucky to kill a hundred of those monsters this time; I won't push that luck.
New Quest :
Spider Hunter: Eliminate one hundred Giant Eight-Eyed Spiders (Acromantulas). (Progress: 94/100)
Reward:10,000 Experience Points and the Spider Hunter title.
He noted that he was six short of the full hundred, but the initial experience points had already been granted. The sheer volume of XP was massive. The rescue operation had given him enough experience to raise two skills to Level 3, or one skill directly to Level 4. This was a treasure far more valuable than any imagined gold.
He was also missing the reward from his very first quest, which had required him to retrieve a vial of Acromantula Venom.
Who will deliver the reward this time? The 25 Galleons from his previous mission had been delivered by his accomplice, Truman. This time, perhaps Professor Brood?
Finishing his meal quickly, Albert decided to write a quick letter to his owl, Yaya, promising her extra dog biscuits for her crucial role in helping track the twins. He was passing through the Entrance Hall when he heard his name called.
"Albert!"
He turned to see Katrina rushing towards him, her brow furrowed.
"Katrina, what's wrong?"
"Professor Brood is looking for you," she said breathlessly. "He asked me to send you to the Defense Against the Dark Arts office immediately if I saw you."
Ah, perfect. Here it is. The reward—the vial of venom—was likely waiting for him.
"Thank you, I understand. I'll go straight there." Albert nodded slightly to Katrina and began walking towards the office on the second floor of the castle. He was curious about the conversation he was about to have with the man who had just announced his resignation.