Approximately two weeks after The Daily Prophet announced Cornelius Fudge as the next Minister for Magic, Albert's prize from the paper's guessing game arrived by owl post.
Snow was still falling outside, and as usual, the Great Hall was crowded with owl postmen swooping in with letters and parcels.
One owl dropped a frost-covered envelope in front of Albert. Moments later, another owl delivered a heavy leather pouch onto the table, its dull clinking sound immediately drawing curious glances from nearby students.
Albert picked up the pouch, weighed it, and, hearing the crisp sound of coins inside, guessed its contents. He didn't open it on the spot, but tucked it into his backpack. Then he drew his wand, cast a Drying Charm on the frosted envelope, and opened it.
The letter read:
Congratulations, Mr. Albert Anderson. You have won a prize of 100 Galleons in the "Next Minister of Magic" guessing game. Please sign. —Barnabas Cuffe
Note: Do not open the leather pouch before signing. It has been enchanted to ensure that Albert himself receives these Galleons.
Inside was a magical contract, ensuring that only Albert could claim the money. If anyone else tried, they would face "trouble"—though the letter didn't specify what kind. Albert suspected some kind of curse or tracking spell to catch thieves.
He wanted to keep a low profile, but secrets never stayed hidden at Hogwarts. Soon, the entire school knew Albert had won a large sum.
Rumors flew: some said 50 Galleons, others 100, and some even 200. Eventually, George blurted out the truth, sparking envy everywhere.
Every mention of it dripped with sourness.
"Now everyone calls you 'Lucky Albert,'" Sanna said, turning to him. "What do you think?"
"It's good. I like the name. I hope my luck continues—maybe I'll win another prize," Albert replied with a smile.
"You can nap on the table now and dream of winning more," Sanna teased, rolling her eyes.
"My luck has always been good." Albert waved his wand theatrically. "Mr. Ollivander told me wands made of red cedar bring good fortune. Mine's red cedar."
"Red cedar brings luck?" Angelina asked skeptically.
"There's a saying about it," Katrina explained. "Such wands are popular. Though some think it's nonsense."
"It's true," Albert insisted. "I relied on my wand to choose correctly."
Lee Jordan twitched at the memory. That was exactly what had happened: Albert had let his wand fall freely on the table, then inexplicably decided to bet 25 Galleons on Cornelius Fudge.
When Fred retold the story, everyone was dumbfounded. Was this really how you win a fortune?
But soon, talk of Albert's luck faded as the Christmas holiday approached.
After packing his luggage, Albert boarded a Thestral-drawn carriage to Hogsmeade Station.
"What are you doing?" George asked, puzzled, as Albert reached out to touch the front of the carriage.
"Aren't you curious what's pulling it?" Albert pointed to the snowy ground. "Don't you see the footprints?"
"Something's pulling it?" The three looked shocked. The prints were clear evidence of invisible horses.
"Thestrals," Albert said softly. "Only those who've seen death can see them."
"I've heard they're unlucky," Lee Jordan whispered nervously, tugging Albert away. "They're omens."
"You're overthinking. They're winged horses. Their reputation comes from their link to death. Otherwise, would Hogwarts use them for carriages?" Albert rolled his eyes, then hauled his luggage onto the train.
Watching the snowy scenery fly past the window, Albert felt cheerful.
They ate snacks, chatted about holiday plans, and played Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans Adventure—Fred's idea. The game involved closing their eyes, picking a bean at random, and eating it.
Lee Jordan was the unluckiest, tasting dirt. He swore, once again, never to eat Bertie Bott's beans, making everyone laugh.
As the train passed through Muggle towns, Albert swapped his wizard's cloak for a Muggle jacket Daisy had thoughtfully packed. Without her, he would have forgotten.
By afternoon, the train pulled into King's Cross Station.
At the ticket gate, a shriveled old guard stopped the crowd, refusing to let too many through at once. The sight of dozens of students emerging from a solid wall drew curious stares from Muggles.
Albert noticed a man dressed oddly nearby, flanked by several Ministry officials. One had cast a Disillusionment Charm, but poorly—Albert spotted him easily.
"Bye, Albert!"
"See you!" Lee Jordan and Sanna waved.
"See you," Albert replied, waving back.
"There, Mom—Albert's there!" Nia shouted, running toward him.
Albert smiled and waved, then turned to Fred and George. "Goodbye, I'm off first."
"See you. My family's here too," Fred said, pointing to the Weasleys, with Ron and Ginny among them.
"What are you staring at?" Nia complained.
"Alright, alright. I bought you snacks. I'll give them to you in the car." Albert reached to pat her head, but she dodged.
"Don't touch a lady's head. That's impolite," Nia scolded seriously.
Herb laughed, taking Albert's luggage. "How's life at Hogwarts?"
"Not bad. Learned a lot of useful things," Albert replied.
"Welcome home," Daisy said warmly, handing Tom the cat to him.
"He's heavier," Albert remarked, weighing Tom.
"Tom stayed at Grandpa's for a few days," Nia whispered. "You know how Grandma Sansa is."
Albert sighed at his fat cat.
In the car, he placed Tom on his lap, stroking his fur. "Time to lose some weight," he muttered.