Robert and Albus moment

The night quickly arrived that day, and as planned, I decided to try sneaking into the Forbidden Section. Everything was going well; I had evaded the prefects, and the librarian seemed to have taken the night off, until I couldn't find the key to the Forbidden Section.

I searched the drawers carefully, trying not to disturb anything or leave evidence of my presence, but found nothing. When I began searching the drawers behind the librarian's desk, I heard a male throat clearing behind me. Frozen, I slowly turned around, only to find Robert Glibson standing there.

"Miss Gryffi—I mean Albus?" He looked confused as I remained paralyzed. His gaze lowered to my hands in the drawer, raising an eyebrow. "Could you explain this situation in a way that doesn't involve me reporting it to the librarian?" I looked around, searching for something, not exactly sure what. An excuse? A way to escape? A memory-wiping spellbook. I stayed silent until I decided that being honest might be my best bet.

"The Forbidden Section... I need to learn about my Ancient Magic..." I admitted, feeling uncertain about my words. I wasn't looking at Robert, but from the corner of my eye, I could see his confused expression turning into surprise. "Please, don't report me. I really need that information." I said, almost pleadingly.

Robert's expression shifted to thoughtful. While I didn't know him well, I had never seen him so serious, as he usually carried a hint of sweetness. A silence filled the air as he crossed his arms, seemingly pondering my request until he started scanning the library. I closed the drawer, confused, while I watched him approach slowly. "You won't be able to get in without this." Robert said, taking the key to the Forbidden Section out of his pocket. I looked at him with surprise, but when I reached for the key, he subtly pulled it away. "I'll accompany you. If anything happens, you'll need my support."

I wasn't thrilled about the idea of company, but I nodded. After all, it was better than nothing. I followed Robert to the entrance of the Forbidden Section, and he held the door for me with his characteristic sweet smile.

"Wait." I whispered, stopping him from stepping in behind me by placing my hand on his chest. I looked around the corridors, recalling the times with Sebastián as he instructed me on how to enter. "Ghosts..." I pointed to Robert, and we both nodded, using the disillusionment charm to pass through them.

Once we were out of danger, I dispelled the charm, and Robert followed suit. As we entered the last room, I noticed Robert looking around, perplexed.

"Is it your first time here?" I asked, trying to start a conversation. The guy was smooth.

"I imagine it's not yours." He replied, somewhat teasingly. His tone was friendly and conspiratorial, and despite being in the Forbidden Section with a prefect, he made me feel at ease. While he continued scanning his surroundings, getting closer to me, I began searching for useful books. "How long have you been avoiding the prefects, Miss Gryffin?" His tone was playful as he gave me a curious look.

"I can't go around telling you all my secrets, don't you think?" Deja vu. As if the Forbidden Section didn't remind me enough of Landon, now I was talking like him.

Robert chuckled at my response and leaned against a table behind him. "Can I at least know why you want the books? I'm doing you a big favor, and I'd like to know the purpose, after all." My expression turned indecisive. I didn't know what to answer.

"Well, I've gone through all the non-forbidden books too many times already. I'd like to learn more about my powers to handle them better." It was the best excuse I could come up with, and it seemed believable, as Robert nodded. Despite being quite tall, I couldn't reach one of the higher shelves. Before I could take out my wand, Robert came up behind me and reached for it. "Thanks." I smiled kindly as I took the book from his hands.

I headed to the nearest table, leaving the three books I had found so far. "Here's where the boring part starts; you can leave now. I know my way back." I tried to persuade Robert to start my reading, but he shook his head.

"I'd be risking a lot leaving you here alone. I've been entrusted with the key for tonight. (The librarian) figured someone would end up trying to get in. At first, I thought she was just being paranoid, but now I see it's something normal." He laughed. "Let's do something. I'll help you get these books out of here. But you have to promise me you'll read and store them discreetly. I don't want me or any of my colleagues to be blamed for your research." He extended his hand to formalize the deal, and I reciprocated with a raised eyebrow.

"Why are you helping me so much? I could be doing something really bad or dangerous." I asked, genuinely curious.

"I don't think you're a bad person, Albus." He said it with a serious and honest tone, looking directly into my eyes. I felt something comforting; his words had made me feel good about myself in some way. "As long as you promise to be careful, I'll be your assistant in this... whatever this is. We owe you in some way; I'm not one to deny you the opportunity to channel your powers." He admitted. I simply nodded in understanding and carefully took three of the books. Robert took them from my hands, helping me carry them. On the way out of the Forbidden Section, we were cautious until we reached the Astronomy Tower. If I was going to store Forbidden Section books, I thought the Room of Requirement would be the most suitable place.

"I think we should part ways here." I said as the door appeared out of nowhere on the wall. Robert looked at me with surprise once again as he took the books from my hands.

"Well, you can't go around telling me all your secrets." He said playfully. "You're quite the mysterious girl, Albus Gryffin." I smirked playfully at his comment.