Pickling Salted Mandrake Roots?

"It might rain later," Fred said, looking up at the cloud-covered ceiling and turning to the people sitting next to him.

"If I were you, I would eat the food on my plate while it's hot; it doesn't taste good when it's cold." Albert was cutting the potato and egg pancake on his plate with a knife and fork House-elf put the dish on the students' plates.

"I'm puzzled as to why you all would want it to rain later." Angelina swallowed a large piece of salted meat and looked at Fred and the others with a strange expression.

The rainy season has lasted for a long time, and the rainy weather is really unbearable.

Fred was about to answer when he was interrupted. A student hurried over and said to Albert, "You must be Albert. I've heard of you. Professor Smith asked me to give you this."

"Thank you," Albert said, taking the note and nodding to the person who had come.

"What's that?" Angelina asked curiously. "An invitation?"

"An invitation," Albert said, glancing at the contents of the parchment. "Professor Smith invited me to his place for tea."

The people around looked at each other in bewilderment. If it were anyone else who said this, they would not believe it at all, but Albert was different. He was a regular at the professor's tea parties, and he had encountered this kind of thing many times last year.

"How enviable!"

There aren't many students at Hogwarts who receive special treatment from the professors. Even the Student Council President might not get the same treatment as Albert. It's not just about good grades; you also need to have strong connections.

As they were talking, an owl Accio to Albert and tossed a package into Albert arms, temporarily diverting everyone's attention.

Albert picked up the package, glanced at the sender's name, and guessed what was inside.

Dragon claw powder, an ingredient Albert bought from a drugstore in Diagon Alley.

A while ago, he spent ten Galleon to buy a pint (568 ml) of Dragon claw powder from a pharmacy, and now he has obtained the two most difficult materials to make Baruffio's Brain Elixir.

"You're quite popular," Aylia said in a strange tone. As they were talking, two more heavy letters were tossed to him by an owl, which Albert caught and stuffed into the pocket of his robe.

"Your pen pal?" Shanna asked.

"Old friend."

"Literal meaning," George explained for Albert.

The girls at the table were stunned and didn't react for a moment.

"I have to go now, I'm going to afternoon tea later. If it rains, you can wait for me in the Common Room." Albert reminded him before leaving, "Remember to finish your homework first."

"I always felt that guy was a bit mysterious," Shanna muttered as she watched Albert's departing figure. "He seems to be hiding a lot of secrets."

Who knows?

"I heard he's dating a Ravenclaw girl," Aylia suddenly said.

"How could we not know when this happened?" Fred and the others exchanged incredulous glances.

"It's that Ravenclaw genius." Aylia gestured in a certain direction and continued, "Many people have seen them chatting together often."

"I remember they were about two grades apart." Once the girls started gossiping, they couldn't stop.

"Actually, they're only a year apart," Aylia kindly reminded them. "Albert's birthday isn't until September."

"Geniuses, geniuses? How wonderful!"

Albert was unaware that people were gossiping about him behind his back. As soon as he entered the Room of Requirement, he put on earmuffs and began the initial processing of the Mandrakes.

"It feels a bit like pickling radishes," Albert muttered as he buried the washed Mandrakes into the large vat of salt.

Now that he had obtained a large amount of salt, he naturally wouldn't easily give up the opportunity to process Mandrakes. Although it would become a dangerous Dark Magic item, in Albert's opinion, it was entirely worth paying this insignificant price. It was definitely a magical artifact for scheming, with an effect comparable to a shock bomb, and sound was something that was hard to defend against.

If Voldemort doesn't rise to power soon and the future is bright, Albert wouldn't be too keen on creating such a thing.

After all, Dark Magic items are inherently dangerous, especially the process of making them, which is quite risky. Moreover, it is said that wizards who frequently come into contact with Dark Magic items can influence a person's behavior and personality, potentially making them more irritable and short-tempered.

After Dumbledore dies, Voldemort and his minions will openly cause trouble for Muggle-born wizard. As Muggle-born wizard himself, he will naturally be in danger, so it's normal for him to want to protect himself.

While some things can't be sold, others can be used to start a business. The fact that the Weasley Twins in the novel were able to make a fortune speaks volumes.

Galleon might not be the most important thing, but Galleon can sometimes solve a lot of problems. After all, you can't do anything without money.

As a time traveler, Albert was well aware that wealth without protection was itself a sin and could ultimately become a target for plunder.

He needs strength; that's important.

Next, you'll need to get the outer skin of the Swamp Snatcher. This Magical Creature is the nemesis of Mandrakes, and its favorite food is Mandrakes. By using the outer skin of the Swamp Snatcher to make a container to store Mandrakes, you can effectively suppress it.

This is probably what it means for a child to be afraid to cry at night!

Then there's the container for storing Dark Magic items, and... I need to learn the Undetectable Extension Charm, which seems to be strictly controlled by the Ministry of Magic. I wonder if I can find relevant books in the library.

Finally, the design of the combination container needs to take into account the risk of carrying a Dark Magic item with you.

Albert recorded these things in his alchemy notebook, then closed it and took out another notebook. He glanced confidently at the information in it and frowned slightly.

A new task appears on the Task Panel.

There's another purpose. Everyone knows the position of Dark Magic Professor is cursed, and every wizard who comes to Hogwarts as Dark Magic Professor has their own reasons for willingly taking the risk. You seem to have discovered some secrets about Rowena Smith's arrival at Hogwarts. Please find out why Professor Smith came to Hogwarts to teach.

Rewards: 2000 experience points, 1 Skill Points, and a random skill from Rowena Smith.

Ever since this mission came up, Albert has found Professor Smith to be a bit strange. Moreover, he's now showing interest in Ancient Runes and has invited Albert over for tea.

Hmm, indeed, this whole thing seems very strange no matter how you look at it.