The Tasks Need to Be Divided Up / Snape Is Actually a Very Good Actor...

The interior was furnished like a storage room, with all sorts of objects piled up in layers, many of which were covered in dust.

In the corner of the room was a mirror that reached the ceiling, its surface covered by an old bed sheet so that it could not reflect any image.

On the ground next to the mirror, there was a silver-gray combination lock briefcase.

Luna Lovegood recognized it; it was Harry's trunk from before.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Room of Requirement."

Hearing the familiar voice, Cedric Diggory and Neville quickly turned around and saw Harry standing behind them, seemingly carrying a peculiar cloak.

As for Luna Lovegood, she wasn't surprised at all, since she already knew Harry was following her.

Chapter 157 The task requires division of labor.

Speechless, dumbfounded, stunned...

This was Neville and Cedric Diggory's entire reaction after Harry led the three of them into his suitcase.

Harry's suitcase contained a whole different world, and he even kept Fantastic Beasts like Bowtruckle, Mooncalf, and Occamy!

Even in the grove where the Bowtruckle lived, Cedric Diggory actually spotted a lone Unicorn swimming around!

Of course, Harry didn't take them too deep, lest some people who shouldn't be seen be exposed prematurely, but even so, it was enough to shock the two boys.

In contrast, Luna Lovegood appeared quite calm.

After all, although she always wore a surprised expression, there was actually nothing in this world that could truly surprise her... unless Harry actually found the fictitious Crumple-Horned Snorkack.

"Come and take a look together, this is what I need to ask of you."

Harry led the three to a greenhouse that was kept warm and lit for a long time by Weather Charm, where several thriving Mandrake were swaying their leaves comfortably.

"Mandrake... Did you bring this out from the Third Greenhouse ahead of time? That's wonderful!"

Cedric Diggory was taken aback for a moment, then his face lit up with surprise, clearly having figured out the origin of these Mandrake.

He certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to mistake Harry for the culprit who destroyed the Third Greenhouse, so he was now quite certain that Harry must have known about the criminal's plan beforehand, which was why he managed to save these precious seedlings.

"The seedlings have been saved, that's true, but the problem now is that I can't come to take care of them often," Harry sighed gravely. "Lucius Malfoy, and the other patriarchs of those Pure-blood Family, are Headmaster Dumbledore's political enemies. Their purpose in taking over the school this time isn't to protect the students' safety, but to prevent the truth of the Chamber of Secrets from coming to light!"

"I've made some progress in investigating the Chamber of Secrets, but Hermione and I are currently being targeted by those people, and our future actions may be greatly restricted. Therefore, I can only entrust these young talents to you!"

"I'm fine with it. I have firsthand knowledge of the entire process of cultivating Mandrake, from seedling to mature plant. I know exactly how they are cultivated and I will take care of them with all my heart." Cedric Diggory immediately and confidently assured everyone, even pulling out his wand to prove it. "I swear on my wand and my surname that I will definitely succeed in cultivating Mandrake that can heal everyone, and I will keep this secret!"

"Thank you so much~" Harry nodded with relief, glad that he hadn't misjudged the person after all.

The more established a shaman's family tradition is, the more they value the honor represented by their surname. Therefore, oaths made in the name of one's surname are often extremely solemn.

Furthermore, Cedric Diggory's wand core was made of Unicorn Tail Hair, and Harry could clearly hear the wand's evaluation of its master in the Voice of Magic, knowing that he was definitely a man of his word.

While it may sound harsh, one fact remains undeniable: in this emergency, Cedric Diggory, who had only met Harry once before, is more reliable than all five Weasley combined.

"This is such a big deal... I don't know if I can do it well, but if Harry really needs it, I can try my best..."

Neville seemed a little uneasy, but everyone knew that he wasn't afraid of being involved, but rather worried that he wouldn't do a good job.

"Neville, all you need to do is repot them regularly, just like you do in class," Harry encouragingly, patting Neville on the shoulder. "Believe in yourself, you can definitely do a great job!"

The usually taciturn Longbottom was unaware that, starting in his second year, he had gradually revealed a unique talent for Herbology.

Neville was particularly adept at caring for Mandrake in the early days, and Professor Sprout earned Gryffindor House points for it.

In fact, if Harry hadn't run into Cedric Diggory, he initially intended for Neville to take on the main responsibility of caring for the Mandrake.

Harry's only worry was that Neville had never actually seen a mature Mandrake, but with Cedric Diggory's help, that problem was obviously solved.

"Well... in that case, I'll make a vow too, in my grandmother's name..."

Judging from Neville's trembling body, he was clearly more afraid of his grandmother than of his family name or anything like that.

"So, besides eliminating surveillance, what else can I do?"

Luna Lovegood is a very smart girl; before Harry even assigned her a task, she already knew what she was supposed to do.

She was just a freshman, without much magical ability, and of course, she didn't know how to care for Mandrake. Therefore, it was easy for her to realize that what Harry needed was her eyes.

With her keen eyesight and near-circular perspective, Luna Lovegood is the perfect lookout. With her around, Cedric Diggory and Neville won't have to worry about being followed while they're on a mission.

However, Luna Lovegood probably felt that the task Harry assigned her was too easy, and was not particularly satisfied with it.

"Well... why don't you tell me yourself, what are some things you'd like to do?"

Luna Lovegood's question also stumped Harry, because he genuinely didn't know what else Luna Lovegood could do to help besides keeping watch.

This is actually still about wisdom and knowledge. Luna Lovegood is indeed intelligent, but she is still inexperienced, and this intelligence cannot be immediately translated into practical knowledge.

"How are they?" Luna Lovegood pointed to the Fantastic Beasts moving around not far away. "If you can't come over often, I think I can help you take care of them."

"You're going to take care of Fantastic Beasts for me?" Harry was taken aback. "Taking care of them is hard work. Besides feeding and watering them, you also have to check on them regularly. Some special Fantastic Beasts, like the Mooncalf you just saw, have droppings that are key fertilizers that help Mandrake grow quickly. So, while taking care of them, you'll also be responsible for cleaning up their poop..."

"It's alright, leave it to me. This job is much easier than finding the Blibbering Humdinger."

Luna Lovegood readily agreed, not finding it at all unacceptable to scoop poop for the Mooncalf.

Harry could only marvel at how extraordinary this girl's sudden burst of madness truly was.

However, Harry also thought that if Luna Lovegood was really interested in Fantastic Beasts, he could hire her as an assistant once things settled down.

Hmm, I heard that Scamander had a beautiful assistant when he was young, so it really is true that 'a man and a woman working together makes the work easier'~

Although he was eventually fired by Tina...

"That's settled then. Neville and Cedric Diggory will take care of the Mandrake, while Luna Lovegood will keep watch and look after the Mooncalf and other Fantastic Beasts. I've prepared everything needed, including equipment, water, and fertilizer such as dragon manure."

After discussing the matter, Harry gave the three of them his final instructions. "I'll give Luna Lovegood the combination to the briefcase, and I'll tell you how to get into the Room of Requirement later. Today's events must be kept secret; don't tell anyone outside of us! Also... for safety's sake, please do not venture into the deeper parts of the briefcase!!"

"Okay." *3

Seeing the three nod in agreement, Harry felt a weight lifted from his shoulders.

Finally, I don't have to worry about the Mandrake, which is crucial for the recovery of all the victims, anymore.

Chapter 158 The Severus Snape is actually quite good at acting.

The Headmaster's office in Slytherin was just as dark and damp as the common room and Potions Classroom in Slytherin House, to the point that Harry always felt he should send Snape a pair of thick, fleece-lined thermal underwear as soon as possible.

Working and living in such an environment year-round can easily lead to rheumatism and chronic leg pain. In addition, as a Severus Snape with a heavy workload, not only does prolonged standing damage the bones, but it also makes one prone to occupational diseases such as varicose veins. Therefore, it is absolutely essential to protect one's legs.

Much of the above content consists of tips Harry attached to his Potions Class paper, which shows how much he cared about Snape.

To ensure the safety of Severus Snape's knees, Harry even did his homework on paper, something he never did before.

Of course, the reason he was doing Potions homework was because it was one of the few ways he could safely communicate with Snape.

Harry himself was under close surveillance by Lucius and others, while Snape had close personal relationships with the patriarchs of those Pure-blood Family, and he had been entertaining a great deal of people these days, with his office practically never emptying out.

If Harry continues to approach him so casually as before, he'll be caught red-handed by his opponents in no time.

Therefore, he could only communicate with Snape through assignments, and in his written papers he clearly stated his urgent need for drug-induced interrogation, hoping Snape could help provide some...

Veritaserum.

Indeed, after much deliberation, Harry finally realized that the key to breaking his current predicament was the Veritaserum!

It's said that just three drops can make someone confess all their deepest secrets. Veritaserum is far more effective than scopolamine used for anesthesia; it's definitely the essential drug for extracting information about someone's secret stash of money!

However, the very next day after Harry handed in his assignment, while Harry was waiting for a response, the Potions Professor unexpectedly arrived with a furious expression and roughly dragged Harry from his seat in front of Professor Flitwick, who was in the middle of class.

"Professor Snape, what are you doing?" Flitwick rushed over upon seeing this. "What's wrong with Harry? Why are you doing this to him?!"

"He definitely committed a crime!" Snape showed no mercy to Flitwick, gripping Harry's collar tightly. "Two days ago, the School Governor Greengrass was attacked in the abandoned lavatory on the third floor. He was not only stunned by Stunning Spell, but also struck hard on the back of the head! My investigation confirms that it was Granger, that unruly student, who did it!"

"But you have no evidence!" Flitwick defended Harry relentlessly. "Mr. Greengrass's attack might have been an accident, or perhaps the culprit is the Heir of Slytherin ... uh..."

As he spoke, Professor Flitwick hesitated.

Greengrass is a Pure-blood Slytherin House, and the Heir of Slytherin should never attack him.

"Hmph, now you can't protect him, can you?" Snape's lips curled into a smug sneer. "Using such despicable means to attack from behind, that's always Granger's style. Besides, he has a history of spying on the Girls' Bathroom... Last year, a student reported that he was shouting outside the Girls' Bathroom, and when the Troll attacked, he happened to be inside!"

"Stop, I'll go with you, okay?" Seeing a hint of smugness in Snape's eyes, Harry rolled his eyes at him.

Damn, this Severus Snape is definitely just here to vent, using the Girls' Bathroom incident to make fun of himself.

Harry knew that Snape must have seen his message, and that his aggressive barging into Professor Flitwick's class was all an act.

But... saying things like having a prior record of spying on Girls' Bathroom, isn't that just blatantly damaging his own image?

"Professor Snape, as a teacher at Hogwarts, I expect you to at least be fair!"

Seeing that Harry had agreed, Flitwick couldn't insist any further, but he still sternly threatened Snape: "Harry is my student. If I find out he has suffered even the slightest injustice, I will definitely hold you accountable!"

"I know some people have been blatantly doting on Harry Granger," Snape scoffed dismissively. "But now that Dumbledore has left, so this so-called doting is just that—doting."

After ignoring the mockery, Snape grabbed Harry by the collar and strode away, leaving a pale-faced Flitwick in the classroom, filled with worry.

It was Slytherin Headmaster's office again. This time, besides Snape and Greengrass, who had been hit with a brick before, Harry also met what appeared to be Crabbe and Goyle's father.

Four people interrogated him, and Harry didn't even have a chance to defend himself before they accused him of something baseless.

Of course, this isn't entirely unfounded, since he really did throw the brick.

Even so, Harry remained unfazed by the four Slytherin bear parents, stubbornly refusing to admit anything.

"I didn't inflict his injuries, and I didn't even go to the girls' restroom on the third floor that day. Besides, isn't Myrtle's ghost in that Girls' Bathroom? Why didn't you just go and ask her?!"

"Don't try to deny it! You're just holding a grudge, that's why you attacked me from behind! That damned Myrtle was in cahoots with you too!"

Greengrass pointed his finger at Harry and shouted, but he was just putting on a brave front because he couldn't actually produce any evidence.

After the incident, Lucius and the other Pure-blood parents questioned Myrtle, but she insisted that she knew nothing about it, leaving the Pure-blood parents with no recourse.

Besides, Harry just had Charms Class, so even if you used the Prior Incantato on his wand, you wouldn't be able to tell what happened.

As for the brick that made Greengrass bleed, it's lying in Harry's Space Ring, so these guys are even less likely to find it.

Therefore, there was no way to verify the matter, and Greengrass could only bite indiscriminately like a mad dog.

"Harry Granger, I'm at a loss for what to do with you for now, but don't think this will be over so easily." Snape approached Harry with a cold expression, holding up an empty vial. "This vial contained Veritaserum, but it's empty now. Otherwise, just a few drops would have been enough for me to uncover your secrets."

"You're lucky, because Veritaserum is extremely difficult to refine. Even for me, it takes almost a whole month to make, and I have to review the recipe before I can even begin. But you're also unlucky, because I happen to have all the ingredients for Veritaserum. Once I've successfully refined it, let's see if you still dare to talk back to us!"

"So what you're saying is that you have no evidence at all and you have to let me go?"

Harry didn't care about Snape's threat and remained indifferent.

"Get out!"

After consulting with the other three Pure-blood parents, Snape had no choice but to impatiently wave Harry out of the office.

"Well done, Severus Snape!"

After leaving Snape's office, Harry almost burst out laughing.

On the surface, what just happened seemed like the four Slytherin were helpless against Harry because they had no evidence.

But in reality, Snape had already revealed the most important information to him.

Unfortunately, we've run out of Veritaserum. It would take a whole month to make more, and all the materials and recipes are in the office!

Chapter 159 Those who attain enlightenment will inevitably receive much help.

In Slytherin House's Headmaster's office, after Snape and the three Pure-blood parents left chatting and laughing, the door, which had been tightly closed, quietly cracked open a little.

At this point, less than an hour had passed since Harry was interrogated by the four Slytherin at the same time.

Harry didn't really want to be in such a tense situation, but he simply didn't have the time, so he had no choice but to take the risk and carry out the theft immediately after Snape gave him the information.

"The recipe was indeed here!"

Wearing his Invisibility Cloak, Harry rummaged through Snape's desk for a while and easily found a brand-new formula that was obviously written on the spot among the stack of papers and assignments.