Snape Attacked

Wentworth heard Snape's words and let out a dry, internal chuckle.

Immediately, Wentworth picked up the remaining half-bag of Sopophorous Beans from the table and shook it in front of Professor Snape.

At this, Snape could no longer maintain his composure, his expression shifting into a kaleidoscope of emotions.

After a long moment, Snape seemed to snap out of it and asked:

"Wentworth, it appears you used some special means and methods. How did you do it?"

For once, Snape did not use a sarcastic tone when speaking to Wentworth.

How did he do it? Naturally, by using your methods!

But Wentworth had no intention of revealing that secret so soon; otherwise, Snape would surely guess that he had obtained his old notes.

Wentworth picked up the small sterling silver knife from the table. Snape, mistakenly believing that Wentworth was about to demonstrate the process, couldn't help but walk over, intending to observe Wentworth's steps closely.

However, to Snape's surprise, Wentworth handed the sterling silver knife back to him and said:

"I am very sorry, Professor Snape, but this is a family secret recipe. I am afraid I cannot tell you."

Wentworth's words left Snape silent for a moment, until finally, Snape spoke:

"Very well. It seems your family is a lineage of potion masters. No wonder you use a cauldron for cooking. For any Potions Master, brewing potions for days on end is a perfectly normal occurrence; a cauldron kept close at hand is indeed a fine vessel for cooking."

Hearing Snape's words, Wentworth couldn't help but marvel internally. No wonder he was a wizard capable of inventing so many spells; his imagination was truly rich, even capable of such self-rationalization!

On the surface, however, Wentworth nodded in deep agreement.

Seeing this, Snape waved his hand and said casually:

"Very well, you may return tonight. Remember to continue tomorrow evening. I hope you don't get lost on the way and miss the curfew."

Hearing Snape dismiss him, Wentworth didn't hesitate to grab his old textbook, bow to Snape, and turn to walk out.

"Wait a moment!"

Suddenly, Snape called out to him from behind.

Wentworth's body stiffened involuntarily, thinking: Snape couldn't have realized it so quickly and guessed that I have his notes, could he?

"Since I gave you this bag of Sopophorous Beans, they are yours. Do you think I would take them back? Take them, take them!"

Snape said impatiently from behind Wentworth.

Wentworth let out a long sigh of relief, realizing this was actually Snape's way of paying him. He didn't stand on ceremony, turned around, and walked away quickly with the remaining half-bag of beans.

Long after Wentworth had left, Snape remained staring at the 10 grams of Sopophorous Bean juice left on the table, lost in thought.

Suddenly, Snape reached out toward the wand at his waist with lightning-fast, agile movements.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

However, someone was faster than Snape. Before his hand could even touch his wand, a Full Body-Bind Curse struck him from behind. Snape instantly went rigid, unable to move a muscle.

Snape never imagined that at Hogwarts, in his own office, he would be attacked. For a moment, his heart was filled with horror.

Could it be that the one who must not be named has returned?

Then, a voice that could not be identified as male or female rang out from behind Snape.

"As expected of Hogwarts, a Potions professor with such keen senses—this truly exceeds my expectations. You should know that even ordinary Aurors struggle to detect my Disillusionment Charm, yet you discovered me so quickly."

"However, rest assured, I have no intention of harming you. It is just that you must be punished for your disrespect toward someone today!"

Hearing this, Snape was bewildered. Are you kidding me? Aside from Dumbledore, I don't think I've been disrespectful to anyone, have I?

Yet, such a thing had never happened before, and it happened today. Soon, the image of Wentworth surfaced in Snape's mind.

Sure enough, the gender-neutral voice behind him continued:

"I presume you can guess—yes, it is Wentworth. Wentworth is not someone you can order around at will. You should be grateful for the goodwill he showed before he left; otherwise, I fear tomorrow's Potions class would require a substitute professor."

"Just stay here quietly. In about two hours, the spell will wear off automatically. Consider this a small punishment."

"Furthermore, I hope you do not let Wentworth know about this. Otherwise, the next time I cast a spell behind your back, it won't be as simple as a Full Body-Bind Curse."

After a long while, no more sounds came from behind. While Snape let out a sigh of relief internally, he couldn't help but feel a sense of dread.

This is Hogwarts! It was protected by countless defensive enchantments and presided over by Dumbledore, the greatest white wizard of all time, yet someone had snuck in without a trace.

Even at the height of Voldemort and the Death Eaters' power, they had never managed to do this!

At the same time, Wentworth's identity sparked even more suspicion in Snape. Clearly, Wentworth did not come from an ordinary wizarding family.

Suddenly, Snape recalled Dumbledore's words from the past. Could it be that Wentworth is actually Voldemort in disguise?

After all, when Voldemort was Tom Riddle, he was just as elegant as Wentworth is now, excelling in all his subjects and beloved by students and professors alike.

Could it be that because Lily's child is coming to Hogwarts next year, he has arrived early to lay his plans?

Thinking of this, Snape could no longer suppress his inner agitation. He only hoped the spell would wear off quickly so he could go tell Dumbledore immediately.

While Snape was being "sent to the corner" and standing motionless in his office, Wentworth had returned to the Hufflepuff common room.

As soon as he opened the door, Wentworth was surprised to find Cedric and the others waiting for him.

The moment Wentworth stepped inside, he was pulled by Cedric and the others to sit on a comfortable sofa. Some brought him fruit, others brought desserts, and in an instant, Wentworth was surrounded by all sorts of delicacies.

Wentworth was flattered and thanked them repeatedly, but Coke, the prefect, said dismissively:

"What are you thanking us for? This is what you deserve! You were targeted by Professor Snape because of us, the whole of Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff never forgets those who help us, and certainly never forgets those who bring us delicious food!"