Snape Is Attacked

When Wentworth heard Snape's words, he chuckled inwardly.

Then Wentworth picked up the half bag of Sopophorous Beans left on the table and waved it in front of Professor Snape.

Snape could no longer keep his expression under control. His face became a kaleidoscope of emotions.

After a long moment, Snape seemed to finally come to his senses and asked:

"Wentworth, it seems you used some special methods. How did you do it?"

This time, Snape finally spoke to Wentworth without a trace of sarcasm.

How did he do it? Of course, he'd done it using Snape's own method!

But Wentworth had no intention of revealing the secret so soon. Otherwise, Snape would surely guess that he'd gotten his hands on Snape's old notes.

Wentworth picked up the small silver knife on the table. Thinking Wentworth was about to demonstrate, Snape couldn't help walking over to watch his process closely.

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

"I'm sorry, Professor Snape, but this is a family secret. I can't tell you."

Wentworth's words left Snape silent for a moment. At last, Snape said:

"Fine. It seems your family is a family of Potions experts. No wonder you used a cauldron to cook. For any Potions Master, spending several days brewing potions in a row is perfectly normal. A cauldron is always close at hand, so it makes a good cooking pot."

Hearing Snape's words, Wentworth couldn't help thinking, No wonder he's a wizard who invented so many spells. He has such a vivid imagination—he even makes up stories in his own head!

But outwardly, Wentworth nodded in complete agreement.

Snape waved a hand and said casually:

"All right, you can go back tonight. Remember to continue tomorrow night. Try not to get lost on the way and miss curfew."

As soon as Snape told him he could leave, Wentworth picked up his old textbook without hesitation, bowed to Snape, and turned to go.

"Wait!"

Suddenly, Snape called out to him from behind.

Wentworth stiffened. Had Snape figured it out already? Had he guessed that I got my hands on his notes?

"You can keep that bag of Sopophorous Beans. Do you think I'd take it back after giving it to you? Take it, take it!"

Snape said impatiently from behind him.

Wentworth breathed a sigh of relief. He knew this was Snape's way of paying him, so he didn't stand on ceremony. He turned around, took the remaining half bag of beans, and hurried out.

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

Suddenly, Snape swiftly reached for his wand at his waist.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

But someone was faster. Before Snape's hand could reach his wand, a Full Body-Bind Curse struck him from behind. His whole body instantly stiffened, leaving him unable to move.

Snape had never imagined that he would be attacked at Hogwarts, in his own office. For a moment, he was filled with shock and fear.

Could that person whose name must not be spoken have returned?

Then a voice from behind him spoke, impossible to tell whether it belonged to a man or a woman.

"As expected of Hogwarts. I never thought a Potions professor would have such sharp senses. My Disillusionment Charm is difficult for even an ordinary Auror to detect, yet you spotted me so quickly."

"But don't worry. I don't intend to hurt you. You're just going to be punished a little for disrespecting someone today!"

Snape was utterly baffled. For goodness' sake, aside from Dumbledore, wasn't he disrespectful to just about everyone?

Nothing like this had happened before, yet here it was happening today. Soon, Wentworth's face came to mind.

Sure enough, the voice from behind him continued:

"I'm sure you can guess who I mean. That's right—it's Wentworth. He isn't someone you can order around as you please. You should be grateful he showed you kindness before he left. Otherwise, you might need a substitute teacher for Potions Class tomorrow."

"Stay right here. The spell should wear off on its own in about two hours. Consider it a small punishment."

"Also, I don't want you telling Wentworth about this. Otherwise, next time I cast a spell at your back, it won't be something as simple as a Full Body-Bind Curse."

A long while passed without another sound from behind him. As Snape breathed a sigh of relief, a trace of fear crept into his heart.

This was Hogwarts, after all! It was protected by countless defensive spells, and Dumbledore, the greatest white wizard in history, was there to guard it. Yet someone had managed to sneak in without anyone knowing.

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

At the same time, Snape grew even more suspicious of Wentworth's identity. Clearly, Wentworth didn't come from an ordinary wizarding family.

Suddenly, Snape recalled something Dumbledore had once said. Could Wentworth actually be Voldemort in disguise?

Back when Voldemort was still Tom Riddle, he had been just as graceful as Wentworth was now. He had excelled in every subject and was adored by his fellow students and professors alike.

Could it be because Lily's child is due to start at Hogwarts next year? Is that why he came early to make his plans?

Unable to contain his anxiety any longer, Snape could only hope the spell would wear off quickly. He had to tell Dumbledore at once.

While Snape was being "made to stand at attention," frozen in place in his own office, Wentworth returned to the Hufflepuff Common Room.

As soon as he opened the door, Wentworth was surprised to see Cedric and the others waiting for him in the Hufflepuff Common Room.

The moment he stepped inside, Cedric and the others led him over to a comfortable sofa and sat him down. Someone brought him fruit, someone else brought desserts, and in no time, his lap was piled high with all sorts of delicious food.

Wentworth was so overwhelmed by their kindness that he thanked them again and again. But Coke, their Prefect, simply said:

"What are you thanking us for? You deserve it! You're being held against you by Professor Snape because you stood up for all of Hufflepuff. Hufflepuff never forgets those who help us—and we certainly never forget those who bring us good food!"