Chapter 213: Astonishment
Chapter 213: Astonishment
At this moment, Filch was walking down the corridor leading to the basement of the castle, holding an oil lamp. A strange crying sound had emanated from below the castle a while ago, and though he didn't know what it was, his years of experience as a caretaker told him that something was amiss.
"Who's there? Stop, I see you!" Filch suddenly shouted, quickening his pace to chase after the source of the sound.
After a brief pursuit, Filch finally cornered the student, panting as he raised his lamp to illuminate the anxious face of a Slytherin student. A mischievous smile played at the corners of his mouth.
Curiosity killed the cat, as the saying goes, and it couldn't be more true in this case.
This particular Slytherin student was unlucky. He had heard the crying of the Mandrake and, out of curiosity, had sneaked out of the common room to investigate the source of the sound. But his curiosity had led him straight into Filch's path.
"Tell me, was that eerie crying sound your doing?" Filch's mood suddenly brightened as he demanded sternly.
"No, I just heard the sound..." the student explained with a mournful expression.
"Don't even think about running. Come with me," Filch said as he grabbed the student and marched toward Snape's office. However, Snape was currently unconscious due to Albert's use of the Mandrake, so he was in no position to answer the door.
After their unsuccessful attempt to rouse Snape, Filch had no choice but to take the student to find Deputy Headmistress Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall, cloaked and curious, opened her door to Filch and the nervous Slytherin student. "What is the meaning of this, Argus?" she inquired.
"I suspect he's responsible for the commotion earlier," Filch whispered, recounting the events that had just transpired.
"This has nothing to do with me," the Slytherin student quickly interjected.
"What is going on here?" Professor McGonagall frowned, her gaze hardening.
The Slytherin student swallowed hard and proceeded to explain what he knew.
The Mandrake's cry hadn't carried too far, and only a handful of Slytherin students who were still awake, along with Filch, had heard it. And the student standing before her was one of those who had ventured out to investigate the source of the sound.
And now, he was in trouble.
As Professor McGonagall severely deducted points from Slytherin House, Albert was regaling his roommates with the tale of what had just transpired in Snape's office.
"You actually..." The three roommates were stunned as they listened to Albert's account of how he had used the Mandrake to render Snape unconscious. They stared at their roommate, who had just dispelled his Disguise Spell.
Then, with a grumble full of resentment: "Damn it, why didn't you bring us along for something so fun?"
"It's easier to act alone," Albert yawned and replied with a smile. "I already got the snake eggs from Neville, and I'll write to the apothecary in Diagon Alley tomorrow to buy the dragon claws. Snape won't suspect a thing about us brewing the Wake-Potion."
"But it's such a shame about this!" Fred exclaimed, his face filled with regret. At the same time, he couldn't help but admire Albert's courage in daring to knock out Snape.
"I wonder what Snape will be like when he wakes up tomorrow?" George asked, his tone curious as he lay back down on his bed.
"He'll probably think it was all a nightmare," Albert replied without hesitation. "Anyway, get some rest. Let's not be late for class tomorrow morning."
Despite Albert's words, Fred and the others were too excited to sleep. How could anyone hear such news and not be wide awake?
Albert, however, paid no heed to their excitement. With his eyes closed, he began to receive the reward for his initial acquaintance with the Mandrake.
The so-called basic knowledge of Mandrakes turned out to be quite similar to what Albert had guessed. It encompassed a wide range of information about the plant, and if one were to write a thesis on Mandrakes, it could easily fill a thick book.
As Albert slowly browsed through the knowledge he had acquired, he was truly astonished.
Mandrake was one of the ingredients for the Elixir of Life.
Mandrake roots could be brewed into a wine through a special process. This wine promoted fertility and had a certain aphrodisiac effect.
In fact, Mandrake roots were also one of the ingredients used in Love Potions.
Most astonishing of all, Albert even found the formula for both the Elixir of Life and the Mandrake root wine in his memory.
But that wasn't all that left him reeling. Mandrake roots could also be transformed through complex potion-making techniques into a potion that slowed down aging.
If mature Mandrake roots were dried and carved, they could be made into various extremely valuable amulets. These amulets could ward off diseases, protect against Dark Magic, and ensure successful conception for women.
Additionally, if the dried Mandrake roots were carved into human shapes, they could be used for divination.
Mandrake roots were also ingredients in flying ointments—a fun little side note.
The so-called basic knowledge of Mandrakes left Albert astounded. This portion of knowledge comprehensively analyzed all the possible uses of Mandrakes, from the plant to the roots, spanning at least a hundred applications in alchemy and potion-making.
Of course, they could also be crafted into Dark Magic artifacts.
If a Mandrake was planted in salt for three months, it would become a dangerous Dark Magic artifact.
In Albert's understanding, the Mandrake, when soaked in salt for three months, would be infused with hatred. When removed from the salt, the Mandrake would become incredibly deadly. Its cries would cause creatures nearby to fall unconscious from a curse, and they might even die. The salt used to bury the Mandrake would then become the key to lifting the curse.
"This... this is fantastic!" Albert exclaimed excitedly. He realized that he probably couldn't return the Mandrake he had taken, and he might even need to cultivate large quantities of Mandrakes in the future. Fortunately, he wasn't concerned about the cultivation method, as the basic knowledge he had acquired included the best cultivation techniques, which were even better than those used by Professor Sprout.
"What's so fantastic?" a voice suddenly asked from beside him.
"Felix Felicis," Albert replied joyfully. "The potion is truly amazing. I'm determined to learn how to brew it."
"You don't plan to drink it every day, do you?"
"Felix Felicis for when things aren't going my way," Albert smiled. "While drinking too much can make one arrogant and conceited, it's undeniable that in small doses, everything becomes perfect."
(End of Chapter)
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