Chapter 28: Night Wandering, Encountering the Weasley Brothers Again
Fortunately, Xiao Deng wasn't picky when he was sweeping the Library, and there was a Wizard's Chess section too.
Passing this level didn't take long.
No, I should say that passing all the levels wasn't much of a problem.
Only the Potion puzzle required some brainpower.
The style was too obvious; one look and you could tell it was a puzzle set by the Old Bat.
If he hadn't come here first, Harry would likely have come.
This old guy was purely trying to mess with Harry.
When he walked into the last room, there was nothing else inside, only a mirror.
The surface shimmered with a faint silver light, and its ornate, antique design clearly showed it was ancient.
What did this mean?
However, after looking for only a few seconds, Xiao Dengrecognized the origin of the mirror.
The mirror of erised!
Legend had it that it could reveal a person's deepest desires.
Xiao Deng lowered his head to ponder; he didn't seem to have anything he particularly desired anymore.
Having experienced life and death once, he had let go of many things.
Xiao Deng slowly approached the mirror.
A face as handsome as everyone else's immediately appeared in the mirror.
Wow, he was truly handsome!
A few seconds later, a figure appeared.
Hermione!
Hmm? Was this what he desired?
Myrtle!
Huh? A ghost?
First Senior Sister, Second Senior Sister, Third Senior Sister, Fourth Senior Sister!
Female disciples of the Hehuan Sect!
Female disciples of the Tianxuan Sect!
Female disciples of the Sword Sect!
Before long, the mirror was filled with people.
"Bullshit!"
Xiao Deng pointed at the mirror and cursed!
"I'm such a serious person, and my Hehuan Sect is a legitimate sect!"
Strangely, the figures from the cultivation world in the mirror gradually faded away, leaving only the people from Hogwarts.
This moment only lasted for a second.
This caused the rest of Xiao Deng's words to get stuck in his throat, forcing him to swallow them back before he could even say them.
Could it be because I no longer have any connection to that world?
Xiao Deng couldn't figure it out, and thinking about it now, the impression of his senior sisters was becoming even blurrier.
Would they disappear completely in the end?
Xiao Deng shivered, but no one was there to give him an answer.
Xiao Deng finally returned to a calm state, thinking about his purpose for coming here.
If this was the last level of the Chamber of Secrets, then the secret hidden here must be related to this mirror.
After all, there was nothing else in this room, only this mirror to study.
Recalling that there were many magical artifacts in the cultivation world that were worlds within mirrors, he wondered if this mirror had one too.
Xiao Deng tried to reach out towards the mirror with his palm wrapped in spiritual energy.
The expected chill did not appear.
Xiao Deng's hand passed directly through the mirror's surface, and when he pulled it back, there was a warm, smooth stone in his hand.
Xiao Deng frowned as he looked at the stone, and suddenly, inspiration struck.
"This... could it be the Philosopher's Stone?"
"It looks like a product of artifact refining."
"Are there still people in this world who know how to refine artifacts?"
However, no one was there to answer Xiao Deng's question.
Xiao Deng had read quite a few books in the Library and knew some information about the Philosopher's Stone.
He just hadn't expected to actually see the real thing.
"Alchemy and immortality?"
Xiao Deng immediately thought of the remnant soul on Quirrell.
Could his purpose be this stone, and then using it to resurrect?
Xiao Deng didn't think too much about this question; there was a lack of a large amount of intelligence and information.
Thinking too much wouldn't provide any actual evidence to confirm it.
He backhandedly put the Philosopher's Stone into his spatial ring.
As he turned to leave, he paused, thought for a moment, then stepped back step by step, restoring all the designed levels to their original state.
With a light tap of his toes, he landed steadily beside the Cerberus.
At this moment, the Cerberus was still fast asleep with the meat he had given it earlier in its mouth.
Xiao Deng retrieved the instrument from not far away.
The music stopped, and the Cerberus gradually opened its eyes.
The taste of the meat in its mouth immediately made it overjoyed.
"I'm leaving."
The Cerberus actually revealed a human-like expression, nodded, and then continued eating.
Everything was restored to its original state, and Xiao Deng also emerged from the Fourth Floor.
He frowned, turned, and hid in a corner.
"Did you bring the stuff this time?"
"Of course, inspired by a certain master, I made some improvements."
"Master? Which master? Is there anyone in school better than us?"
"Maybe in other aspects, but in this regard, he dares to claim to be first, and I dare say no one is second."
"Who exactly is it? And what exactly did you make that you're being so secretive about!"
"Seamus!"
"Hmm? Harry's roommate?"
"Yes, he has a talent: no matter what Potion Snape asks him to make, his will definitely explode."
"One hundred percent, no exceptions!"
"Wow, a genius! Is he interested in joining us?"
"That might be a bit difficult!"
The Weasley Brothers!
What were these two guys up to again? Filch had just finished his reflection, and they were out causing trouble again.
Xiao Deng followed the Weasley Brothers silently.
The two arrived again at the bathroom that was still a swamp; it hadn't been restored to its original state.
A few wooden planks had been placed on top to serve as stepping stones.
It seemed Filch would rather go through the trouble than lose face by asking the Professors for help.
Fred pulled a small bottle out of his pocket.
He poured the powder from the small bottle into the swamp, and the swamp instantly began to bubble like lava.
It lasted for a minute before finally settling down.
"What exactly is this?"
"magic Explosion Powder!"
"The inspiration comes from Seamus's Potion explosions."
"If he comes to use the bathroom, the powder will take effect."
"The powder explodes, but only within the range of this swamp."
"The power won't hurt anyone, but it will just happen to lift the swamp up and drop it on him."
"Do you mean he'll be covered in filth again?"
"I mean, will he go to the Great Hall to eat again?"
"A brilliant idea!"
"Likewise!"
A gentle voice rang out, startling the brothers.
"At such an important moment, I think it's only appropriate to have a witness."
"Xiao Deng!"
"Hahaha, I knew you definitely weren't being honest."
Xiao Deng spread his hands innocently and said, "Just coming out to play, it's nothing shameful."
The Weasley Brothers couldn't help but laugh.
"You really are a kindred spirit!"
"Then let's witness it together tomorrow!"
Xiao Deng nodded with a smile.
"Of course!"
"But I'm going back. Are you going back?"
The brothers checked the time and frowned slightly.
"It's a bit late to be out today; we'd better go back, there isn't much time left."
The three walked and talked.
"Xiao Deng, have you entered the Chamber of Secrets on the Fourth Floor?"
"No, it's full of magic; I can't get in."
"The stairs don't even turn that way; it's a huge headache, I've given up."
The Weasley Brothers also looked disappointed.
They also wanted to know what was going on on the Fourth Floor.
Regarding Harry and the possible plans of Dumbledore, Xiao Deng naturally wouldn't say too much.
This wasn't something they should know, and they couldn't handle it either.
If something went wrong in this matter, the implications would be huge.
He still wanted to develop quietly.
Returning to the Dormitory, Xiao Deng quickly entered his state and closed his eyes.
This young master is here!
Chapter 29: A Busy Hogwarts
I have to say, you can do anything in your dreams, and improve your cultivation at the same time.
But still, it's just so damn annoying, spending every day hitting a wooden dummy in a dream.
I really wish I could do it for real...
Xiao Deng did a kip-up and sprang out of bed.
Uh, got a bit too excited!
Fortunately, no one else woke up.
Today is Transfiguration Class, but there is one thing I haven't done yet.
It's been a long time since I promised someone, I think.
This time, Xiao Deng walked out of the Dormitory without even bringing his textbook, heading straight to the classroom.
The magic in the morning air felt refreshing.
After circulating his energy a few times, he felt much lighter.
He slowly took out his wand, and in his sea of consciousness, the aura of that cat approached.
Xiao Deng waved it gently, and a chair immediately began to change as if it were a living thing.
It grew, and grew, and grew, finally transforming into an old geezer.
Dumbledore!
The cat sitting in the corner covered its eyes.
Dumbledore was not only wearing patterned socks on his feet, but also had them on his head and hands.
Xiao Deng felt it wasn't quite satisfying enough, so he transformed two more Dumbledores at once.
The second sat on the first's head, and the third sat on the second's head.
Just as Xiao Deng was having a great time, a stern voice rang out from behind him.
"Xiao Deng, did you forget what I told you last time about respecting your elders?"
Xiao Deng turned around and saw Professor McGonagallstanding elegantly not far away.
But the slight twitch at the corner of her mouth revealed that she was restraining herself.
"Oh, Professor McGonagall, I'm sorry."
"I got a bit carried away!"
With a wave of his wand, without looking back, the three old geezers turned back into chairs.
"Admitting your mistakes and correcting them makes you a good child."
Professor McGonagall turned around slowly, pretending to be calm.
She stopped when she reached the door.
"The patterned socks were very realistic."
Xiao Deng's lips curled up slightly.
Who would have thought, Professor McGonagall is such a lioness!
Xiao Deng put away his wand, intending to get something to eat first.
Walking on the road, he noticed that there seemed to be more people today, and the Professors seemed to have become busier.
Xiao Deng couldn't figure out why for a moment, so he simply stopped caring.
Arriving at the Great Hall, he was surprised to see that the food provided today included steamed buns.
It had been many years since he'd seen them; the Hogwarts chefs were truly magical.
Xiao Deng had originally planned to start fasting once he reached the Golden Core stage.
But... it wouldn't hurt to eat a little.
He picked up a bun and was about to put it in his mouth.
Just as it was about to reach his mouth, a fair, small hand snatched the bun away from Xiao Deng.
Then, she settled her round bottom onto the seat next to Xiao Deng.
The person who arrived was, naturally, Hermione.
Having snatched Xiao Deng's bun, she was now eating it with some delight.
Harry and Ron also sat down opposite Xiao Deng.
"You got up early again today?"
Xiao Deng nodded, and this admission caused Hermione to nod slightly.
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. Where is this inexplicable sense of approval coming from?
"Can't help it, the efforts of a genius are incomparable to those of a fool."
Ron's face darkened; he felt like Xiao Deng was insulting him, but he had no proof.
However, the voice next to him made Ron happy.
"You are truly thick-skinned!"
Xiao Deng looked at Hermione, only to be met with a massive eye-roll.
He shrugged. There was nothing he could do; maybe he just had bad luck today.
Running into the big and small lionesses first thing in the morning.
Xiao Deng didn't speak. He picked up another bun, but before he could eat it, it was snatched again.
"Seriously, are you ever going to stop?"
"I haven't even eaten one yet!"
Hermione popped it into her mouth and took a bite, her eyes narrowing.
"Fine, you can have it."
Xiao Deng took it and, without thinking, bit into the exact spot where Hermione had just bitten.
Hermione's previously smug little face couldn't help but blush.
"That's where I ate!"
"But you were eating my bun!"
"You were right earlier, your skin is truly thick!"
"You steal my bun and then call me thick-skinned?"
...
The scene of the two of them refusing to back down was something Harry and Ron had long grown accustomed to.
They went about eating their own meals; this was definitely not the time to intervene.
Xiao Deng was one thing, but Hermione would definitely take the opportunity to lecture them.
It was as if Professor McGonagall had truly found a successor.
The two finally quieted down, and Ron was able to release the words he'd been holding back.
"Today, the atmosphere feels a bit off, it looks like everyone is busy."
Harry added, "Yes, even the Professors greeted me and then walked away immediately."
"They used to stop for a chat before."
Hermione tilted her proud little head slightly to answer the two.
"Of course, Halloween is coming soon."
"Everyone needs to make preparations."
Ron's eyes lit up immediately.
"If there's a banquet, are chicken legs unlimited?"
Before Ron could finish his sentence, Hermione cut in.
"You have such a good appetite!"
"It would be even better if your brain for studying was as good as your appetite."
Harry didn't join in their banter; his past Halloweens had never been very good.
As for this Halloween, while he was looking forward to it, he wasn't overly excited.
After saying that, Hermione reached for her pumpkin juice, but her hand grasped empty air.
Huh? Where was her pumpkin juice?
"Burp~"
Xiao Deng placed the cup on the table and let out a full burp.
Hermione immediately locked her eyes on what was in Xiao Deng's hand.
Wasn't that her pumpkin juice?
"Xiao Deng, you're stealing my food again!"
"Give me back my pumpkin juice, I haven't even had a sip!"
"Well, you ate my bun!"
...
The result was that Xiao Deng poured another cup of pumpkin juice and gave it back to Hermione.
Only then did Hermione let Xiao Deng off the hook.
Harry and Ron exchanged glances once again.
Hermione is really difficult to deal with!
Xiao Deng sat in his seat, though he wasn't bickering with Hermione anymore.
Although he was eating a bun, his attention was focused on Harry.
He hadn't paid much attention to Harry's health issues before.
Now that he took a closer look, it made Xiao Deng frown.
It was no wonder Harry was so thin.
Malnutrition was at least a certainty.
The number of other minor and major issues caused by this was simply too high to count.
It was just because he was young that it didn't show, but if he didn't recover, he would have a mountain of problems later.
If he were in the cultivation world, he could look for nourishing methods or take pills.
Even if he knew how to make them, he couldn't act, and besides, this world likely didn't have the materials.
At this moment, Xiao Deng thought of the Old Bat.
Since he was a Potion master, making some health-nourishing Potions shouldn't be too difficult, right?
But, how to approach him? After all, the Old Bat had a very foul temper.
Xiao Deng couldn't think of a good way for the moment, so he had to shelve the idea for now.
Better to focus on class first!
I have to say, attending class was the most comfortable time for Xiao Deng.
After all, a genius is popular everywhere, and the Professors of all subjects liked Xiao Deng very much.
Xiao Deng understood everything that was taught and could even draw inferences about other cases.
The Professors all said that Xiao Deng's brain was simply too good.
When Xiao Deng opened his eyes, Professor McGonagallrealized one thing.
Class was almost over!
Chapter 30: Please, Malfoy
The weekend had finally arrived, and Xiao Deng had arranged to meet Malfoy.
Upon leaving the Dormitory, he noticed a young girl standing not far away.
"Are you going to meet Malfoy?"
Xiao Deng walked slowly to Hermione's side and reached out to stroke her hair.
But Hermione immediately swatted his hand away.
"Hey, I bought the shampoo. Can't I even touch it?"
"No!"
"First, tell me, are you going to find Malfoy?"
Seeing Hermione looking a bit moody, Xiao Deng smiled helplessly.
"Yes, I am. Why?"
"I'm coming too!"
Before Xiao Deng could finish, Hermione blurted out.
Then she looked behind Xiao Deng.
"Where are Harry and Ron?"
Xiao Deng walked unhurriedly.
"It's finally the weekend, so he wants to rest."
"You know, Professor Snape is quite harsh with him."
Thinking of Professor Snape's demands and reprimands towards Harry, Hermione swallowed her words.
Even Hermione felt that Professor Snape was a bit too strict.
But in her heart, she still felt it was for the sake of his academic performance.
When the two arrived at the lake, they saw Malfoy waiting.
"You're here early!"
Seeing Xiao Deng arrive, Malfoy was visibly pleased, though he still approached slowly.
"Punctuality is the foundation of aristocratic etiquette."
"Where is Harry?"
Xiao Deng patiently repeated what he had just said to Malfoy.
Malfoy nodded slightly.
"Harry looks normal, but Weasley doesn't look like he's cut out for studying."
These words, originally spoken with disdain, actually gained Hermione's agreement.
If she hadn't been secretly held back by Xiao Deng, she might have spoken up.
"You are from a pure-blood family, and your talent and hard work make you even more outstanding."
Xiao Deng's words made Malfoy very happy.
Spending time with Xiao Deng felt more comfortable than being with his two cronies.
Hermione knew that Xiao Deng had held her back because he didn't want her to speak.
She indeed didn't say anything, but in her heart, she made a mental note against Xiao Deng.
"Let's start by teaching you a simple one today."
"Hey, wait."
Xiao Deng looked at Malfoy in confusion; Malfoy also seemed to feel a bit awkward.
He stammered a bit before asking.
"Isn't she your younger sister? I saw her lying on you last time."
Xiao Deng was stunned; he hadn't expected the young master to be so innocent, thinking that way.
Hermione turned bright red immediately.
"Who is this jerk's sister? I must have had the worst luck for eight lifetimes."
Xiao Deng nodded in agreement from the side: "Right, right, right, she's not my sister."
"She's my concubine!"
Immediately after, an angry roar came from the side.
"Xiao Deng, see if I don't beat you to death!"
By the Old Bat's black underpants! That was terrifying.
She chased, he ran; Malfoy, watching the spectacle from the side, inexplicably felt that the scene was quite heartwarming.
This was a scene and feeling he couldn't experience with his little cronies.
The two seemed to have let go of something, chasing each other recklessly on the lawn.
Xiao Deng ran to Malfoy's side.
"Malfoy, help me, stop her."
Xiao Deng hid behind Malfoy, and Malfoy was stunned.
No, buddy, isn't this your family business?
"No, Xiao Deng, how am I supposed to stop your wife? It's not appropriate for me to intervene, right?"
Malfoy had superiority in his bones, but this was the first time he'd encountered such a situation, and it left him completely bewildered.
Whatever bloodline, whatever pride—he had long forgotten them; there was only the tension of the two sides confronting each other.
"Malfoy, move aside."
But when Malfoy moved left, Xiao Deng also moved left; when Malfoy moved right, Xiao Deng also moved right.
It looked just like a mother hen Malfoy protecting a chick Xiao Deng.
Even Dumbledore, who happened to be passing by, showed a look of surprise.
Malfoy was a Slytherin, and to be playing games with two Muggles—this was truly like Snape wearing pink Wizardrobes.
Never seen it before!
Dumbledore had previously heard Hagrid talk about the magical scene where Xiao Deng was followed by everyone.
This time, seeing Malfoy's situation and looking at Xiao Deng, his eyes held a few more complex emotions.
"Youth is full of vitality, isn't it, Snape?"
The answer to Dumbledore was silence.
Dumbledore didn't mind; Snape had always been like this.
After one glance, the two left.
"Alright, have you forgotten why we came here today?" Xiao Deng said softly.
Both stopped their actions, with a hint of embarrassment on their faces.
"Alright, I'll start teaching you the movements now."
He first comforted Hermione, taught her a set of movements, and then taught Malfoy.
Malfoy watched from the side and, for the first time ever, didn't argue.
Xiao Deng walked over and asked Malfoy to take out his wand.
"First like this... then..."
"Xiao Deng, is this your child bride?"
"She's so... feisty. She needs to learn some etiquette from you, after all, you're so poised."
Xiao Deng had black lines all over his forehead; he could tell this was well-intentioned.
But the way it came out was just so indescribable.
Were children of noble families never taught how to speak?
Xiao Deng immediately turned around to block Hermioneand covered her mouth.
"Malfoy, you... mmmph~"
"Alright, alright, don't be upset, don't be upset, you're not feisty, you're not feisty."
"I like you no matter what you're like!"
Seeing that his attempts to explain only made things worse, Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng, then turned away huffily and started practicing on her own.
If Harry and Ron were here, they would definitely want a cup of pumpkin juice to watch the two perform.
Under Xiao Deng's guidance all morning, both of them had learned all the movements and incantations.
Malfoy naturally had a higher starting point than others, and after mastering the essentials, he finally succeeded in casting the spell.
Seeing that he had succeeded, his mouth almost stretched to his ears.
"As expected of a child from a pure-blood family, this talent is undeniable."
Hearing Xiao Deng's praise made him feel even happier than successfully casting the spell.
Hermione glanced over and practiced harder, feeling unconvinced.
Before long, Hermione also successfully cast the spell.
"Wow, you did it, Hermione baby, you're amazing."
"Stay away from me, who is your 'Hermione baby'."
Malfoy practiced on his own, not feeling jealous at all.
Someone was coaxing their own wife; who would have nothing better to do than get jealous over that?
Xiao Deng had no idea that the young master had actually taken his offhand comment seriously.
Time flies, and the time spent practicing Spells always passed quickly.
Seeing the sun high in the sky, it was almost time for lunch.
"Malfoy, do you want to eat with us?"
Malfoy glanced at Hermione, who was standing not far away with her chin slightly raised.
He suddenly realized that this haughty air was somewhat similar to his own.
However, aristocratic etiquette still needed to be maintained.
Why should he join in on a couple's meal?
If they kept bickering, would he just watch?
How awkward!
"No, Goyle and the others are waiting for me; I'll eat with them."
Just as Malfoy turned to leave, he was called back by Xiao Deng.
"Wait a second, let me ask you something."
"Are you very familiar with Professor Snape?"
Malfoy proudly lifted his little chin.
"Of course, my father is a school governor!"
Xiao Deng didn't beat around the bush.
"If you have time, could you arrange a meeting with Professor Snape?"
"I want to ask Professor Snape to make some Potion."
Chapter 31: Meeting Snape
Malfoy thought for a moment; it was most likely a Potionthat couldn't be bought on the market.
Malfoy was not from some small, obscure family; he could tell at a glance that everything Xiao Deng used in his daily life was not cheap.
Even the Wizard robes on his body were not something an ordinary young Wizard could afford.
At least, a Weasley couldn't afford it; his family could barely even feed their children.
"Fine, I have to ask him first."
"If he's not willing, then there's nothing I can do."
Xiao Deng patted Malfoy on the shoulder affectionately.
"A Malfoy from a pure-blood family is indeed reliable!"
"It's fine if he doesn't agree, just help me ask."
After sending Malfoy off and turning around, he bumped into Hermione's gaze head-on.
Xiao Deng showed a gentle smile.
"Let's go eat too."
But Hermione didn't pick up on Xiao Deng's words, her large eyes staring straight at Xiao Deng.
"You taught Malfoy Spells just to make a Potion?"
Xiao Deng was stunned; that was truly a misunderstanding.
Originally, he just didn't want the relationship between the two sides to be too tense.
In his eyes, Malfoy was just a spoiled rich kid.
Making a Potion was something he had just thought of; he asked on a whim, who would have thought there would be an unexpected gain.
"Just a casual remark. If I hadn't met him, I would have gone to find Professor Snape myself."
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng suspiciously, always feeling that the little rascal in front of her was hiding something from her.
But she had no evidence!
"Alright, alright, little Professor McGonagall, there are no conspiracies here."
"Let's go eat."
Xiao Deng used his hand to pull her shoulder to turn her around, talking as they walked.
Hearing Xiao Deng say she was like Professor McGonagall, she felt quite happy inside.
But she didn't stop talking.
"Then what are you doing with the Potion? We don't seem to need any Potions right now."
Xiao Deng thought for a moment. He might be able to hide it from others, but he probably couldn't hide Harry's Potion-taking from the friends he hung out with every day.
"Harry's body has some issues and needs conditioning."
"So I want to ask Professor Snape to make some nourishing Potions."
Hermione was a bit puzzled: "Harry looks very normal, doesn't he?"
Xiao Deng shook his head slightly and touched Hermione's hair.
"No, think about it carefully. Compare him to Ron, and then think again."
Hermione blurted out: "Ron is dumber."
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched; even when Ron wasn't here, he still got roasted.
"Ron is a bit thick-skinned, but it hasn't reached that point."
"What I mean is, by comparison, Harry looks much frailer."
"You see that he has no problems now, that's because he's young and the traces aren't visible yet."
"Like a cavity?"
"Oh, my dear, your metaphor is so vivid."
Hermione silently took out her wand.
"Who is your dear? If you talk nonsense again, do you believe I'll poke a hole in your butt!"
Xiao Deng suddenly covered his butt and said cheekily:
"Is it possible that I already have one?"
Hermione didn't respond and walked away quickly with a look of disgust.
When the two arrived at the Great Hall for dinner, Xiao Deng saw Ron at a glance.
He didn't use spiritual sense; it was purely because Ron's action of eating a chicken leg was too familiar.
Seeing the two of them, Ron raised his hand and waved continuously.
"Xiao Deng, here."
Harry looked at the two walking together and asked:
"Did you two go out to play? Are you happy?"
Hermione had just picked up her tableware, then slowly put it down.
"Harry, if you didn't ask this question, we would still be good friends."
"Do you think anything good happens when going out with him?"
Harry didn't speak, just forced a smile, and glanced at Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng swallowed the food in his mouth.
"I think it's quite fun hanging out with Hermione."
"I really like hanging out with Hermione."
Ron widened his eyes and looked at Xiao Deng, forgetting to even bite the chicken leg.
No way, buddy, what are you thinking?
Is that how geniuses' brains work?
Hermione, on the other hand, blushed. She had said that about him, and he had praised her like that.
Was she too harsh before?
Hermione secretly glanced at Xiao Deng's side profile.
Even though she saw him every day, she was still stunned by his handsomeness.
What brought Hermione back to reality was Ron's big mouth.
"Hermione, why are you looking at Xiao Deng instead of eating?"
"There's no chicken leg on Xiao Deng's face."
Hermione was like a little fox whose tail had been stepped on, her face turning red immediately.
"Shut up!"
Ron seemed to be full, and his courage had grown quite a bit.
"Hermione, you're too overbearing now; you don't even let people speak."
Hermione knew she was in the wrong and silently lowered her head to eat.
Stabbing down with her fork, it was all that bastard Xiao Deng's fault!
Watching Hermione's actions, Ron couldn't help but shiver.
Hermione wouldn't come after me later, would she?
Just at this moment, Malfoy walked over with his little followers.
Influenced by Xiao Deng, Harry plucked up the courage to take the initiative to greet him.
"Malfoy, are you finished eating?"
Malfoy was pleasantly surprised to see Harry actually greeting him.
But on the surface, he tried to remain calm.
"Yes, finished. I came to find Xiao Deng."
Malfoy turned his head to look at Xiao Deng.
"It's done. You can go over today; he's in his office."
When he turned his head, his gaze swept over Ron, and the corners of his mouth curled up.
"Weasley, you should be able to get full at school, right?"
Ron naturally knew Malfoy was mocking him.
With Xiao Deng there, the two sides naturally wouldn't have a major conflict, but bickering and arguing had become a daily routine.
"It's like you've never eaten the school's food before."
Malfoy immediately retorted:
"Don't eat until you turn into a pig and your father doesn't recognize you!"
"Alright, you two, you always have to say a few words when you meet."
"Malfoy, I'll go."
Xiao Deng interrupted their conversation.
At first, it was just bickering, which could actually increase some potential affection.
If they kept arguing, that wouldn't do; they might actually get truly angry.
This thing still needs to be in moderation.
Having won a small victory, Malfoy hummed lightly and left with his little followers.
There were no more classes in the afternoon, so Xiao Dengcould just go and report to the Old Bat.
"I have something to do later, so I'll go first."
"You guys eat slowly!"
Ron looked at Xiao Deng's departing back and couldn't help but sigh.
"It feels like Xiao Deng is really busy!"
"He has things to do every day. If it were me, I could only lie on the bed and rest after class."
Harry also nodded in agreement.
"After all, he is a genius recognized by the Professors."
"It's just Professor Snape who picks on him every day."
"Heh, you're saying that, but doesn't Professor Snape pick on you too? Not any less than him."
Hearing this, Harry's little face instantly drooped.
Being picked on by Professor Snape was really almost enough to worry him to death.
Hermione didn't say anything extra; she guessed that Xiao Deng was going to Professor Snape's place now.
The purpose was naturally to make the Potion for Harry. Since the person involved was right here, Hermione wasn't in a hurry to bring this matter up.
She had an illusion that Xiao Deng would definitely handle it well.
Even though he looked sloppy, he made people feel at ease when doing things.
At this moment, Xiao Deng had already arrived at the door of Professor Snape's office.
Chapter 32: The Confrontation Lane with Snape
"Knock, knock, knock~"
"Enter!"
"Professor Snape, it's me."
"Oh, look who has arrived."
"Isn't this our genius, the famous Mr. Hehuan?"
"Bearing the name of a genius, what brings you to me?"
Xiao Deng's face darkened; although Malfoy was arrogant, he would certainly speak clearly.
This Old Bat was just deliberately messing with him.
Fine, if it's about being annoying, who doesn't know how to do that!
"Professor Snape, I would like to ask you to help me make some Potion."
Snape did not speak, looking calmly at Xiao Deng.
As expected, this Old Bat knew the purpose of his visit.
"Make some Potion to condition the body."
Snape frowned slightly.
"You don't look like you're on the verge of death; why would you need conditioning?"
Snape raised his wand and cast a spell on Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng slowly rose, and some colored magic light lit up.
"Your body is as healthy as a sow ready to farrow; you don't need conditioning."
Xiao Deng immediately waved his hands to deny it.
"No, no, no, Professor Snape, you've misunderstood."
"This Potion is not for me."
"This nourishing Potion is for your Harry."
Sarcasm, who doesn't know how to use it? Although he didn't know what kind of relationship Harry had with him, it would definitely be effective.
Snape's expression instantly turned even worse upon hearing this, and he stared straight at Xiao Deng.
But he did not speak.
Anger arose in his heart, but why did he also feel a bit satisfied?
My... Harry?
That person's child, is mine?
Watching the Old Bat remain silent, Xiao Deng knew his unconventional approach had worked.
"Professor, you are so concerned about Harry Potter, haven't you noticed that there is something wrong with his body?"
As soon as Xiao Deng finished speaking, Snape's expression became extremely ugly.
Negligence!
No one else thought so, but in his heart, that was exactly what he thought!
A wave of deep guilt spread from the bottom of his heart.
"A genius celebrity certainly has a lot on his mind; perhaps you should let Dumbledore step down for you."
"However..."
"Tomorrow... you... bring him to me so I can take a look."
Xiao Deng bowed slightly and readily agreed.
After this conversation, Xiao Deng was even more certain that Professor Snape's worries were inextricably linked to a woman.
However, Xiao Deng did not provoke Snape further; it was evident that his mood was already quite bad.
After Xiao Deng left, Snape sat dazed in his seat.
Busy with work as usual, today he was in no hurry to research Potion.
After returning to the Dormitory, Xiao Deng felt as though the burden on his shoulders had lightened quite a bit.
It felt like too many things had been resolved recently.
Tonight, he would have a hearty dream; he must fill it up!
If he continued at this pace, reaching the Nascent Soul stage during his days at Hogwarts wouldn't be a problem.
Although it didn't seem like a long time, Xiao Deng had actually been in a standoff with Snape for the whole afternoon.
Xiao Deng felt that Professor Snape could be described in one word: twisted!
By the time he came out of the office, it was almost dinner time.
Xiao Deng calmly arrived at the Great Hall for dinner.
This time, it was Xiao Deng's turn to sit next to the round little bottom.
As soon as Xiao Deng sat down, Hermione protected her bowl, which left Xiao Deng speechless.
"I'm not snatching yours; Hogwarts hasn't gone out of business."
He then looked at Harry: "Tomorrow, come with me to Professor Snape's office."
Ron widened his eyes, his gaze full of disbelief.
It was as if he were saying, "Friend, are you serious?"
"That's Professor Snape!"
"He troubles Harry every day, and you're asking him to go seek him out?"
Xiao Deng was not angry; he just offered an explanation.
"There's something to do there."
"You don't need to ask; you'll know later."
Hermione looked at the handsome boy beside her, feeling both confused and a bit heartbroken.
He had done so many things behind the scenes.
He seemed to be mocking others, yet he was invisibly helping them study.
Leading her to study, teaching her Spells.
Buying hair-smoothing Potion behind her back.
Secretly mediating the relationship between Ron and Malfoy.
Others might not see it, but after spending so much time together, how could she not?
And now he had secretly arranged for the Potion to condition Harry's body.
Harry carried the burden of being "The Chosen One," and now he was carrying Harry.
This jerk... seems quite...
Just as she thought of this, the sound of a cup hitting the table brought Hermione back to her senses.
"I'm feeling a bit tired; I'll go back to rest first. You guys enjoy your meal."
After saying this, Xiao Deng slowly stood up and walked out of the Great Hall.
Hermione watched Xiao Deng's back, unable to help but feel a bit choked up.
He really had done too much; even a genius could get tired.
Had she been a bit too harsh on him before?
Hermione sighed slightly in her heart and reached out to touch the pumpkin juice on the table.
But Hermione reached into empty air, and a bad feeling rose in her heart.
Looking closely, the spot where the pumpkin juice had been was already empty.
Hmm? Where is my pumpkin juice?
"Has anyone seen my pumpkin juice?"
Harry gave a sheepish smile and pointed to Xiao Deng's seat.
"pumpkin juice, are you talking about that one?"
Immediately, Hermione saw an empty cup placed on the table.
Hermione's eyelid twitched; she was certain that this cup of pumpkin juice was definitely hers!
So, Xiao Deng had stolen her food again!
Ron immediately scooted his chair toward Harry; he felt a chill blowing straight at him.
Hermione had a cold face; Xiao Deng had already left, and she had nowhere to vent her anger.
Dog man, jerk! He's not good at all!
Hermione finally managed to calm her emotions and wanted to eat properly.
Looking down, hmm?
Where's the chicken leg?
Ron definitely wouldn't dare take her chicken leg; the one who dared to eat it must be that jerk again!
Seeing this, Ron was afraid of being implicated and immediately blurted out.
"I still have a chicken leg; you can have it."
Hermione gave Ron a cold glance.
"I'm not eating!"
After saying this, she stood up, tossed her silky long hair, and left the Great Hall.
Ron turned around in terror, just happening to meet Harry's gaze.
Hermione is really hard to deal with!
Xiao Deng, who can handle Hermione, is truly amazing.
Meanwhile, Xiao Deng had already been invited to Dumbledore's office.
"Xiao Deng, is there something you should be saying to me?"
Xiao Deng looked at Dumbledore with a blank expression and shook his head slightly.
"No, I don't."
Dumbledore did not dwell on this topic and sat down slowly.
"Then I have some words for you."
Xiao Deng felt a shiver in his heart; could the old man have discovered that he had taken the Philosopher's Stone?
"What did you say to Professor Snape?"
"He came to me today and lost his temper."
"He only calmed down after I gave him my word."
Xiao Deng immediately caught the loophole in Dumbledore's words.
"Principal, what did you guarantee?"
Dumbledore glanced at Xiao Deng and opened a jar.
"Would you like some?"
Xiao Deng nodded immediately upon seeing what was in his hand.
"lemon sherbet, yes, yes, yes!"
Watching Xiao Deng's excitement, his lips curled slightly; he was just a child after all.
"So, can you tell me now what you said to him?"
Chapter 33: Bringing Harry to see Professor Snape
Xiao Deng swallowed a lemon sherbet before speaking.
"I just asked him to make some Potion, that's all."
Dumbledore didn't speak, watching Xiao Deng and waiting for what came next.
Seeing Dumbledore's attitude, Xiao Deng realized he couldn't get away with it.
"It's just that, based on what I've learned, I feel there's something wrong with Harry's body."
"So, I asked Professor Snape to make some Potion to help regulate his health."
"Professor Snape told me to bring Harry for a check-up tomorrow."
Dumbledore slowly began to understand Professor Snape's current state.
The pent-up frustration in his heart probably couldn't be dealt with.
He was afraid he had become an emotional trash can.
But there was nothing he could do; after all these years, he could understand.
"Is there nothing else?"
Xiao Deng gave Dumbledore a sheepish look.
"Does saying 'his Harry' count as something else?"
Dumbledore closed his eyes and covered his forehead.
He knew the boy really didn't know the inside story about Professor Snape, but could he stop hitting Professor Snapewhere it hurts every single time?
Whenever he's annoyed, he always comes to me to put on a show as an angry Old Bat!
But at least he finally understood why Professor Snapecame over and lost his temper.
He probably thought Dumbledore had told Xiao Dengeverything.
Dumbledore waved his hand.
"Alright, that's all. You can go back now."
"Don't cause any more trouble, I have a bit of a headache!"
Xiao Deng slowly stood up.
"Tomorrow, I can ask Professor Snape to make some Potion for your headache while he's at it..."
Dumbledore waved his hand, and Xiao Deng appeared outside the office door.
Xiao Deng:???
Wandless magic! Why hadn't he thought of that before?
Influenced by the environment, Xiao Deng had always felt that picking up a wand was the correct way.
Today, Dumbledore had taught him a lesson.
In a few days, he would have to try and see if he could perform wandless magic too.
There weren't many people walking in the corridor anymore.
Xiao Deng didn't linger at the office door and went straight back to the Dormitory.
Everything would have to wait until the Old Bat examined Harry's body.
Harry saw Xiao Deng return and looked like he wanted to say something but hesitated; Xiao Deng naturally noticed.
"Just come with me tomorrow and you'll know. Do you think I'd harm you?"
Ron's question, as quiet as a mosquito's buzz, sounded from the side.
"Can I go too?"
Xiao Deng was stunned for a moment; Ron was actually acting a bit like a Gryffindor right now.
"If you want to see Professor Snape's sour face, you can come along and see."
Ron immediately shuddered.
"Never mind, I'd better stay in the Dormitory."
"Harry, Professor Snape doesn't eat people, don't be afraid!"
Harry's mouth twitched. You don't even dare to go yourself, yet you turn around and tell others not to be afraid.
With the keen eye Harry had honed over the years, he naturally realized that Xiao Deng didn't want to talk about it right now.
Then he would just have to wait until tomorrow to see.
Before long, the Dormitory gradually became quiet.
The night passed without incident, and Xiao Dengcultivated for another whole night.
Xiao Deng got up feeling refreshed; by contrast, Harrylooked like he was about to collapse.
After all, he had wanted to sleep in.
But he had been dragged up by Xiao Deng, and he was too sleepy.
After washing up, the two of them grabbed a quick bite to eat.
Harry followed Xiao Deng to the door of Professor Snape's office.
"Knock, knock, knock~"
"Enter."
Xiao Deng and Harry slowly entered Professor Snape's office.
Professor Snape was busy making Potion, and after letting them in, he ignored them.
Harry looked at Xiao Deng, but since Xiao Deng was standing there without speaking, he suppressed his doubts.
Ten minutes later, Professor Snape finally turned to face them.
"You know why you're here, right?"
Harry glanced at Xiao Deng and shook his head slightly.
Professor Snape's eyes flickered slightly.
"I didn't expect that a famous genius couldn't even pass on a message clearly."
Xiao Deng's face darkened. This Old Bat really held a grudge, always looking for a chance to insult him.
However, Xiao Deng didn't retort this time.
Which actually made Professor Snape feel a bit bored.
Then he looked at Harry, and for a split second, he was stunned before snapping back to reality.
"Let me examine you."
A beam of light emitted from Professor Snape's wand.
Xiao Deng recognized this magic; it was the same one cast on him yesterday.
But the light that appeared was completely different from what he had seen on himself.
Several spheres of light dispersed; there was a lot of yellow and black, and even a few light red ones.
The green, representing health, was pitifully scarce, and the little green that was there was very pale.
Professor Snape's face gradually darkened.
Is this the kind of life this child has been living?
If Xiao Deng hadn't come to ask for his help, he would still be kept in the dark.
How is Dumbledore handling things!
Professor Snape suppressed his anger, turned around, and his robes swished.
Professor Snape dipped his quill in some ink and wrote a full page of ingredients on a piece of paper.
Xiao Deng nodded slightly to himself; Professor Snapereally did care about Harry!
"P..."
"Xiao Deng!"
"Yes, Professor, go ahead!"
Professor Snape stood up and handed the paper to Xiao Deng.
"Prepare the ingredients written on this list."
"If you can't find any, come and ask me."
Xiao Deng glanced at the list; most of them were easy to find.
Xiao Deng handed the list to Harry.
He saw that Professor Snape's expression was somewhat gloomy.
Harry looked at the dense list and felt a headache coming on; he looked up and asked Professor Snape:
"Professor, how much should I pay you for this?"
Hearing Harry's words, Professor Snape's face darkened even further.
Xiao Deng thought, 'Oh no, this is a matter between the older generation, why are you interrupting?'
Didn't you see that he called me, not you?
Why don't you have any tact at a time like this?
I would naturally discuss the matter of payment with Professor Snape.
Sure enough, Professor Snape kept a straight face, but his mouth fired off like a machine gun.
"Helping young Wizards is a Professor's duty."
"Does Mr. The Chosen One think his Professor is a mercenary person?"
"Do you think I need to fish a couple of Galleons out of your pocket to suit my character?"
"Is that how Mr. The Chosen One views me?"
"Harry Potter truly lives up to the name of The Chosen One!"
"So arrogant, so self-righteous!"
Seeing that Professor Snape finally stopped, Xiao Denghad a chance to interject.
"Professor, we won't disturb your Potion-making any longer."
He pulled Harry and left Professor Snape's office directly.
At this moment, only Professor Snape was left in the office.
He stood there for a long time and sighed.
Just as he turned around, he froze again.
"Levitation Charm."
Floating in front of Professor Snape was a money bag and a piece of paper.
On the paper were the words "Deposit".
This style of doing things and the ability to apply the spell—it was clearly Xiao Deng's work.
"Used it just so-so."
His gaze fell on the money bag; Professor Snape was silent for a moment before taking it.
The moment it was in his hand, Professor Snape was stunned, then immediately opened it.
Inside, there were a full thousand Galleons.
"Heh, the genius is really a little rich kid."
Following that, the office fell into silence once again.
This was almost equivalent to a year's salary for Professor Snape.
Making Potion was still very expensive.
After a long silence in the office, the sound of the Galleons being put away finally came.
Professor Snape finally put the money bag into his robes.
Chapter 34 Assisting Snape
The next day, Xiao Deng came again, only this time he came alone.
"Mr. Genius Celebrity, what is the matter today?"
Xiao Deng did not beat around the bush; beating around the bush with Professor Snape would likely result in being shut out.
"I would like to ask for some advice regarding Potionmaking."
Snape refused without even thinking.
"I have nothing to add to what was taught in class; the textbooks have all the explanations."
"If there is something you don't understand, you can ask me in class."
"I am very busy right now!"
Xiao Deng was not angry; he simply bowed slightly.
"Professor, if I were only asking about the content from class, that would be a stain on the name of 'genius' you gave me."
Without further ado, he opened his notebook.
It contained some problems he had encountered while making Potions.
Over the past few days, Xiao Deng had read through eight or nine tenths of the Library.
His foundation far exceeded his peers, and he even showed a trend of crushing the upperclassmen.
The problems he encountered were not those a novice would face.
When Snape saw Xiao Deng's notes, he was slightly taken aback.
These were more like the problems a mature Potion master would encounter.
"The notes are passable; if your skills are lacking, study more."
He then began his own Potion making.
Seeing Professor Snape's reaction, Xiao Deng was overjoyed.
Since he wasn't being chased away, it meant he could stay here.
In the cultivation world, Xiao Deng had seen many eccentric masters and ancestors.
They all had their own ways of expressing themselves; if you understood, that was your opportunity.
If you didn't understand, then it meant you had no affinity with that opportunity.
Xiao Deng didn't just sit idly by; he began to observe the process of Snape making Potions.
During this time, he took the opportunity to assist Snape.
At first, Snape was a bit surprised, but since it happened to be exactly what he wanted to do, he didn't mind.
He didn't say anything more and simply tacitly accepted Xiao Deng's actions.
After a while, Snape felt that Xiao Deng was strangely handy to have around.
It reduced a lot of his pressure and time costs.
He frowned as he looked at the Potion Xiao Deng handed over.
"The color needs to be deeper."
He didn't say anything else; making the color deeper wasn't about adding pigment, and he certainly didn't say how to do it.
Xiao Deng knew that Professor Snape was testing his theoretical foundation.
What could be added to meet the current requirements while also making the color deeper?
Five minutes later, Xiao Deng handed it to Snape again.
Snape didn't speak, just silently took it and poured it into the container in front of him.
The corners of Xiao Deng's mouth curled up; it looked like he had done it right.
Xiao Deng didn't make small talk, but while assisting, he took the chance to fish for some information.
"Professor Snape, what do you think of Headmaster Dumbledore?"
Snape's hand paused for a moment, then he continued stirring.
Seeing that Snape didn't speak, Xiao Deng thought he had asked in vain.
But he didn't expect a flat voice to come over after a while.
"A buzzing Old Bee!"
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched; naturally, he wouldn't go out of his way to respond to that.
Among the Professors, Snape was probably the only one who dared to say that directly.
"The duration for brewing the Potion here must exceed three minutes and forty seconds."
Snape had no preamble and no follow-up; he just said that one sentence alone.
Xiao Deng didn't ask any more questions; anything Snapesingled out to mention must be very important.
Either it was a necessary condition for success, or it was related to the problems in his notes, so it was best to write it down.
From that day on, Xiao Deng came over to help make Potions whenever he was free.
Consequently, Xiao Deng's level of Potion making rose sharply.
However, in class, Snape remained as stern and severe as ever.
During this time, the Owls brought back all the materials he had purchased one by one.
It is worth mentioning that most of them were brought back by Xiao Deng's Giant Eagle.
There was no help for it; due to Hedwig's size, she couldn't carry things that were too big or too heavy.
Once the materials were all gathered, Snape began to refine the Potion for Harry.
Since conditioning Harry's body was a long-term matter, Snape decided to refine a three-day supply first.
He would refine the rest within three days, otherwise, the time required to refine the entire amount at once would be too long.
"Oh, Professor Snape, your decision is truly great."
Snape's deadpan face showed no emotional fluctuation, but after this period of getting along, Xiao Deng knew he was in a pretty good mood.
By the time the sun set, the three-day supply was finally finished.
Xiao Deng carefully put these things into bottles.
"Professor, I'm heading back now."
"Also, I have something to do tomorrow and might not be able to come, so I'd like to ask for leave."
Snape made no indication, so Xiao Deng bowed slightly and closed the door behind him.
The office was silent for a long while, and Snape looked toward the place where Xiao Deng had left.
"His talent is so-so."
Xiao Deng had left Snape's office, so naturally, he didn't know.
He returned to the Dormitory with the Potion.
"Harry, here is your Potion."
Ron immediately crowded over.
"You stayed with the Professor for so long just for these few broken bottles?"
Xiao Deng glared at him.
"What broken bottles? These are the results of real money poured into them."
He then turned his head to look at Harry.
"This is a three-day supply; you must drink it on time."
Ron scratched the back of his head and asked in confusion:
"Then do we also need these supplements?"
Xiao Deng slapped Ron on the shoulder and scolded him with a laugh:
"Supplement my foot! You eating a few less chicken legs would be considered looking out for your health."
Harry opened the bottle, smelled it, and then gulped it down.
"Cough, cough~"
He was choked until his face turned red after just one sip.
"Xiao Deng, this stuff tastes so bad~"
"It tastes worse than bitter melon."
Harry's little face was already scrunched up, and he kept complaining that the Potion didn't taste good.
Seeing Harry in such pain, Ron curiously scraped the edge of the bottle with his finger and put it into his mouth.
Immediately, a wail came from the Dormitory.
"Ah!"
"Is this for humans to eat?"
Ron stuck out his tongue, his expression contorted.
"Professor Snape wouldn't poison you, would he?"
Harry's gaze gradually turned toward Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng's heart skipped a beat; poisoning was unlikely.
Even though Snape looked incredibly gloomy, it was highly probable that he would disdain doing such a thing.
If Snape really wanted to kill him, he would probably do it openly and honestly.
But deliberately making the flavor taste bad was very much in line with his character.
Maybe he was laughing about it in his office right now.
"Alright, stop with the conspiracy theories; good medicine tastes bitter."
"Finish today's portion quickly, and then we can rest."
Harry made a bitter face, mustered his courage, and poured the rest into his mouth.
Just as Harry was scratching his head in distress, a cup of pumpkin juice appeared in front of him.
Harry didn't have time to ask, so he picked it up and drank it all at once.
Ron rushed over eagerly.
"You had pumpkin juice, you should have said so earlier!"
"Quick, quick, quick! Give me a cup too."
Xiao Deng pretended to reach into his carry-on bag and took out another cup from his space ring for Ron.
After drinking the pumpkin juice, the two of them finally quieted down.
"It's getting late, let's sleep!"
Chapter 35: Making Jack-o'-lanterns
The morning sun is always full of vitality.
Xiao Deng got up as usual.
However, it was his day off, and he had even asked Snapefor leave.
Today, Xiao Deng was going to enter the Forbidden Forest; yes, Xiao Deng wanted to advance his cultivation.
The Forbidden Forest was a very suitable place.
He didn't have to worry about being seen by anyone, and there would be no students or Professors to disturb him.
Xiao Deng skillfully avoided Hagrid's patrol and entered the Forbidden Forest.
He found a flat spot and sat down cross-legged.
As before, after adjusting his breathing, he began to make his breakthrough.
Perhaps because he had been staying near mana-rich Potion recently, his state quickly reached its peak.
Xiao Deng encountered no obstacles and instantly reached the peak of the early Golden Core stage.
Afterward, Xiao Deng didn't rush to a higher rank, clearly knowing the importance of a solid foundation.
After finishing, he felt much stronger than before.
Fighting two of his former selves would be no problem at all.
While thinking, his gaze couldn't help but fall into the depths of the Forbidden Forest.
"Let's find an opponent to spar with."
Xiao Deng slowly walked into the depths of the Forbidden Forest.
Wild boars, antelopes, unicorns—he used them all for practice, but always stopped at the right moment.
The depths of the Forbidden Forest were filled with the wails of animals, mixed with the cries of magical creatures.
Xiao Deng stood in place, looking at his hands.
It seemed that ordinary magical creatures were no longer his match.
Xiao Deng stopped moving, and the animals in the shadows stared intently at him, afraid he would continue playing.
The magical creatures had roughly realized that this human just wanted to fight and didn't take lives.
But getting beaten still hurt! None of them wanted to take his beatings anymore.
Xiao Deng shook his head slightly and turned to go back.
Seeing Xiao Deng turn around, the magical creatures breathed a sigh of relief.
But the path Xiao Deng was taking back was blocked by a snake.
Xiao Deng recognized at a glance that this was the snake he had beaten up last time.
The black snake shook its head, signaling to Xiao Deng.
This time, Xiao Deng understood the snake's meaning even without using his divine sense.
This black snake wanted him to follow it.
"What's the matter?"
Without much hesitation, he followed behind the black snake.
This human seemed to only care about fighting, but the situation was urgent, so the black snake took a gamble.
The black snake entered a hidden thicket, where another black snake of a slightly smaller size lay.
It could be seen that this snake had a huge wound torn across its waist.
If it had been any deeper, the snake's body would have been severed.
The little snake listlessly lifted its head to look at the black snake and the human, then slowly lowered its head again.
"You want me to treat it, right?"
The black snake showed a human-like expression in its eyes and nodded hurriedly.
Xiao Deng didn't know who had injured it like this.
But if he didn't treat it, its life probably wouldn't last long.
Xiao Deng took out his wand and pointed it at the snake on the ground.
"Episkey: Heal!"
As the spell was cast, the wound on the little snake on the ground gradually began to heal until it was completely closed.
The large black snake's eyes showed surprise, and it swept its tail against the little snake.
The little snake squirmed, and Xiao Deng's heart stirred as his divine sense surged out.
Xiao Deng felt that he could vaguely sense the little snake's gratitude.
He could feel the large black snake's intentions even more clearly.
He hadn't expected his divine sense to be used this way; it seemed this function didn't exist in the cultivation world before.
The little snake lowered its head again, and the large black snake panicked, hurriedly looking at Xiao Deng.
"It's too weak and needs to replenish its vitality."
The large snake didn't quite understand what vitality was.
Xiao Deng smiled and explained.
"It needs to replenish its energy by eating, and it also needs a lot of time to recover."
Hearing this, the large snake understood and nodded slightly to express its gratitude.
"It's a small matter. If there's nothing else, I'm leaving."
Seeing that Xiao Deng wanted to leave, the magical creatures hiding in the shadows were a bit anxious.
Seeing that this human had healed that snake, other magical creatures were eager to try.
The first to jump out was that boar, which felt that since this human hadn't killed it before, he probably wouldn't now.
Xiao Deng's divine sense drifted out and immediately captured the boar's intent.
It also wanted to be treated, and the injuries it had were the ones he had just inflicted.
Following the boar's excited squeals, other magical creatures couldn't sit still.
They all came out one after another, asking Xiao Deng to treat them.
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. Had he just given himself extra work?
He was at the peak of the early Golden Core stage; treating them didn't consume much energy.
However, it was almost sunset by the time Xiao Dengcame out of the Forbidden Forest.
The number was too large; even Xiao Deng himself was surprised. Had he really beaten up so many?
After returning to Hogwarts, he had expected it to be a bit quieter.
Unexpectedly, just like during the day, the crowds coming and going seemed extremely busy.
It seemed they valued Halloween and Christmas very much.
The two holidays were less than a month apart, so they were probably preparing for both at the same time.
Xiao Deng stepped onto the stairs and stopped halfway up.
"Oh no! How could I have forgotten!"
"With such a big holiday as Halloween, everyone is out and about."
"Isn't this also an opportunity for the dangerous elements hidden in the shadows?"
"But I don't even know who the enemy is right now; there are too many suspicious people at Hogwarts."
"First and foremost is Dumbledore, who can hold back so many secrets."
"So far, I haven't had much contact with him and don't dare to trust him completely; even if he were a good person, he is a good person with eight hundred hidden agendas."
"Snape goes without saying. I feel he has no hostility toward Harry, but his targeting is set in stone."
"He generally wouldn't tamper with things on the surface, like making Potions."
"Plus, with me watching, there likely wouldn't be any issues."
"But who knows if he's hiding something big."
"That garlic-scented guy goes without saying; he literally has someone hiding on him."
"He could have an intracranial orgasm, and no one would even notice."
"And aren't the old ghost Professors suspicious?"
"Who knows what secrets they have?"
"And that mumbling Sybill Trelawney."
"...It never ends; everyone has something strange about them."
Xiao Deng shook his head. Thinking about it now was useless.
When the holiday arrived, they would naturally jump out.
"Then I'll be able to confirm it!"
Xiao Deng was about to return to the Dormitory when he was called out by the lioness.
"Xiao Deng, wait!"
"I've been looking for you for a long time; I even went to Professor Snape's office."
"He said you asked for leave and didn't..."
"Behave yourself!"
Hermione slapped away Xiao Deng's hand as he tried to touch her hair.
"Halloween is coming up soon. How about we go make some jack-o'-lanterns?"
Looking at the enthusiastic Hermione, Xiao Deng couldn't dampen her spirits, so he had to nod in agreement.
Hermione led the way, and they arrived in a classroom.
However, it was empty inside. Xiao Deng glanced at the little lioness.
In other words, had this disguised itself as a date for two?
Xiao Deng closed the door behind him, and Hermione had already started working inside.
He saw her struggling to take three pumpkins out of her bag.
"Undetectable Extension Charm?"
"Is this allowed?"
Hermione's expression froze, and she smiled sheepishly.
"I had someone secretly do it for me."
Xiao Deng touched the surface of the pumpkin, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.
"That'someone' wouldn't happen to be the Weasleytwins..."
Hermione blushed and covered Xiao Deng's mouth.
"Don't say it, just make the lantern!"
Chapter 36: You Really Know Your Ghosts
"Okay, okay!"
"Fine, Miss Little Lioness!"
Xiao Deng felt Hermione's sharp gaze once again.
Xiao Deng immediately surrendered with both hands raised.
"Making the lantern, making the lantern."
Only then did Hermione take out all the tools.
"We have to hollow out the pumpkin first."
"I've talked to the kitchens; they'll take the scooped-out insides and turn them into pumpkin juice."
Xiao Deng nodded slightly and began to examine the pumpkin assigned to him.
It had been a long time since Xiao Deng had engaged in any recreational carving activities.
He remembered when he was very young, back when he used to carve wood.
Many boys in the world of cultivation must have gone through that, right?
Xiao Deng carefully started cutting, removing the pulp with surprising ease.
"Hermione, you should do it like this here, otherwise..."
"You go do your own; I have my own way of cutting."
Alright, the little lioness had her own ideas, so Xiao Dengimmediately stopped speaking.
Not long after.
"Hmm, this isn't right!"
"Xiao Deng, what you said just now was..."
As soon as Hermione turned her head, her words got stuck in her throat.
She saw that Xiao Deng had already fallen asleep on the table.
Beside him sat a finished jack-o'-lantern, grinning at her.
Hermione was silent for a moment, then whispered:
"Okay, you look very tired."
Hermione also sat on the stool, watching the sleeping Xiao Deng.
Thinking about how busy Xiao Deng had been lately, and that she had dragged him here to make a jack-o'-lantern, she couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.
Arranging things for this person, teaching Spells to that person—when she counted them up, there were quite a lot of things he had to worry about.
Unable to help herself, Hermione poked Xiao Deng's cheek with her finger.
Her face turned red the moment she touched him, and she immediately pulled her hand back.
She stared nervously at Xiao Deng's reaction. He didn't wake up, and Hermione finally let out a sigh of relief.
But looking closely, the little rascal was actually quite handsome when he wasn't talking.
He bought her hair conditioner, helped her solve problems in class, and even taught her Spells in private...
Scene after scene echoed in her mind; unknowingly, he had already done so many things for her.
Thinking of this, Hermione's gaze toward Xiao Dengsoftened significantly.
She suddenly felt that just watching Xiao Deng quietly like this was quite nice.
She checked the time; it was about time to go back.
Hermione gently nudged Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng, Xiao Deng, wake up!"
Xiao Deng opened his eyes groggily, looking at the person right in front of him, her beautiful big eyes fixed on him.
Xiao Deng slowly sat up.
"Little lioness, have you finished your lantern?"
Sure enough, the little rascal couldn't say anything nice.
Hermione's originally gentle gaze vanished instantly. She clenched her small hands into fists, trying her best to control her emotions.
"Time! Is up!"
"It's time to go back to the Dormitory!"
Hermione spat these words out through gritted teeth.
Xiao Deng only realized then.
"Does that mean you haven't finished even though it's almost time to go back to the Dormitory?"
"I am finished!"
Hermione couldn't hold back anymore and punched Xiao Deng on the shoulder.
"Hiss~"
Hermione felt a sharp pain; Xiao Deng's shoulder felt like a rock.
Xiao Deng stood up immediately.
"What's wrong, what's wrong? Quick, let me see."
He immediately pulled Hermione's small hand over to examine it; the surface was already starting to turn red.
Xiao Deng scanned it with his divine sense and understood the situation immediately.
No bones were injured; it was just plain painful.
Xiao Deng gently rubbed the reddened area, blowing on it softly as he did so.
Hermione pulled her hand back, her face slightly flushed.
"I, I'm fine."
Hermione also knew she was fine; it just hurt for a moment.
However, it seemed Xiao Deng really cared about her.
"Let's go back!"
Xiao Deng nodded. Hermione seemed fine, so he picked up the pumpkin and the pumpkin pulp.
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng and said, "Give the pumpkin pulp to me."
"I'll send it to the kitchens tomorrow."
Xiao Deng returned to the Dormitory with the jack-o'-lantern, and Ron crowded around him again.
"Xiao Deng, where have you been? I haven't seen you all day."
"Where did you get this jack-o'-lantern?"
"Did you spend the whole day just making a jack-o'-lantern?"
Xiao Deng immediately cut off Ron's barrage of questions.
"Stop!"
"You have so many questions, which one should I answer first?"
Harry got off his bed and took Xiao Deng's jack-o'-lantern.
"You should talk to him for a bit."
"He's about to go stir-crazy from boredom."
Neville suddenly popped out his big round head.
"Ron, are you eating that chicken leg because you want to grow hair?"
"Shut up, you're the one who's growing hair!"
"Hahahaha~"
Happy laughter erupted in the Dormitory.
Xiao Deng spoke up to change the topic in the Dormitory.
"Halloween is coming; have you guys prepared your costumes?"
Speaking of this, Neville was the first to speak.
"Of course, I'll show you."
Then Neville took a costume out of his cabinet and put it on.
Harry asked, somewhat unsure:
"Neville, is this supposed to be Trevor?"
Seeing Harry guess his costume, Neville was extremely excited.
"Yes, yes, yes, it's Trevor."
The corners of everyone's mouths twitched, even Seamus, who had been silent lately after being blown up, spoke up.
"It really suits your personality!"
Hearing this, Neville was even happier.
After Seamus spoke, Harry looked at Seamus.
"What about you?"
Seamus shrugged and said, "I just have a common pumpkin costume; nothing as special as Neville's."
Ron chimed in, "You should pair it with a bomb costume; it would be very fitting!"
"Bullshit!"
Seamus's voice of shock and anger was extremely loud.
"Look at my eyebrows, I haven't blown anything up for a few days now."
Xiao Deng interrupted their argument.
"Don't always mock others. What about you, Ron?"
Ron immediately took out a white sheet and wrapped it around himself layer after layer.
Xiao Deng's mouth twitched. What kind of bizarre, eyesore outfit was this?
It was an eyesore!
Xiao Deng looked at Harry, but Harry shook his head.
"I haven't prepared anything."
Harry used to wear other people's clothes; how could he have extra money to buy clothes he wouldn't normally wear?
Ron looked at Harry excitedly.
"Harry, you didn't prepare anything?"
"I have extra white cloth; I'll give you a piece."
Harry's face looked a bit awkward; he didn't really want it.
"No, no, no need."
"The reason I didn't prepare is that I don't really want to wear one."
Seeing Harry's reluctance, Ron didn't force him.
He sat back on his bed, looking disappointed.
He unwrapped the white cloth from his body, layer by layer.
Seeing how troublesome it was for Ron, Harry's refusal became even more apparent.
Everyone in the Dormitory had their eyes on Ron, who was struggling in the white cloth.
Finally, Ron lay on the bed, panting.
Seamus clapped.
"My explosions are nothing; you are the true Gryffindor."
"You aren't even afraid of strangling yourself!"
Ron wanted to retort, but he really didn't have the energy, so he could only glare at Seamus.
Harry turned his head to look at Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng, you've asked everyone else, you must be prepared, right?"
"What costume have you prepared?"
Xiao Deng straightened his loungewear.
"I didn't have anything prepared originally, but after seeing your outfits, I do now."
Xiao Deng took out his wand, tapped it lightly, and then started spinning.
The clothes on his body gradually turned into black robes, and his hair began to grow longer.
"Turn your books to page one!"
"What the f?"
"What the f?"
"What the f?"
"What the f?"
"You really know your ghosts!"