Chapter 241 "How To Approach Professor Snape"

Although Wentworth was brimming with doubts at this time, he meticulously examined the shipping order after taking it from Cassandra. He knew that if Cassandra chose to hand him this shipping order, there had to be something of significance.

Even though the shipping note was densely filled with names and quantities, Wentworth quickly discerned what Cassandra intended to convey; it was glaringly apparent.

The wizarding world bank, Gringotts!

The first entry on the shipping note was Gringotts, and the quantity of items purchased by Gringotts far surpassed that of any other buyer. Cassandra also provided an explanation:

"According to my father's investigation, just the day before the Hogsmeade incident, Gringotts procured a substantial amount of Floo powder from the Floo-Pow company—significantly more than their usual procurement. Wentworth, you must understand the implications."

Wentworth nodded, quietly stashing the shipping order away, and responded, "Certainly, either Gringotts is on the brink of a large-scale personnel transfer, hence the preparation of Floo powder in advance. Alternatively, there was a significant personnel transfer at Gringotts not long ago, and now they are replenishing the consumed Floo powder." She explained vigorously.

"Regardless, the goblins of Gringotts must have undergone substantial movements during those few days."

Cassandra nodded, then spoke softly, "Wentworth, there seems to be something amiss with Gringotts."

Upon hearing Cassandra's words, Wentworth shifted his gaze towards the distance where Hogsmeade Village lay.

He scanned the surroundings of Hogsmeade from afar, contemplating the possibilities of what led to the current event.

Add all that the mysterious person who always sent him letters and demands, and Wentworth couldn't shake the feeling of observing every single move that he made.

There is no other explanation for the reason why he was nowhere to be found when they were planning to meet at Hogsmeade.

After a prolonged silence, he sighed and uttered with a sense of gravity, "I fear it's not Gringotts that's suspicious, but the Goblins. Something seems off."

Suddenly, a voice rang out from not far away, calling out, "Wentworth! Wentworth!"

Wentworth frowned, evidently displeased that someone had disrupted the intimate atmosphere between him and Cassandra.

Glancing toward the source of the voice, he spotted Harry and Draco hurrying towards them.

"Why are they here?" Cassandra inquired, standing up and observing Harry and the others drawing nearer.

Wentworth shook his head and replied helplessly, "I don't know, but I'm certain it can't be good judging from their looks."

After a short while, Harry and the others reached Wentworth, panting, and Harry exclaimed, "Wentworth, we didn't expect to find you here. We had a tough time searching for you!"

Wentworth offered a slight smile and retorted, "If you had a tough time searching for me, then perhaps you shouldn't even bother looking for me in the first place!"

"Please don't be like that, Wentworth. Harry is in serious trouble right now!" Draco intercepted.

Seeing Draco stand up for him, Harry smiled before explaining to Wentworth why they are here.

Harry fell silent when he expressed his intent to Wentworth. He explained that he wished to break into Snape's office, attempting to steal something, and sought Wentworth's assistance.

In response, Wentworth erupted in anger, "Are you all out of your minds? Do you even know who that is? It's Severus Snape, the potions professor at Hogwarts and the Head of Slytherin House! Attempting to steal from his office? You might as well try to take on Voldemort! Trust me, dealing with the current Voldemort is easier than crossing paths with Snape!"

"That's my advice. If you're determined to go, I won't stop you. However, I have nothing to offer in your aid. I lack the experience to deal with such matters."

An awkward silence settled over the scene. While Harry and the others anticipated some resistance from Wentworth, they hadn't anticipated such a straightforward refusal. For a moment, words failed them.

At that juncture, Cassandra interjected because she felt sorry, looking at the boys who got outright rejected by Wentworth, "Why did you come to Wentworth?"

Upon hearing Cassandra's inquiry, Harry responded absentmindedly, "Because, among the people I know, the only person who stands a chance of holding his own against Professor Snape is Wentworth. I don't know why, but I have a gut feeling that we could pull this off as long as Wentworth agreed to help me."

In response to Harry's explanation, Wentworth retorted with irritation, "I appreciate the compliment, but don't even think of dragging me into something like this!"

Taken aback by Wentworth's reaction, Harry hastily clarified, "I'm sorry, Wentworth, but my mother's Paper Cranes means a lot to me!"

"No matter how important it is, you can't... What Paper Cranes?!" Wentworth questioned with a puzzled expression.

Upon hearing Wentworth's inquiry, Draco promptly briefed him on the events of that night.

When Wentworth learned that Snape had seized a part of the Paper Cranes that had fallen from Harry's mother's notes, he couldn't help but murmur incredulously, "I now understand why they enjoyed teasing Professor Snape so much back then!"

However, Wentworth's voice was too subdued, and the others couldn't quite catch his words clearly.

When Wentworth regained his composure and observed Harry, who appeared somewhat lost, he offered reassurance, "Harry, breaking into Snape's office is no walk in the park! Even for someone like me, there's no guarantee that I can unravel all the defensive magics protecting Professor Snape's room."

"Furthermore, even if luck were on our side and we managed to avoid triggering those defensive spells, how can you be certain that the paper crane is in Snape's office? What if Snape is carrying it with him?"

Wentworth's words left Harry and the others in surprise, prompting Draco to blurt out, "Impossible!"

Wentworth cast a knowing glance at Draco, firmly convinced that it was indeed possible.

In Wentworth's estimation, Snape was more likely to keep the Paper Crane on his person rather than in his office.

After contemplating this possibility, Harry felt a sense of frustration and queried, "So, what's our plan? Are we seriously considering a direct confrontation with Professor Snape?"

Wentworth contemplated the situation and proposed, "Why not consider apologizing to Professor Snape? Acknowledge that you broke curfew that day, ventured out at night, and now recognize your mistake. Express your willingness to accept the consequences, but also request the return of your mother's belongings."

"Harry, Snape is still a professor here at Hogwarts. Your punishment is unavoidable, but I believe Professor Snape might be reluctant to withhold your mother's belongings once you've sincerely acknowledged your error."

Upon hearing Wentworth's suggestion, Draco, Hermione, and Ron looked concerned at Harry.

However, Harry's response was swift and heated, "I won't apologize to the murderer who killed my parents!"

Wentworth was momentarily taken aback by Harry's words, and Cassandra, standing nearby, expressed her confusion, "The murderer who killed your parents? Wasn't it Voldemort who killed your parents? This is something the entire wizarding world knows!"