Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

After a long silence, Dumbledore finally coughed lightly, breaking the tension in the air.

"Ahem, ahem!"

However, before Dumbledore could speak, the wizards surrounding him and Wentworth instantly drew their wands, aiming them at Dumbledore with wary expressions.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Dumbledore said calmly, his eyes sweeping over the group, "you've gone to considerable effort to bring me and my student here using a Portkey. Yet you remain silent, and now you're pointing wands at us? This hardly seems like proper hospitality."

At Dumbledore's words, the surrounding wizards instinctively glanced at a short, cloaked figure among them.

After a moment, the cloaked wizard spoke in a sinister tone, "Albus Dumbledore? What if I said this was all a misunderstanding? Would you believe me?"

Dumbledore shook his head slowly, raising an eyebrow before replying, "It's hard to see how placing a Portkey on my student's bed could be a mere misunderstanding."

The cloaked wizard let out a cold laugh, his cloak shifting as he lowered his head further. "True enough. Originally, our target was just a first-year student from Hogwarts. But we didn't expect to lure the Headmaster here as well. Since you're both here, why not stay?"

As he spoke, the cloaked wizard suddenly raised a withered hand from beneath his cloak, clutching a wand. A silent spell shot forth, streaking toward Dumbledore and Wentworth.

"Nonverbal magic?!" Wentworth exclaimed, immediately diving behind Dumbledore. Why do I always end up facing wizards who toss out spells like it's nothing?

But Dumbledore, ever the consummate master, had already raised his wand. The spell stopped inches from him, flaring with red light before dissipating into nothingness. In its place, a nearly invisible barrier shimmered faintly, barely perceptible in the light.

The barrier, emanating from the tip of Dumbledore's wand, formed a semi-oval shield that enveloped both him and Wentworth—though it left a small gap at the back.

"Impressive, Headmaster," Wentworth muttered nervously. "Is this a Shield Charm? Seems like you missed a spot behind me. Maybe you could finish it up? You know, since there are two wizards back here…"

Dumbledore, breathing heavily, replied, "Wentworth, be careful. Normally, a Shield Charm only protects the caster. I've stretched its limits to cover you as well, but at my age, I couldn't manage full coverage. That gap behind you—it's crucial you guard it, or neither of us will make it out tonight."

Wentworth's smile froze, though he forced out a laugh. "Headmaster, you're joking, right? Testing me, perhaps? Come on, they're just a bunch of rogue wizards. Surely they're no match for you!"

Still catching his breath, Dumbledore replied gravely, "They're not just rogue wizards. They're wizard hunters—elite among dark wizards."

On hearing this, the cloaked wizard chuckled darkly. "As expected of Albus Dumbledore. You saw through us immediately. Yes, we're wizard hunters, and your bounty on the hunters' market has always been the highest. If you were alone, we'd turn and leave without hesitation. But today, you've brought a burden with you and seem determined to protect him. This might be our chance to make a name for ourselves!"

The cloaked wizard raised his hand, signaling the others to advance. Yet, to his surprise, none of the hunters moved.

He paused, glancing behind him. The bald wizard at his side stepped forward, puffing out his chest. "Didn't you hear the boss? It's just two of them. Let's go! No matter who we leave standing, we'll be the ones raking in the gold!"

The other hunters exchanged hesitant looks, but before they could act, one of them—a blond-haired, blue-eyed man—began retreating into the forest. "I'm here for money, not to get myself killed! Going after Albus Dumbledore? He's the most powerful wizard alive! Gentlemen, farewell!"

Without another word, the man sprinted into the shadows, leaving the rest momentarily uncertain.

Dumbledore's voice broke the silence. "Wentworth, this is bad. That man ran instead of Apparating. It's clear there's an anti-Apparition charm in place. I had hoped to escape with you, but it seems that's no longer an option."

Wentworth's face darkened. "Headmaster, do you have to announce our plans to run so loudly? It's ruining your aura of invincibility!"

The cloaked leader of the hunters sneered. "If you're so scared, maybe you shouldn't be a wizard hunter! This line of work is all about risking your life for gold!"

With that, he raised his wand again, aiming at Dumbledore. The other hunters, emboldened, finally followed suit, pointing their wands at the Headmaster and Wentworth.

Seeing this, Dumbledore redoubled his efforts, channeling his magic into the shield, which now glowed with an almost tangible solidity. Still, the gap behind Wentworth remained unprotected.

"Wentworth," Dumbledore called out, his voice firm despite his labored breathing. "The defense behind me—it's all on you now!"

-----------------------

PLEASE SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!!!

Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON