Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

Wentworth glanced at Dumbledore, then at Ilona, sensing there was something unsaid between the two.

"Go on, Wentworth. It's getting late. You should head back and rest. At your age, sleep is crucial for your growth. Lack of it will hinder your development," Dumbledore advised gently.

Professor Ilona chimed in as well, urging him, "Yes, off you go. It's late."

Despite his curiosity about their impending conversation, Wentworth understood that if these two didn't want him to hear, there was nothing he could do to eavesdrop. Resigned, he turned and made his way back into Hogwarts.

Watching Wentworth's silhouette vanish into the castle, Dumbledore broke the silence.

"Professor Ilona," he began, "when you said earlier that your students' lives are precious, were you referring specifically to Wentworth or to all of Hogwarts' students?"

Ilona furrowed her brow, perplexed. "Headmaster Dumbledore, I don't understand your point."

Dumbledore's piercing gaze met hers. "Professor, as the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, I hope you treat every Hogwarts student equally."

Ilona chuckled coldly, as if she'd heard a joke. "Headmaster, it seems the one failing to treat everyone equally is you. Care to explain the unique charm tied to Wentworth? You are hardly in a position to lecture me!"

Dumbledore's gaze drifted to the corridor where Wentworth had disappeared, and he replied with a heavy tone, "I only want every student to enjoy their time at Hogwarts, focusing on their studies without distractions. Students should remain students."

Ilona smirked, dismissing his sentiment. "Headmaster, some people are destined to shine like fireworks in the night sky—brilliant and impossible to suppress. Isn't that true?"

Dumbledore nodded slightly. "You're not wrong. But I hope they shine because of their talents or character, not because of their surname."

At this, Ilona remained silent, considering his words. After a long pause, she asked, "How long do you think your approach will hold?"

Dumbledore answered calmly, "As long as no one interferes, I think it can last until he becomes the best among his peers. And right now, he is far from that."

Ilona gave an ambiguous smile, then turned to leave. But before she could, Dumbledore called out.

"Professor Ilona, it's best not to wander Hogwarts alone at night. Recently, Professor Snape was attacked in his office by an intruder. Someone with ill intentions has entered the castle, and I don't want any similar incidents."

Ilona paused mid-step, then replied after a moment, "Perhaps someone from outside Hogwarts sneaked in under cover of darkness. There are secret passages leading out of the school, after all. Or maybe Professor Snape is lying—I've heard he was once a Death Eater."

Dumbledore's expression remained firm. "Snape was a Hogwarts student, and I trust him."

Ilona let out a disdainful laugh. "A Hogwarts student? Half of Azkaban is filled with Hogwarts alumni, many of whom were once considered exceptional. It's practically a Hogwarts alumni association in there."

Then, with an edge to her tone, she added, "And for the record, I detest imprisonment. If I find out who left that Portkey on Wentworth's bed tonight, I'll ensure they don't live long enough to see Azkaban!"

With that, Ilona stormed off, leaving Dumbledore standing alone, lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Wentworth finally returned to the Hufflepuff common room. As he entered, he spotted Cedric and Kirk sprawled on the lounge chairs, seemingly asleep.

Seeing this, Wentworth felt a surge of emotion—his friends had clearly stayed up, waiting for him to return.

The sound of the door creaking woke Cedric, who groggily opened his eyes. His gaze lit up with joy when he saw Wentworth.

"Wentworth, you're back! I'm so relieved to see you're okay!"

Seeing Cedric's sleepy yet joyful expression, Wentworth couldn't help but reflect: He'd come to Hogwarts intending only to enjoy the school's magic and avoid trouble. Becoming friends with Cedric had been a practical move—he'd hoped to have a study partner to copy homework from. Yet here he was, forming bonds far deeper than he'd expected.

And now, he thought ruefully, how could he possibly stand by during the Triwizard Tournament years later? He couldn't just let his friend face danger alone, could he?

The thought made him laugh at himself. Here he was, worrying about Cedric's future when his own survival was uncertain. People had nearly stormed Hogwarts to kill him!

Fueled by a desire to protect himself—and his friends—Wentworth felt a renewed determination to grow stronger. What had once been pressure from his talented peers was now a burning necessity, a matter of survival and loyalty.

At that moment, Kirk stirred, awakened by Cedric's voice. Rubbing his eyes and yawning, he greeted Wentworth.

"You're finally back! Now I can relax. With Dumbledore around, I wasn't too worried, but still, a parent always frets when their child is far from home, eh?"

Wentworth couldn't help but calculate the time until the Triwizard Tournament. Disappointingly, he realized Kirk would have graduated by then.

His fleeting hope of having Kirk replace Cedric as Hogwarts' champion—leaving Cedric safe—dissolved. With a resigned sigh, Wentworth abandoned the thought, accepting the challenges ahead.

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