After returning from Cassandra's estate, Wentworth enjoyed a few leisurely days. Originally, he had planned for Rosier, Abernathy, and the others to continue teaching him magic, but Rosier refused.
"Wentworth, we've all seen how hard you work. We know how much you carry on your shoulders. But a few days won't make a difference. I'd rather you spend this time doing what people your age should be doing—taking a break."
Rosier's words were filled with heartfelt sincerity.
And so, for once, Wentworth allowed himself a few days of rest at home. However, on the evening before his return to Hogwarts, he took the initiative to knock on Rosier's door.
"Wentworth? What brings you here?"
Rosier welcomed him inside and poured a cup of honeyed lemon tea.
"I've been packing. Tomorrow, we'll take the Hogwarts Express back together. Have you finished preparing your things?" Rosier asked.
Wentworth remained silent.
Noticing his hesitation, Rosier set aside the clothes she had been folding and sat down beside him, her voice gentle. "What's wrong, Wentworth? Do you not want to return to Hogwarts?"
Wentworth hesitated for a moment before shaking his head slowly. Then he spoke.
"Grandma Rosier, I hope you won't return to Hogwarts with me. Find an excuse—any excuse—to resign from your post as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor."
Rosier was momentarily stunned, then smiled warmly. "What's this about, Wentworth? Ah, I see! You're worried about the supposed curse on the position, aren't you? Nonsense! That's just an old superstition. There's no such thing!"
Wentworth waved his hand, indicating that wasn't the issue. After a brief pause, he explained.
"Grandma Rosier, I had a dream recently—one that showed me a glimpse of the future. Next term's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor may be a problem. It seems to be connected to Voldemort's return."
Before he could continue, Rosier interrupted with a knowing smile.
"So, you're worried about me. You think that if they're changing professors next term, it means something happens to me. Is that it? Don't worry, Wentworth. I'm not so easily defeated."
But Wentworth looked directly into her eyes and spoke slowly. "Of course, I know your strength, Grandma Rosier. That's precisely why I want you to leave Hogwarts—because I'm afraid you'll change the outcome."
Rosier frowned in confusion.
Wentworth continued. "I want Voldemort to return to Britain. In fact, I want him to appear before Dumbledore. That would be ideal. Because if Dumbledore realizes Voldemort has returned, then I'll be safer at Hogwarts."
"I doubt even Dumbledore, with all his power, would choose to fight both the Death Eaters and the Pureblood Party at the same time."
Hearing Wentworth's words, Rosier's expression shifted. At first, she seemed moved, but then a shadow of regret passed over her face. She sighed.
"Wentworth, you've taken on so much. If our master were still here, none of this would be necessary. If anyone dares challenge us, we should simply crush them! But now… all the pressure falls on you."
Wentworth smiled lightly, unconcerned. "It's alright. If I wish to wear the crown, I must bear its weight. And besides, I believe it won't be long before I achieve what my grandfather* once did."
Hearing his words, Rosier nodded firmly.
The next day, Wentworth set off alone for Platform Nine and Three-Quarters in London. There, he reunited with Cedric and Kirk, and the three boarded the Hogwarts Express together, returning to school.
On the train, when Cedric and Kirk heard that Rosier would not be returning as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, they were deeply disappointed.
After all, Rosier was a formidable witch with decades of real combat experience, well-versed in the Dark Arts. Even a single sentence or a small spell-casting tip from her could be immensely valuable.
The most frustrated among them was Kirk. Now that both he and Cedric had joined the Pureblood Party, having a high-ranking member as a professor at Hogwarts would have been a tremendous advantage. Kirk believed that Hufflepuff's chances of winning the House Cup would have significantly increased.
Last term, Hufflepuff had earned quite a few points from Defense Against the Dark Arts—just as Slytherin frequently racked up points in Snape's Potions class.
During the holidays, Kirk had even devised several strategies to maximize their point gains from the subject. But with Rosier's departure, all those plans went up in smoke.
What crushed Kirk even further was the announcement at the first feast back at Hogwarts. As soon as the banquet began, Dumbledore stood up and announced that Professor Ilona had resigned due to health reasons. For the remainder of the term, Severus Snape would be acting as the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
The moment Kirk heard this, he slumped onto the table in despair. A wave of groans echoed through the Great Hall. Even the Slytherins didn't look particularly thrilled by the news.
Wentworth, however, turned his gaze toward the Slytherin table. There, Cassandra sat composed, lifting her goblet in his direction. Ignoring the puzzled stares of her housemates, she raised her glass in a silent toast to him.
Wentworth responded with a small smile and returned the gesture.
Her action seemed to displease some of the Slytherin students. One boy seated beside Cassandra muttered disapprovingly, "Hey, they're Hufflepuffs. What do you think you're doing?"
Without even turning her head, Cassandra lowered her goblet and replied coolly, "Are you trying to tell me what to do?"
The boy hesitated for a moment, then stood up angrily. "Don't forget—Slytherin and Hufflepuff are neck and neck in points! The House Cup will be decided between us this year. You shouldn't forget where your loyalties lie!"
Cassandra chuckled lightly, her expression full of disdain. "The number of points I've earned for Slytherin this term is more than you'll manage in five. Or perhaps you'd like to try seeing if you can lose that many? That might be easier for you."
----
[TL/N: I don't know if the author just wrote Wentworth's relationship with Gellert incorrectly in the first few chapters of the story, which said Gellert was the brother of Wentworth's father, and now Wentworth suddenly calling Gellert as grandfather. There was no further context explaining their relationship, so I can't be sure. However, I think, this might be something culturally influenced? Like how some places in the world calls their grandfather as papa while their father dad. I don't know.]
-----------------------
Want to read ahead of schedule?
Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON