Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

In the days leading up to the start of term, Wentworth trained diligently in Occlumency under the guidance of Rosier and others. By the time school was about to begin, Wentworth could effectively conceal his thoughts even in the presence of Abernathy.

Finally, September 1st arrived—the day Hogwarts reopened its doors.

That morning, Wentworth rose early. Led by Abernathy, he Apparated directly to the entrance of Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

"Abernathy, why isn't Grandma Rosier here today?"

Wentworth stood before the platform, curiosity written on his face. He had assumed Rosier would see him off, but to his surprise, it was Abernathy who knocked on his door that morning. Rosier was nowhere to be seen.

Abernathy chuckled and replied, "Dear Wentworth, as a man, you must understand—no matter how strong a woman may seem, their hearts are always tender. Rosier was heartbroken at the thought of you leaving her to attend Hogwarts. She said she couldn't bear the pain of parting, so she decided not to come. Haha!"

In truth, this was part of an agreement among them to keep Wentworth from learning Rosier's true whereabouts. They worried he might refuse to let her take up the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts if he knew.

Hearing Abernathy's explanation, Wentworth thought of the time they had spent together recently. Though these dark wizards were far more extreme than Death Eaters, their care and genuine affection for him were undeniable.

The thought of parting left Wentworth with a pang of sadness.

"All right, Wentworth, off you go! Remember to write to us once you're at Hogwarts! If you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask us in your letters. And most importantly, if you're in danger, you know what to do!"

Abernathy leaned in to whisper the last words in Wentworth's ear.

"I know, Abernathy. I haven't forgotten—don't worry," Wentworth replied.

He retrieved a pendant from his clothes. Taken from the Grindelwald family vault at Gringotts, it bore a triangle enclosing a circle, pierced through the center by a single vertical line.

Wentworth wore it around his neck, but Abernathy carefully tucked it beneath his shirt.

"Remember, never show this pendant to anyone casually. It is a symbol. But if you ever find yourself in grave danger, channel your magic into it. No matter where we are in the world, we'll come to your side immediately."

"All right, Wentworth. It's getting late—off you go!" Abernathy patted Wentworth on the shoulder, speaking solemnly.

Pushing his luggage, Wentworth faced the iconic barrier. Closing his eyes, he charged forward, vanishing into the platform.

Abernathy watched him disappear, ready to leave when he suddenly tensed, hand darting toward his wand.

"Abernathy, who gave you permission to add so much flair to your act?"

Abernathy exhaled deeply, recognizing the voice. It was Rosier.

Turning, he saw her standing there—a woman in a green trench coat, wearing a top hat and a long ponytail.

"Oh, Rosier, no matter what guise you take, your aura is always so regal, like a vibrant rose in barren land. But I think you might need to refine your disguise a little—you are, after all, meeting Dumbledore!"

Rosier ignored his flattery, fixing her gaze on him as she remarked, "And who taught you that no matter how strong a woman may seem, their hearts are always tender? You're quite the expert on women, aren't you, Abernathy?"

Abernathy smiled awkwardly, unable to respond.

Without another word, Rosier strode toward Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

"But you were right about one thing," she murmured. "I can't bear farewells. That's why I must make sure he walks out of that tower with his head held high."

With those words, she disappeared onto the platform, leaving Abernathy standing alone.

Meanwhile, Wentworth stood before an old, slightly shabby train. His parting melancholy was quickly replaced by excitement for the new life awaiting him at Hogwarts.

"So this is the Hogwarts Express? It doesn't look like much…"

Wentworth appraised the train, reminding himself that this was 1990s Britain and not to judge it by the standards of the modern high-speed trains he had known in his past life.

Still, to someone accustomed to sleek bullet trains, the Hogwarts Express's only redeeming quality seemed to be its cleanliness.

"It may be old, but it's a part of Hogwarts, isn't it?"

A cheerful male voice sounded behind him. Turning, Wentworth saw a tall, handsome young man standing there, accompanied by a middle-aged man with a backpack.

"A first-year at Hogwarts? Hello, I'm Cedric—Cedric Diggory!"

With a smile that could charm anyone, Cedric extended a hand to Wentworth.

The older man behind Cedric followed up enthusiastically, "Cedric, my son, was last year's top first-year student at Hogwarts—all Os in his grades!"

Wentworth blinked in surprise. He hadn't expected to meet such a significant character from the Harry Potter books so soon. Quickly, he donned a bright smile.

"Pleasure to meet you, Cedric! I'm Wentworth, a first-year. Wow, are all Hogwarts upperclassmen as talented and dashing as you? I'm feeling the pressure already!"

Cedric blushed, caught off guard by Wentworth's straightforwardness, while his father, Amos, beamed proudly.

"No, no, most Hogwarts students just scrape by! So if you ever have any problems, just go to Cedric—he'll help you out!"

"Father, I'd prefer if you didn't put it that way. Everyone has their strengths and passions. But Wentworth, if you ever need help or have questions, feel free to come to me. And if you end up in Hufflepuff, all the better!"

A warm glow filled Wentworth's heart. "So this is what it's like to meet a true Hufflepuff senior. Love it!" he thought to himself.

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