Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

"Are you telling me you two just met today?"

Cassandra asked curiously. When Wentworth confirmed with a nod, she gave him a peculiar smile.

"May Merlin bless you—or rather, the both of you! If Merlin would accept such a challenge."

Without waiting for Wentworth's reaction, Cassandra followed Hagrid, leaving him standing there in stunned silence.

Soon, all the first-years were led by Hagrid along a winding path until they arrived at a vast, shimmering lake.

"Alright, listen up! This here's the Black Lake. We'll be crossing it by boat to get to Hogwarts Castle. Four people to a boat—no more, no less!"

At Hagrid's instructions, Wentworth eagerly leaned over to peer into the lake's dark waters.

"What are you looking for?"

A fellow first-year standing behind him asked.

"I've heard there are water monsters in the Black Lake. Just wondering if they're happy to see us!"

Wentworth's comment caused many of the nearby young witches and wizards to step back instinctively. A few who had been jostling to get on the boats suddenly hesitated, giving the lake a wide berth.

"Hmph, cowards! Get out of my way; don't block my path!"

With large strides, Cassandra marched straight to the boats docked by the lake's edge. However, after she climbed into a boat, none of the other first-years seemed willing to join her. Perhaps they were still shaken by Wentworth's remark, or maybe Cassandra's commanding presence kept them at bay.

Seeing this, Wentworth sighed and walked forward, taking a seat beside her. Finally, after some urging from Hagrid, two other reluctant first-years boarded the boat.

As the boats glided across the lake's surface, Hogwarts Castle came into view for the first time.

Beneath the starlit sky, the castle appeared both mysterious and magnificent. Although Wentworth had seen it countless times in books and films in his previous life, nothing compared to the awe of seeing it in person. Words, he realized, were utterly inadequate to describe even a fraction of its splendor.

While Wentworth and the others were crossing the lake, Ilona had already arrived at the Headmaster's office under Professor McGonagall's guidance.

Dumbledore was waiting for her. After Ilona was introduced, McGonagall quickly excused herself—her responsibilities as Deputy Headmistress left her with little time to spare.

Alone with the legendary wizard she had imagined facing countless times, Ilona gave Dumbledore a charming smile.

"Good evening, Professor Dumbledore. I'm Ilona. It's an honor to finally meet you. As the greatest white wizard of our time, I've often envisioned this moment."

Dumbledore regarded her with kind eyes. After a moment, he spoke warmly.

"Good evening, Ms. Ilona. You must be tired from your journey. The Welcoming Feast won't start for a little while. Would you like a lemon sherbet to refresh yourself?"

Ilona waved her hand in polite refusal.

"Thank you for the offer, Professor, but I must decline. A generous student on the train treated me to plenty of sweets already."

Dumbledore nodded, not pressing further, and smiled.

"Hogwarts students are indeed a kind and welcoming bunch. I trust you'll enjoy your time here, Professor Ilona."

"Professor?" Ilona echoed, her face lighting up with genuine surprise. "Does that mean I've been hired, Professor Dumbledore?"

"Indeed," Dumbledore affirmed with a nod. "Not everyone can resist my Legilimency while maintaining eye contact. You're sure to become an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

Dumbledore's tone became slightly apologetic as he added, "However, due to time constraints, we couldn't arrange for students to purchase your recommended textbooks. Would it be acceptable to continue using the previous curriculum for now?"

Ilona's smile widened, becoming even more radiant.

"Of course, Professor Dumbledore. In fact, I don't require many textbooks for my teaching style."

"Splendid, Professor Ilona."

"I prefer hands-on practice!"

Meanwhile, Wentworth and Cassandra's boat had arrived at Hogwarts Castle. Professor McGonagall was already waiting for them at the dock.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Once we enter the castle, you will first take part in the Sorting Ceremony."

"As you may already know, Hogwarts has four Houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, named after the school's four founders."

As Professor McGonagall explained, Wentworth couldn't help but smirk and mutter under his breath, "What a dull introduction."

Unfortunately, he had forgotten one crucial fact—cats have excellent hearing. As a renowned Animagus with a feline form, McGonagall didn't miss a word.

"Mr. Wentworth, if I'm not mistaken, that would be you?" she asked, her tone sharp. "It seems you have some thoughts about my introduction?"

Caught off guard, Wentworth hesitated, then remembered his strategy: to distance himself from Gryffindor and Slytherin. Since McGonagall was the head of Gryffindor House, perhaps making a poor first impression would help his case.

With newfound determination, he stepped forward confidently and addressed her.

"Yes, Professor McGonagall, I do think your introduction is far too simplistic. This speech has likely been unchanged for decades, maybe even centuries. The Muggle world is constantly evolving, and I believe the wizarding world should strive to do the same!"

McGonagall observed the outspoken boy with a mixture of curiosity and resignation.

Dumbledore, she thought, this child truly is the blood of Grindelwald. Like his grandfather, he seems destined to challenge and change the wizarding world.

Though she thought this privately, McGonagall didn't interrupt Wentworth. Known for her strictness, she was also a fair professor who valued student voices.

"Well then, Mr. Wentworth," she said, her eyes narrowing slightly, "since you appear to have such a thorough understanding of the four Houses, how would you introduce them?"

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