Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

Hearing Professor McGonagall's words, Snape's anger diminished slightly. Turning his head to scan the room, he said,

"Hufflepuff, hosting a party in the common room without permission and causing misunderstandings with other houses—deduction of 20 points from Hufflepuff!"

After delivering the penalty, Snape turned his gaze directly toward Wentworth. Everyone could see that Wentworth was the mastermind behind this event.

As Snape locked eyes with Wentworth, Hufflepuff's Head of House, Professor Sprout, stepped forward.

"Professor Snape, I believe that Wentworth—"

But before she could finish, Snape interrupted her.

"Mr. Wentworth, you seem to have quite a talent for using cauldrons. That's excellent—it shows great potential! I've decided that for the next month, from Monday to Friday, after dinner, you'll come to see me. I'll give you special lessons in potion-making."

"This isn't a punishment. It's a reward!"

Without waiting for anyone's response, Snape spun on his heel and left the Hufflepuff common room, his robes billowing behind him.

Professor Sprout, who had been about to plead for Wentworth, found herself at a loss for words after Snape's remarks.

As Snape departed, a collective sigh of relief escaped the Hufflepuff students—everyone except Wentworth, that is. As for the 20-point deduction? It hardly mattered; Hufflepuff hadn't won the House Cup in ages. To them, it was just a larger-than-average trophy bowl.

Wentworth, however, mused to himself, No wonder he could work undercover for the Dark Lord. Truly a master at twisting facts! Clearly a punishment, yet Snape made it sound like a reward, leaving even Professor Sprout unable to argue on my behalf.

At that moment, just as the other professors were preparing to leave, Dumbledore entered the room.

Unlike Snape, Dumbledore's presence inspired nothing but respect among the Hufflepuff students.

"So, this is called hot pot? It does smell delightful!"

Dumbledore gestured toward the cauldron in front of the students, smiling warmly.

At his words, the Hufflepuff students beamed. One of the female prefects quickly grabbed a clean bowl, filled it generously with meat and sauce, and handed it to Dumbledore.

Without hesitation, Dumbledore accepted and began tasting the dish.

"Quite excellent! Who would have thought that such a simple cooking method could produce such a delicious result?"

A nearby student replied, "Headmaster, the secret lies in Wentworth's seasoning skills!"

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. After finishing an entire bowl, he declined their offer of a refill with a gentle wave of his hand.

"An old man's appetite isn't what it used to be," he chuckled. "But I must say, Hufflepuff has truly surprised me today."

"I've already learned everything about what happened earlier. When faced with the possibility of unknown dangers, you didn't run away. Instead, you faced the challenge together, courageously entering what you believed to be a perilous situation in your common room. Such bravery deserves recognition. Ten points to Hufflepuff!"

The common room fell silent for a moment before erupting into thunderous cheers. Even Professor Sprout joined in the applause.

As the excitement began to wane, Dumbledore continued,

"When confronted with potential punishment, you didn't avoid responsibility. Instead, you stepped forward, each eager to shoulder the blame. That's a rare quality—even many adult wizards lack such integrity. Another ten points to Hufflepuff!"

This time, the cheers were even louder. Not only did Professor Sprout applaud, but the other professors joined in as well.

As the cheers subsided, the students eagerly turned their attention back to Dumbledore, sensing he wasn't finished yet.

The Headmaster approached Wentworth, locking eyes with the young student.

It was the first time Wentworth had faced Dumbledore directly—the most powerful wizard of the age. Suppressing his excitement, Wentworth gazed at him with awe... while silently activating Occlumency.

After a moment, Dumbledore smiled warmly.

"Wentworth, I must thank you. You've given an old man a delightful meal and contributed greatly to Hogwarts' culinary repertoire. For that, an additional five points to Hufflepuff!"

The room's atmosphere reached a fever pitch. Many students hugged each other in jubilation.

This excitement was not without reason. It was the first day of term, a weekend with no classes, meaning no house had earned points yet.

Snape's deduction had put Hufflepuff in last place with -20 points. But with Dumbledore's addition of 25 points, Hufflepuff now led the other houses!

Tears glistening in his eyes, Kirk, one of the prefects, exclaimed, "Five years! It's been five years since Hufflepuff has led the House standings—even if just for a day, I'm proud!"

His heartfelt words earned him Wentworth's admiration. This Kirk might just have what it takes to become the future Minister of Magic, Wentworth thought.

Sensing Wentworth's gaze, Kirk turned to him and, with a broad grin, pulled him into a jubilant embrace.

"Wentworth, you're Hufflepuff's lucky star!"

At that, Kirk exchanged a glance with Cedric. Together, they lifted Wentworth off his feet and tossed him into the air. More and more students joined in, filling the common room with joyful laughter and cheers.

Watching the scene unfold, Ilona couldn't suppress a proud smile.

This is the future leader of our movement, she thought. Conquering a Hogwarts house in the time it takes to share a meal!

Suddenly, a new thought occurred to her. Perhaps Wentworth joining Hufflepuff was part of his plan all along.

While Hufflepuff students lacked the prestige of Slytherins or the academic prowess of Ravenclaws, they were the most populous house at Hogwarts.

Hufflepuff alumni permeated every corner of the wizarding world, forming the foundation of magical society.

With this realization, Ilona's gaze toward Wentworth was now filled with admiration.

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