Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

Wentworth chuckled internally at Snape's words.

He then picked up the remaining half-bag of Twisty Beans from the table, shaking it teasingly in front of Professor Snape.

This time, Snape's stoic expression faltered, his face cycling through a kaleidoscope of emotions.

After a moment, Snape seemed to collect himself and asked, "Wentworth, it seems you've used some... unconventional methods. How did you manage this?"

For once, Snape refrained from his usual tone of biting sarcasm.

How did I manage it? Naturally, by using your methods!

But Wentworth had no intention of revealing his secret so easily—if he did, Snape might deduce that Wentworth had acquired his old notes.

Instead, Wentworth picked up the small silver knife on the table. Snape, assuming Wentworth was about to demonstrate, moved closer, eager to observe his process.

To Snape's surprise, Wentworth handed the knife back to him and said with a smile, "I'm sorry, Professor Snape, but this is a family secret. I can't share it with you."

Snape fell silent at Wentworth's response, eventually saying, "Very well. It seems your family has quite the potion-making pedigree. No wonder you use a cauldron for cooking. For any true Potions Master, spending days brewing potions is normal. A handy cauldron makes an excellent cooking vessel."

Wentworth couldn't help but admire Snape's imagination. No wonder he's created so many spells; his mind is full of possibilities! Outwardly, though, Wentworth nodded earnestly in agreement.

Seeing this, Snape waved a hand dismissively. "Alright, you can leave for tonight. But don't forget to return tomorrow. And try not to lose your way and miss curfew."

Relieved, Wentworth grabbed his battered textbook, bowed to Snape, and turned to leave.

"Wait!"

Snape's voice halted Wentworth in his tracks. He stiffened. Could Snape have already realized I've got his notes?

"You can keep the beans. Do you think I'd take them back? Take them, take them!" Snape said impatiently.

Breathing a sigh of relief, Wentworth recognized this as Snape's way of offering compensation. Without hesitation, he turned back, grabbed the half-bag of Twisty Beans, and quickly left the office.

Long after Wentworth was gone, Snape remained staring at the small puddle of juice left by the beans on his desk, lost in thought.

Suddenly, he reached for his wand with lightning-fast reflexes.

"Petrificus Totalus!"

But his attacker was quicker. Before Snape's hand could touch his wand, a Body-Bind Curse struck him from behind. Snape froze, unable to move a muscle.

Snape's mind raced in disbelief. An attack? In my own office? At Hogwarts? Fear gripped him.

Could it be… the one who must not be named… has returned?

A voice, calm and androgynous, spoke from behind him.

"Impressive. For a Potions Master, your instincts are sharper than I anticipated. Even skilled Aurors would struggle to detect my Disillusionment Charm, yet you sensed me so quickly."

"Don't worry—I don't intend to harm you. But you do need to be punished for your disrespect toward someone earlier."

Snape was baffled. Disrespect? The only person I show respect to is Dumbledore. Who could they mean?

The voice continued, "Surely you've guessed by now. That's right—Wentworth. He's not someone you can order around as you please. Consider yourself lucky he left in good spirits tonight. Otherwise, tomorrow's Potions class might need a substitute professor."

"You'll stay here for two hours until the spell wears off. Let this be a small reminder."

"And one more thing—don't let Wentworth know about this. Next time, the spell won't be as harmless."

After a long silence, the presence behind him disappeared. Snape exhaled internally, feeling a mix of relief and dread.

Hogwarts, breached like this?

This castle, fortified with countless protective charms and under the watch of the greatest wizard of the age, Albus Dumbledore—yet someone had slipped in unnoticed. Even during Voldemort's reign, no Death Eater had managed such a feat.

And then there was Wentworth. His identity seemed more suspicious by the moment.

Snape recalled Dumbledore's cryptic warnings. Could it be? Is Wentworth Voldemort in disguise?

After all, as Tom Riddle, Voldemort had once been just as brilliant, charismatic, and adored by both students and professors.

Is he here to prepare for Harry Potter's arrival next year?

Snape's anxiety grew unbearable. He couldn't wait for the spell to break so he could inform Dumbledore immediately.

Meanwhile, Wentworth returned to the Hufflepuff common room, where a surprising sight greeted him.

Cedric and several other students were waiting. As soon as Wentworth entered, they ushered him to a cozy sofa. Someone handed him fruit, another brought sweets, and a spread of treats appeared before him.

Startled by the attention, Wentworth expressed his gratitude. But the Prefect, Kirk, waved it off casually.

"Don't mention it. You deserve it! You've been targeted by Snape because of us. Hufflepuff never forgets those who help us—or bring us food!"

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