Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

On the other side, after Cassandra left, the flying lesson continued. Madam Hooch replaced Wentworth's broomstick, as his previous one had been completely shattered during the collision with Cassandra.

Even Cassandra's broomstick bore a long crack. Although Madam Hooch said it could be fixed with a Repairing Charm, a broomstick's performance would always be somewhat affected after such repairs.

Looking at Cassandra's broomstick, now set aside, Wentworth couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed, chastising himself internally: Why did I have to get into it with her?

Determined, Wentworth made up his mind that when Cassandra returned, he would tell her that during the holidays, he would go to Diagon Alley to buy her a brand-new broomstick as compensation.

However, even as the flying lesson ended, Cassandra did not return to class. This not only stirred whispers among the first-year students but also deepened the unease in Wentworth's heart.

Later that evening, as Wentworth and Cedric arrived at the Hogwarts Great Hall for dinner, he noticed that Cassandra was also absent from the Slytherin table.

By now, Wentworth was certain something had happened.

After dinner, Wentworth made his way, as usual, to Snape's office. After all, Snape had made it clear: for the next month, he would give Wentworth "special guidance" every evening.

Knocking on the door and stepping inside, Wentworth saw Snape already waiting. The moment Wentworth entered, Snape began without preamble:

"Today, I will teach you how to brew a Revitalizing Potion. The process requires..."

Seeing Snape start his lesson without his usual sarcastic remarks, Wentworth felt a flicker of surprise. It wasn't like Snape to forego his customary jibes.

Still, Wentworth had something more pressing on his mind.

"Professor Snape," Wentworth interrupted, "do you know what happened to Cassandra? She was called away by Professor Dumbledore during our flying lesson this afternoon, and she hasn't returned since. I'm a bit worried about her."

Snape looked displeased at being interrupted, his tone icy as he replied:

"Has no one taught you that when someone else is speaking, you should listen quietly? If you must speak, wait until they've finished."

"And, for that matter, why are you so concerned about Cassandra?" Snape's expression darkened as he spoke.

Worried Snape might misunderstand, Wentworth quickly explained:

"Of course, Professor, don't forget—I'm a Hufflepuff! Although Cassandra and I have had our disagreements, that's an internal matter. If she's in trouble, I'd like to help."

Snape sneered, his lips curling into a mocking smile.

"Besides a bit of cleverness, what else do you have to offer? How exactly do you plan to help?"

Wentworth thought carefully before responding earnestly:

"I have money. Lots of money."

For a moment, Snape seemed struck speechless by the response. After a long silence, he waved a hand dismissively and said:

"Your task is to focus on your studies. Leave the rest to your professors. Now, curb your curiosity and misplaced sympathy, and let's continue the lesson."

Realizing he wouldn't get more from Snape, Wentworth dropped the matter. Still, one thing was clear: whatever was happening with Cassandra, it wasn't trivial. Any problem that couldn't be solved with money was a serious one.

When the evening's lesson with Snape concluded, Wentworth returned to the Hufflepuff common room.

On his way back, he couldn't shake the feeling that something about Snape had been off tonight. Instead of treating him like a menial laborer, Snape had genuinely taught him some advanced potion-making techniques. Though Wentworth couldn't discern the reason for this change, he figured it was ultimately a good thing to learn beyond the curriculum.

Back in the common room, Wentworth planned to wait until everyone had gone to bed before sneaking off to the Room of Requirement to practice spells.

However, before long, a fellow Hufflepuff burst into the room, running straight up to Wentworth.

"Wentworth! Cassandra from Slytherin is outside the common room. She's asking for you!"

A collective "Ooooh!" rose from the surrounding Hufflepuffs, making Wentworth flush with embarrassment.

The messenger added:

"Be careful, Wentworth. She doesn't look quite right—her eyes are red, like she's been crying or something."

The room fell silent.

Wentworth: "???"

When Wentworth stepped out of the common room, he spotted Cassandra standing not far away, her back turned to him.

He quickly called out:

"Cassandra, I'm really sorry about what happened this afternoon. I'll replace your broomstick with a brand-new one—"

But as Wentworth spoke, his voice faltered and grew quiet.

Cassandra had turned around. Her eyes were indeed red, but it was evident she had been crying, not fuming as the Hufflepuff messenger had suggested.

"Cassandra, are you all right? If you want, we can reschedule our duel," Wentworth offered hesitantly.

But Cassandra shook her head firmly.

"No. Tonight."

With that, she turned and walked away.

As Wentworth followed, he tried once more:

"Cassandra, if you're facing any trouble, you can tell me. Maybe I can help."

Cassandra paused briefly and replied:

"Our family has an old house-elf who's been with us for over a hundred years. Do you know why he's lived so long?"

"Because your family has some special health practices?"

"Because he never meddles in things that don't concern him."

Wentworth: "..."

When the two reached the first floor of Hogwarts, Cassandra abruptly stopped.

Puzzled, Wentworth shot her a questioning look.

"Where do you think we should duel?" Cassandra asked, a bit awkwardly.

Wentworth: "..."

-----------------------

SUPPORT ME ON PATREON!!!

Join here for advance chapters: PATREON.COM / PRIMALDEMON

There are more than 40 advance chapters available for you!