Chapter 220 "Cassandra's Worry"

While the Ministry of Magic Aurors were occupied escorting the subdued dark wizards back to the Ministry, Wentworth returned to Hogwarts following Professor Dumbledore's lead.

En route, Professors McGonagall and Professor Snape bid farewell to Professor Dumbledore and departed, leaving Wentworth to accompany Professor Dumbledore back to the Headmaster's room at Hogwarts.

"Don't tell me you are disappointed with the result, Wentworth?" Professor Dumbledore suddenly inquired, his tone cold.

Wentworth hesitated momentarily, then slowly shook his head, responding, "Not at all, Professor. I've witnessed how cunning of an enemy we are dealing with here, and I never entertained the idea that you could defeat them in one fell swoop! However, as long as their gaze remains fixed on me, I always have a chance to outsmart them."

A silent thought echoed in Wentworth's mind, "The Alliance might can track down a wizard, but can we deal with the whole nation against us?"

Upon hearing Wentworth's response, Professor Dumbledore appeared quite satisfied. He gestured for Wentworth to take a seat with a smile and remarked, "Wentworth, have you ever considered that if you hadn't prompted the Alliance and us to appear in Hogsmeade today, you might have unraveled all the secrets by now?"

Without much thought, Wentworth swiftly declined, "That's too risky, and even if given the chance again, I wouldn't dare to take that risk, Professor."

Upon hearing Wentworth's firm answer, Professor Dumbledore spoke with a twinkle in his eyes, "In this regard, you are nothing like your grandfather! Albeit having the same blood flowing in you, the way you approach problems are way too different."

Intrigued by Professor Dumbledore's mention of his grandfather, Wentworth inquired, "Professor, you seem quite familiar with my grandfather. What kind of person was he?"

Though the intention of telling the whole story of their past toward Wentworth was flashed into his mind, Professor Dumbledore held the thought back.

Professor Dumbledore gazed deeply at Wentworth before responding, "Alright, it's getting late. Go back and get some rest!"

He added, "By the way, although I didn't intervene today, I have already done the part of my deal. Now it's your turn to fulfill it, Wentworth!"

Hearing Professor Dumbledore's words, Wentworth couldn't help but smile wryly and retort, "Oh come on, Professor! You know that's not fair!"

Professor Dumbledore spoke in a playful tone, saying, "I ensured your safety today. If the other party didn't show up, then that's not my problem. As far as I am concerned, I have already finished a part of my deal. What do you think, Wentworth?"

Hearing Professor Dumbledore's response, Wentworth had no choice but to offer a smile and a nod. "As you say, Professor. Thank you for today. I'll see you later!"

As he left Professor Dumbledore's office, he concealed the wry expression on his face and began walking thoughtfully towards the Hufflepuff common room.

The same smile appeared on Professor Dumbledore's face, "Oh, Gellert. As you've said, this is definitely not our era anymore… I can't wait to see what kind of man Wentworth will become. I wish I could see him turn into the same man I had in my vision for you..."

Meanwhile, Cassandra recalled the events of half an hour ago.

At that time, Cassandra, resting in her dormitory, felt a warmth in her arms. She swiftly retrieved her star card, the King of Hearts, from her robes.

On the back of the card, Draco's message had already appeared.

The Jack of Heart's message appeared, "There is news from the Ministry of Magic that a group of mysterious wizards raided Hogsmeade Village today. Now, all the Aurors from the Ministry of Magic have gathered in Hogsmeade Village. Do you know what happened?"

Witnessing this, Cassandra felt a pang in her heart, recalling Wentworth's earlier instructions.

Concern for Wentworth immediately consumed her thoughts.

Anxious, Cassandra rushed to the Hufflepuff common room to ensure Wentworth's safety, only to find that he was not in his bedroom.

Disheartened, she waited outside the Hufflepuff common room, silently praying for Wentworth's well-being.

Fortunately, just as Cassandra contemplated sneaking into Hogsmeade Village, Wentworth finally returned.

"Cassandra, why are you here?" Wentworth asked curiously as he noticed Cassandra approaching.

To Wentworth's surprise, Cassandra was standing at the entrance of the Hufflepuff common room, seemingly waiting for him.

Upon seeing Wentworth approaching, she greeted him. "Hello, Wentworth! Are you fine? What just happened?"

Hearing Cassandra's concern, Wentworth was momentarily taken aback. He then smiled tenderly and reassured her, saying, "What's the matter, Cassandra? What can I do for you?"

Cassandra gritted her teeth and inquired, "What happened in Hogsmeade? Was it the Alliance?"

Surprised by Cassandra's knowledge, Wentworth responded incredulously, "Did the news spread so quickly? How did you know?"

Cassandra chose not to answer Wentworth's question and instead gazed into his eyes with quiet intensity.

Faced with her silent scrutiny, Wentworth awkwardly smiled and explained, "Well, it was indeed the work of the Alliance. The reason is very simple. Someone in Hogsmeade wanted to harm me. I originally planned to use myself as bait to draw them out, but unfortunately, they didn't take the bait. So, I had to let the Alliance take action and screen everyone in Hogsmeade!"

Hearing Wentworth's explanation, Cassandra furrowed her brow and complained, "Are you a fool? Using yourself as bait? What if something goes wrong? Just find someone and use the Polyjuice Potion to pretend to be you. Do you really need to go there yourself?"

Wentworth was momentarily stunned by Cassandra's words and then internally scolded himself, thinking, "Why didn't I think of that? This is the wizarding world! There are ways to make others look like me!"

Although frustrated with himself, Wentworth still responded firmly, "The other party is coming for me. How can I let others take this risk for me?"

Despite Wentworth's firm stance, after scrutinizing him for a moment, Cassandra suddenly remarked, "Actually, you didn't consider that option, did you?"

Caught off guard, Wentworth protested, "...how is that possible! I just thought this was a good opportunity to catch them! If I let others pretend to be me, and the other party sees through it, they might escape!"

Not convinced, Cassandra pouted and pressed, "So, did they show up?"

Wentworth reluctantly admitted, "...no..."

Cassandra couldn't help but roll her eyes and muttered, "Okay, I've got the picture. I'll talk to my father again, check for any recent connections of Hogsmeade fireplaces to the Floo network, and keep an eye out for anyone suspicious using the Floo network to enter Hogsmeade Village."

Without waiting for Wentworth to express gratitude, Cassandra turned to leave. After a few steps, she halted abruptly, turned back to Wentworth, and added, "Next time, if something like this comes up, just ask me first."

With that, Cassandra left, leaving Wentworth without a chance to respond.

"Sometimes I wonder what's going on inside that head of yours, Wentworth. You are not an idiot, but from time to time, you act like an idiot… It' 's the right choice for me to create the Secret Hallows behind your back." Cassandra mused to herself as she walked away.