Chapter 183 "Before The Duel"

When Wentworth and Draco approached the entrance of the Hogwarts Great Hall, they coincidentally crossed paths with the trio of Harry, who were making their way in the same direction.

"Harry, tonight I'll prove to you that I'm right!" Draco asserted confidently.

Harry initiated a friendly greeting with Wentworth, "Hello Wentworth! How are you?" and then addressed Draco, "Draco, we're friends. Honestly, I don't want to be at odds with you, but if you insist, I'm willing to accept your invitation to a duel."

Hearing Harry's response, Draco raised an eyebrow and retorted, "Harry, just wait for me tonight!"

Not particularly invested in the impending duel between Harry and Draco, Wentworth considered it more of a spectacle. He stood by to observe the unfolding scene.

As Wentworth entered the Great Hall and headed to his usual seat, he noticed Cedric and Green engaged in an intense discussion. Curious, Wentworth approached them and gave each a playful slap, asking, "What secretive business are you two up to?"

Wentworth's unexpected arrival startled the duo. Seeing their exchanged glances, Green quickly responded, "Oh, nothing special. By the way, I haven't seen much of you today. What have you been up to?"

With a grin, Wentworth replied, "Well, I've decided to be the mastermind behind the scenes! Oh, and Cedric, let's take a break from our spell practice tonight. I've got plans to enjoy a show in the Room of Requirement!"

Cedric, engaged in a discussion with Green, contemplated delicately conveying to Wentworth that he wouldn't be joining in the Room of Requirement tonight.

After all, he had committed to meeting with Cassandra to discuss the formation of a new secret society at Hogwarts. However, before he could broach the subject, Wentworth preempted the conversation.

As Cedric silently breathed a sigh of relief, he noticed Green casting a meaningful look his way.

It dawned on Cedric that Wentworth might be deliberately creating an opportunity for himself. Could Cassandra's speculation be accurate? Was Wentworth subtly hinting at their plans to establish a new secret organization at Hogwarts?

Caught up in these thoughts, Green and Cedric were interrupted when Wentworth, with a furrowed brow, curiously inserted himself between them.

"Tell me, what's on your minds? It's been twice since I caught both of you looking so distant right after I approached you. Are you guys keeping a secret from me?" Wentworth inquired while leaning in toward them, squinting his eyes to observe their facial expression.

Quickly diverting their attention, Cedric promptly replied, "Nothing, Wentworth. You go ahead and do your thing. It's a good chance for me to take a break tonight."

Wentworth, sounding surprised, asked, "Why? Aren't you two curious about the show? I thought you both would be eager to join me."

Cedric was momentarily taken aback, but Green swiftly interjected, laughing as he draped his arm over Wentworth's shoulder, "Come on, Wentworth, you're quite the big shot in the wizarding world now! Even if not many wizards know you yet... If you've got something to attend to, go for it. It's just, that it's been a while since the three of us chilled together. Just enjoying times without even worrying anything."

Wentworth eyed both Cedric and Green suspiciously, remarking, "Why do I always feel like you two have something to hide from me?"

Green chuckled in response, saying, "Impossible, you're our Leader, isn't that right, Cedric?" Cedric vigorously nodded in agreement.

"Yes, how can we possibly hide anything from you? To be honest, it would be a miracle on its own if we managed to plan something without you knowing the slightest of it, Wentworth." Cedric continued.

Just as the mysterious air lingered, a sumptuous dinner appeared on the table in the auditorium.

Adhering to Hufflepuff's tradition, Wentworth, seemingly unfazed by the enigmatic behavior, focused on preparing the meal, bringing a sense of relief to Cedric and Green.

After dinner, Wentworth, Green, and Cedric proceeded to the Hufflepuff common room, where they coincidentally encountered Cassandra near the auditorium entrance.

Walking behind Wentworth, Green subtly signaled Cassandra with an affirmative gesture, indicating that Cedric had shared everything with him and was aligned with Cassandra's proposals.

Witnessing this exchange, Cassandra shot Wentworth a meaningful look, and a subtle smile played on her lips. Caught off guard, Wentworth found himself momentarily stunned.

Meanwhile, Draco approached Harry, confidently stating, "Tonight, remember to wait for me!"

Standing beside Harry, Hermione interjected with concern, "But the curfew is approaching. Where are you planning to duel? None of us will escape if a Professor or Filch catches wind of it!"

Draco raised an eyebrow and assured, "Don't worry, I have a plan. I promise no one will find us!"

Harry looked at Hermione and shrugged, "I am pretty sure Draco has plans for it. Let's just trust him! Good luck to you, Draco. Just remember, no matter what the result of the duel is, I will always be your friend!" He said with a bright smile.

Hearing Harry say those made Draco feel at a loss. It feels like every single moment he's been spending with Harry is changing every single foundation that's been taught and implemented from an early age.

The teaching of Malfoys is slowly waning away as Draco keeps spending his time together by Wentworth's side.

Hermione and Harry then went off to the Hogwarts common room after saying their goodbye to Draco, while Draco only pouted and turned his back without saying anything to them.

Professor Snape silently observed Dumbledore in the Headmaster's Office at Hogwarts, who appeared lost in contemplation while sitting on his chair.

After a brief silence, Dumbledore spoke, "So you believe I should dismiss Professor Quirrell?"

Snape, visibly anxious, replied, "Headmaster Dumbledore, Quirrell is a real concern. I suspect it's that person, the one pulling the strings behind Quirrell!"

"I overheard their conversation outside the door today, and the more I listened, the more uneasy I became. Although Harry and the others didn't notice when I intervened, I saw clearly—Quirrell pointed his wand at Harry!"

Dumbledore gestured for Quirrell to remain calm and said, "But we lack proof, don't we? Perhaps Quirrell merely intended to brandish his wand as an example for Harry and the others."

Observing Snape's anxious expression, Dumbledore continued as he stood up, "Severus, I can't let Harry bear the brunt of the mistakes I've made!"

Snape, seemingly determined, stood up and began to turn away. Dumbledore, however, halted him from behind, saying, "Wait a moment, Severus!"

Approaching Snape, Dumbledore reassured, "Don't worry, Severus. I've given you my word—I'll keep Harry safe! I've been plotting against that person for years, and now, my confidence is stronger than ever!"

Snape, with his back against Dumbledore, remarked in a low voice, "Just because of that Grindelwald child?"

Dumbledore responded directly, "Yes, precisely because of Wentworth Grindelwald!"

The conversation between Albus and Gellert from before apparently had made him think of a few plans ahead before dealing with Voldemort when the time comes. Although they are enemy by name, they used to be sworn brothers by blood…

Though the thread of fate has severed their relationship, their bond is stronger than the thread itself. When Dumbledore is always in trouble, he would always visit Grindelwald in Nurmengarde just to chat with him or even ask for some advice.