Chapter 329 "Wizarding School's Potions Championship"

Upon hearing Wentworth's words, Dumbledore paused for a moment, his expression turning into one of amusement before he burst into laughter. After a hearty chuckle, Dumbledore clarified, "Wentworth, you've got it all wrong! The reason you won't be returning to Hogwarts right away is precisely because Hogwarts needs you!"

Wentworth's lips curled in skepticism, clearly conveying the sentiment of being sold a bill of goods. Seeing this reaction, Dumbledore continued to elucidate, "Indeed, Wentworth. Have you ever heard of the Wizarding Schools Potions Championship?"

At Dumbledore's inquiry, Wentworth seemed momentarily taken aback, as if he had a suspicion about something, but ultimately shook his head in bewilderment.

Not one to be deterred, Dumbledore pressed on, "Hogwarts is merely one among many prestigious magical institutions worldwide. While it's natural for wizards in England to regard Hogwarts as the premier magical school, wizards from other regions hold their own schools in similarly high esteem."

He continued, "Therefore, many magic schools host various competitions under the guise of fostering exchange and learning. Yet, the underlying motive is often to assert their superiority over others."

Dumbledore continued, "There are numerous exchange programs among the world's most prestigious magical academies, one of which being the Wizarding Schools Potions Championships I just mentioned."

"This championship is jointly organized by four renowned magical institutions globally recognized for their exceptional achievements in potions: Koldovstoretz in Russia, Uugadou in Uuagadou, Mahoutokoro in Japan, and our very own Hogwarts."

"As for the competition itself, it revolves around potion-making among students. The referees typically reveal the specific tasks and challenges at the start of the event. This year's tournament is scheduled to take place at the Japanese Mahoutokoro."

Wentworth's understanding dawned as he grasped the concept. "So, Professor, you intend for me to represent Hogwarts in the Wizarding Schools Potions Championship?" he inquired.

Dumbledore nodded but then added a surprising twist. "Actually, it was Severus who suggested that you represent Hogwarts in this year's tournament."

This revelation left Wentworth momentarily stunned, never anticipating Snape to propose such an idea.

"But why would Professor Snape recommend me? Especially now of all time?" Wentworth asked.

Dumbledore's smile remained as he relayed Snape's message. "Severus mentioned that as early as your first year, you demonstrated potion-handling skills surpassing those of your peers. Moreover, he indicated that you've also mastered a unique family-inherited potion-handling technique?"

As Dumbledore spoke, his gaze shifted towards Grindelwald, who was seated beside him.

Grindelwald, ever self-assured, responded in his typical manner, "Our Grindelwald family has always produced versatile wizards! Take me, for instance."

 

Dumbledore couldn't help but chuckle at Gellert's boast before returning his attention to Wentworth.

Witnessing this exchange, Wentworth couldn't suppress a wry smile, "Is that so, grandfather?"

"Yes! You can ask Albus about how much time we spent in our youth thinking about making Potions, which could benefit the wizarding worlds. We've come to think even what most of the wizards consider now as radical ideas," Grindelwald replied.

He doubted the existence of any special potion-handling skills in the Grindelwald family, but one thing was certain: he didn't possess them.

Wentworth's extraordinary prowess in potions during his first year was owed entirely to acquiring Snape's notebook.

Just as he contemplated Snape, Dumbledore continued, "Severus asked me to inform you that your performance in the Wizarding Schools Potions Championship will also count as your grade for Potions this semester. Should you secure first place, he will award you an Outstanding grade for the semester."

Upon hearing Dumbledore's words, Wentworth responded with a half-joking, half-serious smile, asking, "What if I place second, third, or fourth?"

Dumbledore met Wentworth's gaze with a playful glint in his eyes and quipped, "Well, in that case, I'm afraid Severus instructed me to inform you that regardless of your ranking, you'll receive a lifetime achievement award in your final exam—a T for 'Talent!'"

Wentworth's reaction was immediate; he jumped to his feet, voicing his discontent. "Why?" he demanded.

Dumbledore remained composed as he explained, "Simply because... Severus himself claimed the championship title in the Wizarding Schools Potions Championship, securing Hogwarts a golden cauldron as the prize."

Wentworth, though disgruntled, could only mutter under his breath, "Professor, when does this year's tournament begin? Could I have some time to prepare?"

Dumbledore replied promptly, "If memory serves me right, the tournament is scheduled to commence about a week after the start of Hogwarts. Though I doubt you'll need that much preparation like your grandfather said, right?" He winked with a slight smile toward Wentworth.

Wentworth absorbed this information before responding thoughtfully, "A week, huh? That gives me enough time to request special training from Professor Snape. At the very least, I can glean additional insights from him."

Upon hearing Wentworth's inquiry, Dumbledore shook his head and uttered, "I'm sorry, Wentworth, but you won't have the luxury of time."

Observing Wentworth's puzzled expression, Dumbledore continued to elucidate, "We are required to make a detour to Uuagadou in Africa before reaching Japan. In Uuagadou lies one of the most renowned magic schools in Africa, Uuagadou, which happens to be one of our opponents in the upcoming Wizarding School Potions Championship."

Upon comprehending the itinerary Dumbledore had laid out, Wentworth's countenance turned blank as he questioned, "Professor Dumbledore, must we pass through Uuagadou on our journey to Japan? And as wizards, aren't we able to travel by means other than airplane?"

Dumbledore offered a slight smile to reassure Wentworth before his expression grew solemn. "Our visit to Uuagadou, Uuagadou, serves a specific purpose," he elucidated. "Recently, during the Animagus International Symposium, a grievance was filed against Uuagadou Magic School. Allegations have surfaced that the school's lax regulations have led to students illicitly assuming Animagus forms, thereby heightening the exposure of the magical realm and posing a threat to its equilibrium."

Absorbing Dumbledore's explanation, Wentworth nodded thoughtfully before posing another query, "How does this concern us?"

"Because yours truly is the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards!" Dumbledore revealed.

Upon hearing Dumbledore's explanation, Wentworth's eyes widened in astonishment. "You're the Supreme Mugwump of the International Federation of Wizards?" he exclaimed, surprised by this revelation.

Dumbledore nodded solemnly. "Indeed, and as the president, I take these accusations very seriously. Therefore, it is imperative that we investigate this matter firsthand."

Wentworth nodded in understanding, realizing the gravity of the situation. "So, our journey to Uuagadou is not merely for the Potion Championship but also to address this pressing issue," he deduced.

Dumbledore smiled warmly at Wentworth's astuteness. "Precisely," he affirmed. "This matter requires our immediate attention, and we must ensure that the integrity of the magical world is upheld."

With a newfound sense of purpose, Wentworth resolved to assist Dumbledore in resolving the allegations against Uuagadou Magic School.