Chapter 30 "To His Suprise"

Professor Snape stood alone in his office as Wentworth, Cedric, and the others indulged in a feast within the Hufflepuff common room.

The door was ajar, allowing the occasional breeze to sweep through.

Finally, as the spell's duration waned, Professor Snape regained control over his body.

His first instinct was to exclaim, "Achoo!"

Professor Snape wiped his nose, realizing it was on the brink of running onto his lips.

Without wasting any time, he hurriedly exited his office and headed toward Professor Dumbledore's quarters.

Arriving at Professor Dumbledore's door, Professor Snape encountered a pajama-clad Professor Dumbledore who looked at him with surprise, asking, "Severus, you seem rather unwell. What happened?"

Drawing close to Professor Dumbledore, Professor Snape locked eyes with him and spoke deliberately, "Professor Dumbledore, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned."

Professor Dumbledore's face morphed into an expression of astonishment as he stood up abruptly.

"Severus, has he found you? Where is he?"

"In our very Hogwarts, he now goes by Wentworth!"

"..." Professor Dumbledore looked at Professor Snape.

"Severus, I believe you may be mistaken," Professor Dumbledore said with a smile before settling back down.

Witnessing Professor Dumbledore's lack of belief, Professor Snape's anxiety mounted, and he recounted the evening's events in painstaking detail.

Professor Dumbledore's smile gradually faded as he listened to Professor Snape's account.

When Professor Snape concluded, Professor Dumbledore fell silent for a time.

Eventually, he asserted, "Severus, I will investigate this matter. But Wentworth cannot be Tom Riddle."

Professor Dumbledore's assurance failed to quell Professor Snape's inner turmoil.

Unable to hold back any longer, Professor Snape burst out, "Professor Dumbledore, then how do you explain tonight's occurrence? Did you orchestrate this? Did you deliberately allow him into Hogwarts just a year before Lily's child is due to attend?"

"Why? Merely for that cursed prophecy? He's just a child! You promised me, Professor Dumbledore. You promised that you would protect him!"

Witnessing Professor Snape's escalating emotions, Professor Dumbledore refrained from reprimanding him.

Once Professor Snape had vented, Professor Dumbledore calmly stated, "Severus, believe me, my promise remains unwavering. In fact, Wentworth's presence may make Harry Potter safer."

Observing Professor Snape's skeptical gaze, Professor Dumbledore elaborated, "Severus, Tom Riddle, although dubbed the second Dark Lord, is nowhere near the likes of Gellert Grindelwald—the so-called first Dark Lord."

"Tom Riddle, while undeniably talented and powerful, earned his notoriety by inciting fear. Even his followers identified as Death Eaters."

"Conversely, Gellert Grindelwald and his Enforcers swept across Europe and America. If not for... In any case, compared to Gellert Grindelwald, Tom Riddle is a mere shadow, wielding hollow power."

Professor Snape found it difficult to reconcile Professor Dumbledore's perspective with the Voldemort he knew—a terror in his own eyes.

"Then, what does this have to do with tonight?" Professor Snape inquired, his suspicion still evident.

Professor Dumbledore fixed Professor Snape with an intense gaze as he explained, "Wentworth is a descendant of the Grindelwald lineage. His name is Wentworth Grindelwald—the new leader of the Alliance."

These words left Professor Snape dumbfounded.

He struggled to grasp the concept until Professor Dumbledore pushed a letter toward him.

The letter bore sections magically obscured by Professor Dumbledore, leaving only fragments intact.

The remaining text conveyed:

"During my recent travels, I discovered the resurgence of Alliance activity in various nations worldwide. We believed time would erode their cause, but it seems their convictions endure."

"While their influence in the UK may not be overt, given Tom Riddle's transformation into Voldemort and the joining of many Alliance descendants with the Death Eaters, the situation in other parts of the world is far more dire."

"Many young wizards now identify as Alliance, reflecting their commitment to the movement. This phenomenon isn't as pronounced in the UK, but we must recognize the Alliance's global resurgence."

"I urge you to ascertain Gellert Grindelwald's current status in Nurmengard. We are well-acquainted with their legacy. Their beliefs persist."

"If Gellert remains imprisoned, it suggests the Alliance have discovered a successor to his legacy, a new leader preparing for a resurgence."

"This letter comes from Newt Scamander. You're familiar with him, I presume." Professor Dumbledore stated.

Professor Snape carefully set down the letter, nodding in affirmation. "Indeed, Hogwarts employs his authored texts for educational purposes."

Professor Snape began to grasp Professor Dumbledore's intention, but his disbelief persisted. "So, you want Wentworth's magic to directly oppose Voldemort's Death Eaters? But he's still a child, and I doubt Wentworth can rival Voldemort."

Professor Dumbledore waved his hand dismissively, offering insight. "It hinges on Hogwarts. Just as it once taught Tom Riddle, it can now nurture Wentworth. In this way, they can face off—Tom Riddle against Wentworth."

"Aren't you concerned Wentworth may also become a menace in the magical world?" Professor Snape showed his concern.

"Like you said, Wentworth is still a child. Our guidance will shape his future." Professor Dumbledore replied.