Upon hearing Professor Dumbledore’s words, Wentworth inwardly acknowledged the accuracy of his assessment.
Despite sensing an underlying unease about the letter, Wentworth remained indecisive. However, as
Professor Dumbledore elucidated the intricacies, clarity gradually dawned upon Wentworth.
Simultaneously, Wentworth couldn’t help but marvel at Professor Dumbledore’s ability to attain his esteemed position.
It wasn’t merely the result of his magical prowess; even if Professor Dumbledore were an ordinary Muggle without knowledge of magic, his acumen would still cause a stir at any mundane gathering.
Following this revelation, Wentworth retrieved a previous letter from his person and presented it to Professor Dumbledore with a solemn expression.
“Professor, please take a look at this letter. It’s the letter I have received before this current one.”
Upon perusing the letter, which ominously warned, “I have been found; be careful!” Professor Dumbledore’s brows furrowed involuntarily after he finished reading the letter.
His mind was having lots of thoughts, trying to pinpoint who was exactly the person behind this mysterious letter that kept being sent to Wentworth.
After a contemplative pause, he addressed Wentworth, “Wentworth, it appears that the other party has no intention of letting you off the hook. What course of action do you propose?”
In response to Professor Dumbledore’s inquiry, Wentworth pondered for a significant duration before posing his own question, “Professor Dumbledore, if I may inquire, how many Professors who have decided to stayed at Hogwarts for Christmas?”
Upon hearing Wentworth’s inquiry, Professor Dumbledore cast a discerning glance at him, accompanied by a subtle half-smile, and uttered slowly, “Enough.”
The weight of Professor Dumbledore’s “enough” declaration lifted from Wentworth’s shoulders, leaving him visibly relieved. It was undoubtedly Hogwarts, as he had suspected.
Wentworth swiftly adorned a conciliatory smile and expressed, “Professor, I’ve heard a saying from the Far East: ‘Only a thousand days for thieves, and there are no thousand days to prevent thieves.’ Therefore, I wish to investigate and discover who has been surveilling me persistently.”
As he concluded, Wentworth’s countenance adopted a touch of fierceness, revealing the determination beneath his words.
Deep down, he acknowledged that the strength of his current adversary remained shrouded in uncertainty, yet it surpassed the cunning of Christine and her cohorts.
Wentworth might have attributed all previous encounters to Christine if not for a righteous individual among his opposition.
Unbeknownst to him, a faction existed, playing puppeteer not only with Christine but also manipulating events involving the Magical Congress of the United States and Wentworth himself.
One of the people who’s slowly descending to madness behind the scene… that yet has no intention to be found by others. Until now!
Reflecting on this, Wentworth cast a glance at Professor Dumbledore, recognizing that, despite being a transverser endowed with foresight, his ability didn’t necessarily equate to surpassing Professor Dumbledore’s adept handling of unforeseen events not present in the original work.
However, the mischievous glint in Professor Dumbledore’s eyes caught Wentworth off guard.
Realizing that Professor Dumbledore could discern his thoughts, Wentworth abandoned any pretense and openly addressed the Headmaster, “Professor Dumbledore, I seek your assistance, along with that of the professors.”
In response to Wentworth’s plea, Professor Dumbledore nodded slowly.
While Wentworth was elated by Professor Dumbledore’s swift agreement and prepared to express his gratitude, Professor Dumbledore interjected, stating, “I wish to strike a deal with you.”
Hearing Professor Dumbledore’s proposition, Wentworth couldn’t help but think, “Come again?!” It was just a short while ago that he had made a similar proposal to Professor Snape, and now, unexpectedly, the tables had turned on him in the blink of an eye.
Wentworth’s countenance remained unchanged, and he continued to speak with a genial smile, “Professor Dumbledore, your words carry a certain finesse! If you have any directives, feel free to articulate them directly. Rest assured, I will attend the meeting, whether it poses a challenge or not. If there are difficulties, I’ll be there; if there are none, I’ll still be present, even if I have to create some hurdles!”
Upon hearing Wentworth’s assurance, Professor Dumbledore’s smile broadened, and he replied, “If you possess such determination, I am content. My request is straightforward; you only need to…”
A short while later, Wentworth exited the Hogwarts Headmaster’s room, wearing a smile as he gently closed the door behind him.
However, as he turned away, his cheerful expression shifted. Softly murmuring to himself, he muttered, “This old fox!”
Unbeknownst to Wentworth, as he closed the door and departed, Professor Dumbledore, seated in his chair, smiled and playfully scolded, “This little fox!”
They both have respect for each other knowing that they have a bigger range of control over the situations around them after striking a deal that benefits each side.
Once back in his bedroom, Wentworth, after considerable contemplation, retrieved his quill and began composing a letter.
The letter, naturally, was addressed to Rosier, Abernathy, and the other members of the Alliance. Wentworth harbored a reluctance to place all his expectations on others.
After carefully rewriting the letter, Wentworth pondered for a moment before leaving his bedroom.
In a swift return, he retrieved the scarf gifted by Cassandra from his bedside, wrapped it around his neck, and exited once again.
As the self-assured Cassandra emerged from the Slytherin common room, her eyes caught Wentworth adjusting the scarf around his neck.
Witnessing this, a fleeting smile graced the corner of Cassandra’s mouth. Though brief, her countenance softened.
“Cassandra, I am really thankful for the gift! I am pretty sure you went into much consideration to give me this gift!” Wentworth greeted Cassandra with a smile, expressing gratitude for the scarf.
However, before he could fully extend his thanks, Cassandra interjected bluntly, “Okay, spare me the useless compliments. You wouldn’t seek me out for trivial matters. Tell me, what do you need me to do?”
Upon hearing Cassandra’s direct inquiry, Wentworth awkwardly smiled and responded, “Why can’t I visit you for a casual chat? Would you like to join me…”
However, before Wentworth could conclude his sentence, Cassandra abruptly turned to leave.
Reacting swiftly, Wentworth reached out and gently clasped Cassandra’s hand, stating, “Wait, I truly have a matter to discuss with you!”
Upon hearing Wentworth’s words, Cassandra was poised to scoff, but the unexpected warmth of his touch caused her cheeks to flush.
Observing Cassandra’s reaction, Wentworth promptly released her hand, remarking, “Cassandra, I hope you can assist me in composing a letter to your father.”
Puzzled, Cassandra furrowed her brow and inquired, “My father? What does he have to do with this?”
Wentworth elucidated, “I’m hopeful that your father can help me monitor the recent connections of fireplaces in Hogsmeade Village to the Floo network. It would be particularly beneficial if we could identify individuals who have arrived in Hogsmeade through the Floo network.”
Upon hearing Wentworth’s words, Cassandra regarded him thoughtfully, nodding slowly before saying, “Alright, I understand. I’ll inform my father. Is there anything else?”
Wentworth shook his head slowly. Just as Cassandra was about to turn away, Wentworth called out again, “Wait a moment!”
Impatiently, Cassandra turned back, only to witness Wentworth leaning in.
In a surprising move, he placed a pendant around Cassandra’s neck with his own hands, stating, “Merry Christmas, Cassandra!”
Cassandra’s cheeks slowly started reddened as Wentworth caught her off guard. “Th-thank you…” She mumbled softly.