Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

When Rufus Scrimgeour questioned him, Dumbledore maintained a calm expression as he replied:

"He is, of course, in his dormitory, Rufus. As you know, Hogwarts students are required to strictly adhere to the school's curfew."

Hearing Dumbledore's answer, Rufus Scrimgeour nodded noncommittally and said no more.

Seeing that Rufus Scrimgeour refrained from further questioning, Dumbledore wasted no time, briskly heading out. Cornelius Fudge hurried after him, catching up to Dumbledore's side as if attempting to explain something.

Though Dumbledore nodded occasionally, he did not slow his pace.

Once Dumbledore and Fudge had left, an Auror couldn't help but approach Scrimgeour and ask,

"Chief, do you think Dumbledore could be the culprit?"

Rufus Scrimgeour remained silent for a long time before finally answering in a measured tone:

"I don't know who the culprit is. That's something we must uncover ourselves."

After pausing briefly, Scrimgeour continued:

"However, if it were truly Dumbledore, he could have done it without leaving a trace. There's no reason to make such a spectacle. Leaving the bodies at the entrance of the Ministry seems more like a provocation directed at us."

As Scrimgeour's words fell, silence descended upon the Auror office.

Yet outside, the wizarding world was soon in an uproar.

Almost overnight, wizards across Britain learned shocking news: a group of highly skilled wizard hunters had been completely wiped out in a single night.

Not long ago, this same group had left the Ministry's Aurors helpless, yet now their bodies were found neatly displayed at the entrance of the Ministry of Magic.

Rumors began to swirl that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named had returned, plunging the magical community into panic. Many high-ranking pure-blood families were terrified, while dark wizards hiding in the shadows scrambled to flee Britain.

A few days later, another rumor began circulating in Knockturn Alley, claiming that the Pureblood Party—a long-forgotten faction—were responsible. But that's a story for another time.

While the outside world descended into chaos, Hogwarts remained as serene and peaceful as ever.

After waiting anxiously for days, Wentworth finally welcomed the weekend. Today, as promised, Dumbledore was going to take him to meet his new teacher.

Early in the morning, Wentworth and Cedric made their way to Dumbledore's office. Along the way, Cedric seemed unusually tense, his face betraying his nerves.

Noticing this, Wentworth tried to reassure him:

"Relax, Cedric. Professor Lupin is a kind and brilliant wizard."

Cedric, surprised, asked, "You know that werewolf?"

"I don't."

Wentworth's answer was blunt.

"Then how do you know he's kind?" Cedric asked, puzzled.

Wentworth grinned mischievously and replied, "Cedric, have you forgotten? I'm a Seer!"

By the time the two arrived at the Headmaster's office, Dumbledore was already waiting for them.

"Oh, you're quite early, my young friends! Have you had breakfast? How about some treacle tart?"

Both Wentworth and Cedric shook their heads. Wentworth, however, couldn't help but offer some advice:

"Headmaster Dumbledore, eating too many sweets isn't good for your health!"

Dumbledore responded with a gentle smile and said playfully,

"Thank you, Wentworth. But for a man over a hundred years old, happiness is what matters most—and sweets bring me joy."

Hearing this, Wentworth could only shake his head in resignation.

The three of them soon set off toward the Forbidden Forest, with Dumbledore leading the way.

Wentworth felt a spark of curiosity. Could Dumbledore have hidden Lupin in the Forbidden Forest? While it made sense, given Lupin's identity, it seemed a bit cruel to leave him among the forest's creatures.

Yet a thrill of excitement also bubbled within Wentworth. Despite being at Hogwarts for some time, he had yet to explore the Forbidden Forest.

However, instead of entering the forest, Dumbledore stopped at its edge. As they walked, a massive tree came into view.

"Is that... the Whomping Willow?" Cedric asked in surprise.

Hearing Cedric name the tree, Wentworth realized what Dumbledore had in mind.

Sure enough, Dumbledore led them directly to the base of the Whomping Willow. Pressing a knot on the tree, he caused the previously aggressive branches to still instantly.

Wentworth and Cedric hurried forward, discovering a concealed entrance at the tree's roots.

"Hogwarts has places like this?" Cedric exclaimed.

Wentworth, however, couldn't help but think, Hogwarts isn't as proper as it seems on the surface!

"Alright, children, let's head down together," Dumbledore said, gesturing for them to enter.

The three descended into the passage, making their way through the tunnel as Dumbledore explained:

"This passage leads directly to the Shrieking Shack in Hogsmeade. Your future teacher resides in the village and will hold classes for you in the shack on weekends."

Cedric froze at the mention of the Shrieking Shack, disbelief evident in his voice:

"The Shrieking Shack? That place is haunted!"

Dumbledore chuckled warmly but offered no further explanation. After a moment, he added,

"Remember this path well. If you ever find yourselves in danger, use it to return to Hogwarts immediately. Don't worry about anything else. Do you understand?"

Wentworth and Cedric exchanged uneasy glances but nodded in agreement. Ahead of them, the faint light of the tunnel's exit began to appear.

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