Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

Hearing Lupin's words, Wentworth felt cold sweat instantly soak through his clothes. For a brief moment, he nearly believed his greatest secret had been exposed.

Staring blankly at Lupin, Wentworth didn't even register what was said afterward.

"Wentworth, are you alright?"

Though Lupin hadn't noticed anything amiss, Cedric, standing nearby, caught the momentary oddity in his companion's demeanor. Sharing such close quarters, Cedric immediately asked in concern.

Gradually coming back to his senses, Wentworth realized he'd overreacted. After all, not even Dumbledore had discovered his secret; it was unlikely Lupin could.

Forcing a smile, Wentworth replied:

"Oh, it's nothing. I just didn't expect myself to be this talented!"

Though Cedric had found Wentworth's earlier behavior strange, he nodded in agreement upon hearing the response.

"Of course, your talent is undeniable."

Even Lupin chimed in:

"I've heard about you from Dumbledore. As a wizard with a strong prophetic gift, your soul's resilience surpasses that of most wizards. It's hardly surprising."

Hearing this, Wentworth finally exhaled in relief, setting aside the lingering doubts in his mind.

Lupin then began teaching Wentworth and Cedric about the Finite Incantatem spell, explaining its theory and applications.

When noon approached, Wentworth suggested, "Why don't the three of us head to Hogsmeade? We can find a pub or restaurant and have a nice meal—my treat!"

But Lupin smiled warmly and firmly declined.

"I'm sorry, Wentworth. I promised Dumbledore that you'd only learn magic here with me, nowhere else. You know, Hogsmeade is restricted to third years and above."

He added with a chuckle:

"Wait here for a bit. I'll get some food for us. It might not be lavish, but it'll be enough to fill us up. And as your teacher, how could I let my students pay for lunch?"

With that, Lupin left the Shrieking Shack.

"Professor Lupin probably isn't very well-off," Cedric remarked after Lupin departed.

Wentworth nodded, his tone tinged with emotion.

"Not just 'not well-off'—he's downright impoverished."

Cedric looked puzzled.

"That doesn't make sense. Every Hogwarts graduate should be able to find a decent, respectable job in the wizarding world—unless they prioritize freedom above all else."

Glancing at Cedric with a peculiar expression, Wentworth replied:

"Did you forget? He's a werewolf. Remember how you reacted when you first learned that? That's exactly why he's destitute."

Cedric froze for a moment, then gave a wry smile.

"You're right. I did forget about that."

After just one morning of lessons, Lupin had already left a strong impression on Cedric. While he might not be the most powerful wizard in the magical world, his teachings were more than adequate for students like Wentworth and Cedric.

Moreover, Lupin's explanations were meticulous and easy to follow. Even a seemingly simple spell like Finite Incantatem was broken down with such clarity that it was clear Lupin was an exceptional teacher.

As they chatted, Lupin returned to the shack, carrying a paper bag. Opening it, they found neatly arranged sandwiches inside.

"Sorry, this was all I could afford..." Lupin began, but before he could finish, Wentworth had already grabbed a sandwich and taken a big bite. He then casually handed another sandwich to Cedric, who was caught off guard but quickly took it.

"Thanks, Professor Lupin! I was starving! Mmm, this sandwich is delicious!" Wentworth mumbled with his mouth full.

Cedric followed suit, taking large bites while giving Lupin a thumbs-up.

Seeing this, Lupin was momentarily stunned before breaking into a soft laugh. He picked up a sandwich for himself, and the three began eating and chatting.

"Professor Lupin, why can't we even go to Hogsmeade? It doesn't seem that dangerous, especially with you accompanying us," Wentworth asked between bites.

Lupin explained patiently:

"Hogwarts rules stipulate that only third-year students and above can visit Hogsmeade."

He paused briefly before adding,

"Of course, I've broken school rules before. But the main reason is that the British wizarding world isn't very peaceful right now. Hogsmeade is filled with wizards—it's chaotic and unpredictable. Given its proximity to Hogwarts, many wizards have been hiding there recently."

Hearing this, Wentworth and Cedric were both taken aback.

"Not peaceful?"

"Hiding there?"

The phrasing caught their attention, hinting at something unknown to them.

Lupin hesitated for a moment before explaining further:

"Yes. Recently, there's been a troubling rumor. Not long ago, the Ministry of Magic found several trunks at the entrance to their headquarters. Upon opening them, they discovered the trunks had been magically expanded—inside were the corpses of wizards."

At this, Lupin cast an inadvertent glance at Wentworth, though the boy was too shocked to notice.

"Impossible! If such an incident really happened, why hasn't the Daily Prophet reported it?" Wentworth exclaimed.

"The Ministry wouldn't let something like this appear in the Daily Prophet," Lupin replied. "It would be seen as a challenge and humiliation to the Ministry. Cornelius Fudge, having just taken office, would never allow such news to spread."

Cedric chimed in, "But my father never mentioned anything like this in his letters."

Lupin patiently explained,

"That's likely because the Ministry issued a gag order. Plus, you're safe here at Hogwarts, so your father probably didn't see a need to tell you."

Hearing this, Cedric nodded slowly, worry etched across his face—not for himself, but for his father, who worked at the Ministry of Magic.

"Professor Lupin, do you know who the victims were?" Wentworth asked curiously.

Lupin looked directly into Wentworth's eyes and said slowly:

"From what I've heard, they were the wizard hunters who attacked Dumbledore and you not long ago."

"What?!"

Wentworth's face was a mask of shock.

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