At that moment, Wentworth noticed Professor Ilona standing at the dormitory door and asked in surprise:
"Professor Ilona, why are you here?"
Ilona coughed lightly, stepping inside and deliberately glancing around Wentworth's room before replying:
"Oh, I was just worried something dangerous might happen here again, so I decided to check in on you."
Hearing this, Wentworth didn't think much of it and expressed his gratitude repeatedly.
Ilona waved her hand dismissively and asked, feigning curiosity:
"What are you two up to?"
Wentworth saw no reason to hide the truth and recounted everything Cedric had just told him to the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor he trusted.
Meanwhile, Cedric, who had grown increasingly impatient, darted out of the room in a flash, calling back as he ran:
"I'm going to find Headmaster Dumbledore!"
Though Wentworth wanted to stop him, he couldn't find the words, so he watched Cedric's retreating figure with worry for his friend.
As the room fell quiet with only Ilona and Wentworth remaining, Ilona nonchalantly asked:
"Wentworth, now that you know what's happening, who do you think will emerge victorious in the war started by the Pureblood Party? What's your take?"
Not understanding why Ilona was asking such a question, Wentworth thought for a moment before shaking his head and replying:
"I don't think there will be a winner. A war like this, especially now, benefits no one. It could even give others the opportunity to take advantage."
Ilona froze at his response and quickly followed up:
"Oh? Is there a particular reason you think that?"
Wentworth hesitated, debating whether to reveal that Voldemort might return next year. He was deeply concerned about disrupting the timeline and causing even greater danger.
But then he considered that the original story contained no mention of a war between the Pureblood Party and the British wizarding world. It seemed the timeline had already diverged!
With this realization, Wentworth glanced outside to ensure no one was around. Then, cautiously, he whispered to Ilona:
"Professor Ilona, what I'm about to say may sound unbelievable, but there's a high likelihood it will come true. Next year, Voldemort might return."
Ilona's expression shifted to one of deep contemplation, and she remained silent for a moment.
"Professor Ilona, you don't believe me?" Wentworth asked hesitantly.
To his surprise, Ilona nodded firmly and replied with a meaningful tone:
"I believe you! Why wouldn't I? After all, Professor Trelawney has called you the Seer of the Future! I think I understand what you mean."
Wentworth was stunned.
Understand what I mean? What do I mean?
Meanwhile, Ilona was quietly marveling to herself. So this is our young master! He's already foreseen Voldemort's return next year!
If Voldemort returned, who would confront him first? It would undoubtedly be either Dumbledore or the British Ministry of Magic, not the Pureblood Party hiding in the shadows.
By then, no matter who triumphed, they would be severely weakened, presenting the perfect opportunity for the Pureblood Party to rise.
What a brilliant strategy—letting others fight while reaping the rewards!
What a masterful move—pitting wolves against tigers!
Damn Abernathy! You've ruined the young master's grand plan!
Ilona's thoughts raced as she considered how to stop Abernathy's actions. Just as she was contemplating a reason to leave Hogwarts and head to London, Cedric returned, looking utterly dejected.
Seeing his friend in such a state, Wentworth immediately approached him and asked:
"Cedric, what happened? Did Dumbledore reject your proposal? What did he say?"
Cedric shook his head slowly, his expression filled with despair as he replied:
"I didn't even see the Headmaster! Professor McGonagall told me he had left Hogwarts on urgent business."
Witnessing Cedric, usually so cheerful and bright, now so distraught, Wentworth felt a pang of sadness. He knew Cedric, who had a close bond with his father, was likely holding back tears only because Wentworth and Ilona were present.
As Wentworth struggled to find words of comfort, Ilona suddenly spoke:
"Cedric, do you truly wish to go to London, to the Ministry of Magic, to see your father, no matter the cost?"
Cedric froze at the question, then, as if realizing something, nodded frantically.
"I do! I do, Professor Ilona! Please, help me!"
Ilona regarded him seriously and said:
"I can take you to London, but you must swear to follow my instructions completely and never speak of what you see there to anyone."
In his desperation, Cedric didn't hesitate to agree, nodding fervently and looking at Ilona with gratitude.
Satisfied, Ilona nodded and said:
"Very well. Today, I will take you to London."
Cedric nearly leaped with excitement and hurried toward the door, but before he could leave, Wentworth grabbed his arm.
Before Cedric could protest, Wentworth spoke:
"Cedric, I won't stop you from going to London—that's your choice. But I hope you'll take this with you."
Under Ilona's surprised gaze and Cedric's confusion, Wentworth pulled an ancient yet elegant pendant from his pocket—the symbol of the Deathly Hallows.
Handing the pendant to Cedric, Wentworth explained:
"Cedric, if you find yourself in grave danger, channel your magic into this pendant. It will protect you."
Wentworth's plan was simple. If Cedric truly found himself in peril, activating the pendant would summon a few of his family's elders. Though they couldn't stop the war, they would surely be able to protect a single child.
Moved to tears by Wentworth's gesture, Cedric nodded solemnly, clutching the pendant tightly.
With that, Ilona led Cedric out of the castle.
As they neared the boundary of Hogwarts and ensured no one else was around, Ilona suddenly asked:
"Cedric, do you know who I am?"
"Huh?" Cedric looked at her in surprise, confused by the question.
Without changing her expression, Ilona said:
"In truth, I am also a member of the Pureblood Party."
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