While Dumbledore and Gellert Grindelwald were meeting at Nurmengard Castle, elsewhere, in an unknown chamber, a massive circular stone table sat in the center of the room. Surrounding it were twelve shadowed figures, concealed within the darkness.
These hidden figures whispered among themselves until, after a while, a rhythmic tapping of fingers against the stone table brought the room to silence.
A raspy voice spoke:
"It seems they have begun to suspect something. For the time being, everyone must act with greater caution! Our original plan—to use the actions of the Magical Congress of the United States as a cover—was successful. Although our objective was not achieved, we should never have been exposed."
"For things to have turned out this way, the most likely explanation is that there is a traitor among us! Everyone must investigate those with knowledge of our plans, especially those who participated in the operation against that Muggle couple ten years ago. The traitor is among them!"
As the voice fell silent, the chamber descended into absolute stillness. Upon closer inspection, the room was now completely empty.
Beyond the growing turbulence in the outside world, life at Hogwarts remained as peaceful as ever.
Wentworth and Cedric continued their routine: attending classes by day, practicing spells in the Room of Requirement by night, and spending weekends training under Lupin.
Wentworth found this lifestyle rather pleasant. Although a dangerous figure lurked within the school, Wentworth had no interest in intervening—after all, he was not the target.
However, while Wentworth enjoyed his leisure, others were busy on his behalf.
That day, as Cedric left Professor Snape's class, he was suddenly pulled aside by Cassandra.
"Hey, hey, Cassandra! What's with you?" Cedric asked, noticing her furtive glances around them.
Cassandra waited until the corridor had emptied before whispering to him:
"Cedric, do you remember the story Wentworth told us on the train?"
Cedric looked puzzled. "Story? What story?"
Cassandra rolled her eyes impatiently but answered nonetheless:
"The one about Cassell Academy!"
Realization dawned on Cedric, and he nodded with a chuckle. "Oh, that! Yes, I remember. But what does that have to do with us?"
Seeing Cedric's clueless expression, Cassandra sighed in frustration. "You learn spells quickly, but when it comes to things like this, you're completely hopeless! Didn't you realize that Wentworth was hinting at something?"
Cedric continued to shake his head blankly.
Cassandra dramatically rolled her eyes again before explaining:
"Wentworth mentioned Cassell Academy. Besides its student council, there was another faction of equal standing—the Lionheart Society. Do you really think Wentworth was just giving me a history lesson? That was a hint!"
"Even though we can't openly expand the influence of the Pureblood Party at Hogwarts because of Dumbledore, we can create a new faction or organization. As long as we don't call it the Pureblood Party, it's fine!"
Cedric's eyes widened in surprise. "Cassandra, you're overthinking this! I don't think Wentworth meant that at all. If he really wanted to do something like this, wouldn't he just tell us outright?"
Cassandra smirked and scoffed, "Cedric, don't be naive! Our headmaster is Albus Dumbledore! Do you really think you can keep secrets from him? Wentworth obviously couldn't speak plainly, or it would be seen as a direct challenge to Dumbledore!"
"That's why he hinted at it instead. We can't even discuss this with Wentworth directly—this way, if Dumbledore ever finds out, Wentworth can claim he had nothing to do with it. Because, technically, he never did!"
Cedric groaned and clutched his head. "Give me a second... Let me process this."
"So what you're saying is... we establish a new organization at Hogwarts in Wentworth's name, but he won't actually be involved. That way, if Dumbledore discovers it, Wentworth can deny any knowledge of it?"
Cassandra nodded in satisfaction. "Exactly! Even Legilimency wouldn't be able to prove Wentworth's involvement."
Just then, a chilling voice spoke from behind them:
"Did I just hear someone mention Legilimency?"
Both students turned sharply to see Professor Snape standing a short distance away, his expression as severe as ever, his dark eyes fixed upon them.
Quickly, Cassandra and Cedric greeted their professor. Snape strode forward and delivered a sharp smack to the back of each of their heads before sneering:
"You arrogant fools! Legilimency is not something you should be concerning yourselves with! Your minds may be marginally less dull than the other dunderheads in this school, but do you truly wish to use that knowledge to turn yourselves into imbeciles like them?"
"Get out of my sight!"
With Snape's final bark, Cassandra and Cedric fled. Only after running a considerable distance did they stop to catch their breath, looking back to ensure Snape had not followed them.
Still panting, Cassandra straightened up and said, "Clearly, now isn't the time for this discussion. Go tell Kirk that I'll meet you both tonight in the sixth-floor Prefects' Bathroom. We need to plan this properly."
Cedric hesitated. "Why the Prefects' Bathroom?"
Cassandra grinned mischievously. "Because I'm curious! I've never been inside!"
Cedric sighed in exasperation but nodded.
At that moment, a sudden commotion nearby caught their attention. Looking toward the source of the noise, they saw that it came from the Quidditch pitch.
"Looks like the first-years are having their flying lesson," Cedric mused. "I wonder which unlucky student had an accident this time. Feels like something always goes wrong in first-year flying classes."
For some reason, Cassandra's face flushed red, as though she had just recalled something embarrassing.
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