Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

The wind at Hogwarts tonight felt particularly restless. The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom was packed with students and professors, all eagerly awaiting the duel between Slytherin and Hufflepuff.

"Portable Magnifiers! See every spell up close! Brought to you by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes—quality guaranteed!"

The Weasley twins had even set up shop in the classroom, selling their handmade magnifying lenses. After all, without some clever tricks, it would be nearly impossible to get a clear view of the duel through the throng of people.

Professor Snape had already arrived with the Slytherin students, who were standing in disciplined anticipation of the Hufflepuff students. However, the other protagonists of this duel, the students from Hufflepuff, were nowhere to be seen.

"They must be too scared and ran off!"

Standing behind Professor Snape, Waylon muttered indignantly.

Meanwhile, just outside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Wentworth, Cedric, and the other Hufflepuffs were waiting.

"Wentworth, shouldn't we head in now?"

Kirk leaned in to ask.

Wentworth, however, responded calmly, "No rush, Prefect Kirk. The main characters always make their entrance last. Let's keep them waiting a bit longer—just enough to make them restless—then we'll appear."

As the agreed-upon time approached, some unease spread among the Slytherins. Students began to stir, a few wandering off or chatting in small groups.

Finally, Waylon couldn't hold back. He approached the three professors serving as tonight's judges—Professors Flitwick, McGonagall, and Ilona—and asked anxiously, "Professors, if Hufflepuff doesn't show up on time, does that mean Slytherin wins by default?"

The professors exchanged glances before Flitwick responded, "Of course. If the agreed-upon time passes and Hufflepuff hasn't arrived, Slytherin will be declared the winner according to the rules of dueling."

Hearing this, Waylon found himself torn. On the one hand, he hoped Hufflepuff would appear so he could teach them a lesson. On the other, the thought of winning without a fight had its appeal.

While Waylon and the other Slytherins fretted, the clock ticked closer to the designated time.

Outside the door, Wentworth checked the time one last time before turning to the Hufflepuff students behind him. "It's time for us to make our entrance, stars of tonight's show!"

As the clock hands approached six, Waylon stared anxiously at the door. Suddenly, it swung open.

Wentworth entered first, pushing open the door with confidence. Cedric and Kirk followed closely at his sides. Originally, Wentworth had suggested that Kirk lead the group, but Kirk refused. After reading through Wentworth's plan in detail, Kirk was so impressed that he insisted Wentworth should take the lead.

Behind them, the rest of the Hufflepuff students filed in, walking in two neat rows. Dressed in immaculate yellow-and-black robes, they marched in with heads held high.

Their disciplined and striking entrance immediately overshadowed the scattered and casual Slytherins. Even Gryffindors, led by the Weasley twins, couldn't help but cheer for Hufflepuff.

The professors' faces lit up with satisfaction—except for Snape. Professors Sprout and Ilona, in particular, looked especially proud.

"Did you lot get lost on your way to the classroom?" Waylon sneered, breaking the silence.

Before Wentworth could respond, Kirk stepped forward with a retort, "Funny, I've seen people rush for food and seats, but this is the first time I've seen someone so eager for a beating!"

Just as the two sides seemed ready to launch into a shouting match, Professor McGonagall cleared her throat loudly. "Enough! Silence! Do you two want to make a spectacle of yourselves in front of the other houses? Remember, you represent Slytherin and Hufflepuff!"

Her stern tone was enough to silence both Waylon and Kirk.

Satisfied, Professor Flitwick stepped forward. "Now then, as previously agreed, both houses will submit their dueling participants' lists to Professor Ilona. Meanwhile, I'll reiterate the rules of the duel."

"First, no unauthorized—"

As Flitwick reviewed the rules, Waylon handed over Slytherin's list to Professor Ilona with a scowl directed at Wentworth. Wentworth, in turn, handed over Hufflepuff's list with a serene smile that seemed to unnerve Waylon. For some reason, Waylon felt a chill run down his spine as if that smile hid some secret plot.

When Professor Ilona reviewed the lists, her brows furrowed for a moment, as if she had noticed something. However, her expression quickly softened into a knowing smile.

Once Flitwick finished his explanation, all eyes turned to Dumbledore. Rising gracefully, he spoke with his characteristic calm authority, "Ladies and gentlemen, the reopening of the Hogwarts Dueling Club tonight is meant to foster camaraderie and strengthen bonds among our students. It is not about proving superiority or seeking vengeance. I sincerely hope that no one will be harmed during these duels."

His gaze swept across the crowd before he asked, "Are both houses ready?"

"Ready!" Wentworth and Waylon answered in unison.

With a wave of his hands, Dumbledore declared, "Then I hereby announce: the duel between Slytherin and Hufflepuff begins now!"

Cheers erupted across the room, mostly from Gryffindor and Ravenclaw students. Meanwhile, the Slytherin and Hufflepuff students remained focused, their attention fixed on their respective representatives in the arena.

As the applause subsided, Professor Ilona stepped into the center of the dueling area and announced, "For the first match, Slytherin's representative is... Waylon!"

Amid the cheers from Slytherin and jeers from Hufflepuff, Waylon strode confidently into the dueling area.

Once he was in place, Professor Ilona continued, "And Hufflepuff's representative is... Wentworth!"

At the mention of Wentworth's name, the room fell silent. All eyes turned to him as he calmly walked to the center of the arena. Even Dumbledore and Snape exchanged looks of surprise and curiosity.

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