Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

Wentworth looked at Cedric's shocked expression and couldn't help but feel a surge of delight in his heart.

Of course, Wentworth didn't know tea leaf divination, but he did know the story! In the original narrative, Cedric's official girlfriend, Cho Chang, was a fellow Hogwarts student in the same year as Wentworth. At this moment, she was seated at the Ravenclaw table.

When Wentworth noticed Cedric's gaze unconsciously drift toward the Ravenclaw first-year section, he immediately understood: the charming Hufflepuff heartthrob before him was undoubtedly struck by the first stirrings of young love.

"Don't listen to Wentworth's nonsense," Kirk interjected. "He's probably just repeating something he overheard. By the way, Cedric, what's that in your hand?"

Hearing Kirk's question, Cedric suddenly remembered and quickly handed over the envelope he was holding.

"Wentworth, this is from Professor Sprout, our Head of House. She said it's a recommendation letter written by Headmaster Dumbledore himself, suggesting you join our Hufflepuff Quidditch team. Professor Sprout asked me to get your opinion on it."

At Cedric's words, Wentworth recalled that Dumbledore had mentioned his intention to recommend him as Hufflepuff's Seeker. He hadn't expected the letter to arrive so soon.

Just as Wentworth was about to respond, a sneering voice interrupted from behind them.

"What's this? Has Hufflepuff run out of players? Letting a first-year join the Quidditch team? Well, I suppose it makes sense. You lot came in fourth last year anyway. Doesn't matter who you send in!"

The trio turned to see a broad-shouldered young man clad in Slytherin robes standing behind them.

"That's Marcus Flint," Cedric whispered to Wentworth. "He's a Chaser on the Slytherin Quidditch team and a strong contender for their next captain. Oh, and he's best mates with Bole."

Marcus sauntered closer to Wentworth, giving him a condescending once-over before scoffing.

"Kirk, couldn't you find someone with a bit more... physical presence? Look at this kid. I bet he'd wet himself at the sight of a Bludger!"

Unfazed, Kirk stepped forward, placing himself between Marcus and Wentworth.

"First of all, when you address me, it's 'Senior Kirk' or 'Prefect Kirk.' If you lack manners, I'd be happy to teach you some! Secondly, stay away from Hufflepuff's Seeker!"

Marcus blinked in surprise, clearly not expecting Kirk to assert that Wentworth, a first-year, would take on the role of Seeker—arguably the most pivotal position on a Quidditch team.

"By the way," Cedric chimed in, "Kirk isn't just our House Prefect; he's also the captain of Hufflepuff's Quidditch team."

Wentworth shot a curious glance at Kirk, impressed to discover his multi-talented nature.

Marcus, catching up, suddenly burst into laughter.

"Well, Prefect Kirk, I see what you're doing. Sacrificing this season to groom your precious Seeker for the future, eh? But are you sure this kid is worth it?"

Turning back to Wentworth, Marcus smirked.

"Hey, kid. Have you even seen a Golden Snitch? Do you know how to catch one?"

Wentworth merely cast Marcus a brief glance before looking away, showing no intention of engaging.

"You little—" Marcus growled, stepping forward, only for Kirk to block him, his hand already on his wand.

"I said, stay away from our Seeker!"

Marcus muttered a curse under his breath, then glared at Wentworth's back as he walked away.

"See you on the pitch, kid!"

Returning to the Slytherin table, Marcus loudly informed his teammates of the news: Hufflepuff's Seeker this year was a first-year novice.

"Well, that's great! We can just write off Hufflepuff this year and focus our practice elsewhere."

"Are they really throwing in the towel this season? Letting a first-year Seeker take the field?"

"Careful, now! What if the kid turns out to be a once-in-a-century prodigy? Ha!"

"No, no. We can't underestimate them. The more points we score against Hufflepuff, the better our ranking!"

As the Slytherin team's laughter grew louder, their mocking remarks became clear even to Wentworth and the others at the Hufflepuff table.

Even within Hufflepuff, there were murmurs of doubt.

"Captain Kirk, is what the Slytherins are saying true? Are we really letting Wentworth be the Seeker?"

A Hufflepuff team member approached Kirk with a skeptical expression.

"Yes," Kirk replied firmly. "This is a personal recommendation from Headmaster Dumbledore. Do you doubt the headmaster's judgment?"

The player hesitated. "Of course not! I trust Dumbledore. And I believe Wentworth might become a brilliant Seeker one day. But he's never trained, not even once! He might not even know how to catch a Snitch!"

Kirk found himself at a loss for words. After all, being on a Hogwarts Quidditch team was a dream for many students, and Wentworth's sudden appointment was bound to stir resentment.

At that moment, the fluttering of owls interrupted the murmurs. A flock of them swooped into the Great Hall, delivering copies of the Daily Prophet to the students.

"Why's the Prophet so late today? Doesn't it usually arrive in the morning?"

Curious voices echoed through the hall.

"Don't you remember? Last night was the Quidditch World Cup final. Today's issue probably went to press right after the match."

"Oh, right! Let's see if there's any big news!"

As newspapers rustled open, the hall gradually fell silent, with more and more eyes turning toward the Hufflepuff table.

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