Cassandra looked down and saw a pendant bearing the symbol of the Deathly Hallows, gently placed around her neck by Wentworth.
Cassandra had seen the pendants that Cedric and Kirk had acquired before. Though nearly identical in shape, hers was far more exquisite.
However, Cassandra immediately reached to remove the pendant, speaking as she did:
"What, have you finally come to your senses and decided to let me join the Alliance? Well, let me tell you, you're too late! I'm no longer interested in your Alliance!"
Just as she was about to take off the pendant, Wentworth pressed down on her fingers with one hand and said softly:
"This pendant does not represent the Alliance."
Cassandra looked at Wentworth in confusion, only to see him smile gently and say:
"This pendant represents Grindelwald."
"It's my Christmas gift to you—my personal pendant."
After saying that, Wentworth waved with a smile and turned to leave.
Standing in the corridor of Hogwarts, Cassandra gently stroked the pendant at her chest, feeling the lingering warmth it carried. The corners of her lips curled slightly as she whispered:
"Thank you, Joker!"
...
Soon, the appointed time from the anonymous letter arrived. Early that morning, Wentworth prepared himself and, as usual, used the secret passage beneath the Whomping Willow to reach Hogsmeade.
Though the letter had instructed him to meet in Hogsmeade, it had not specified a precise time or location. Thus, Wentworth had no choice but to wander the village, searching.
Not only was he looking for the mysterious sender, but he was also keeping an eye out for Dumbledore.
As part of their arrangement, Dumbledore had promised to bring Hogwarts professors to ensure Wentworth's safety during his visit to Hogsmeade.
The idea of having Hogwarts professors leave the castle to act as his personal guards made Wentworth wonder if he had just made Hogwarts history.
His first stop was the Hog's Head Inn. The place was bustling due to the Christmas holidays, and even a few goblins were seated inside. Judging by their attire, they were clearly from Gringotts—perhaps sneaking out for a drink while renovations at the bank were ongoing.
After finishing his breakfast at the Hog's Head, Wentworth stepped outside, only to hear a "meow" from the eaves above.
Casually glancing up, he froze at the sight of the cat. His feet nearly stumbled before he quickly composed himself, flashing a flattering smile at the feline.
The cat, however, merely gave him a disdainful glance before strutting along the rooftop with regal indifference.
Wentworth recognized it immediately. The distinctive markings on its face, resembling a pair of glasses, made its identity unmistakable.
Continuing his search, he passed by the Three Broomsticks, which was also packed with patrons. Many wizards had gathered inside, some already quite drunk.
He spent the entire day roaming Hogsmeade, exploring every shop, yet he never found the person he was searching for.
As the sun began to set and the village's magical candles flickered to life, Wentworth was still empty-handed. The biting wind had worn him down, and his patience was running thin.
After all, to persuade Dumbledore to provide him with protection, Wentworth had agreed to quite a few of the headmaster's conditions. Even if a group of wizards had ambushed him, that would have been better than nothing happening at all!
But as night fell, with no sign of his contact, Wentworth's frustration grew. Though his face remained calm, his heart was seething with anger.
At last, he strode over to a secluded corner and spoke to a small tabby cat sitting there:
"Professor McGonagall, I think that's enough for today. He's not coming."
At his words, the tabby leaped gracefully into the air, transforming mid-jump into Professor McGonagall.
At the same time, the sound of approaching footsteps came from behind.
Turning, Wentworth saw Professor Snape, hooded and moving toward him. The cloak Snape wore seemed familiar—Wentworth recalled an old crone selling potions on the street earlier.
Behind Snape stood Lupin, dressed in even more tattered robes than before and carrying a strange scent.
Wentworth thought back and realized that a faceless beggar had been curled up outside Honeydukes all day.
And at the rear of the group was none other than Hogwarts' headmaster, Dumbledore, clad in his usual white robes, looking exactly as he always did.
But Wentworth now understood—Dumbledore had been watching over him the entire time. He just hadn't noticed.
Scanning his surroundings, Wentworth mused that while Dumbledore had coerced him into this deal, the security detail he had received today might not have been such a bad trade after all.
The headmaster and deputy headmistress of Hogwarts, the Potions Master and dueling expert, and the future Defense Against the Dark Arts professor.
Frankly, if Voldemort had been surrounded by these four without any Death Eaters to aid him, the Harry Potter series might have ended prematurely right then and there.
As Dumbledore approached, Wentworth quickly stepped forward with a grin, offering a handful of sweets he had just purchased from Honeydukes.
Dumbledore, without hesitation, scooped up a generous portion. Wentworth then offered some to the others—Lupin accepted his with a smile, McGonagall took only two out of politeness, while Snape rolled his eyes and ignored him.
Once the candy had been distributed, Wentworth let out a sigh and muttered:
"Looks like they never intended to show up. Seems we've been played."
Dumbledore, however, replied thoughtfully:
"Perhaps they never planned to meet you, but rest assured, they were watching."
At those words, Wentworth and Dumbledore locked eyes, a knowing realization dawning between them.
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