Hogwarts: Third Dark Lord

As everyone turned their gaze toward him, Wentworth stiffened slightly. Fortunately, thanks to Rosier's training before the start of term, he quickly recovered, offering an impeccable smile and bowing politely to the crowd.

Dumbledore, standing beside him, spoke up to explain:

"This young man here is Wentworth, one of Hogwarts' new students this year—and the child of an old friend of mine!"

Hearing Dumbledore's explanation, Wentworth's smile widened, but inwardly, he scoffed:

Dumbledore truly lives up to his reputation as the defeater of two Dark Lords. Lying seems effortless for him. An old friend? If my parents hadn't died so early, I might've almost believed it!

The others, however, accepted Dumbledore's words as truth. Their smiles toward Wentworth grew even warmer.

Lucius Malfoy, in particular, was especially eager. He even invited Wentworth to visit Malfoy Manor after tonight's match, though Wentworth politely declined, citing the start of term as his reason.

In truth, Wentworth thought to himself:

No, thank you. Your son's no angel, and neither are you. Let's just avoid each other altogether, at least for the next few years.

The group chatted as they walked toward the stadium. Before long, Wentworth followed Dumbledore's lead, climbing up to the VIP box of the Quidditch World Cup stadium.

Standing in the box and observing the cheering, flag-waving crowd below, Wentworth, who had previously been indifferent to Quidditch, found himself infected by the energy and developed a newfound interest in this uniquely wizarding sport.

Suddenly, a loud roar erupted as countless streamers fell from the sky. A host entered the center of the pitch, accompanied by two people carrying a box. The box was placed at the host's feet.

The host opened his mouth to speak, but the noise in the stadium was so overwhelming that it was impossible to hear him clearly. He then made a mock-frustrated expression, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Once the laughter subsided, he drew his wand and cast a Sonorus charm to amplify his voice.

"Welcome, everyone, to tonight's 421st Quidditch World Cup Final! The teams competing tonight are... Team Canada and... our very own Team Scotland!"

As the host's voice rang out, players from both teams entered the pitch, greeting their supporters as they circled the stadium. After the lap, the players returned to their respective locker rooms, leaving the host in the middle of the field, his face alight with excitement.

"For tonight's match," he announced, "to ensure fairness and add a bit of fun, we've introduced a new feature! Ladies and gentlemen, look here!"

He gestured dramatically as he opened the box at his feet. The moment it was opened, countless golden objects with wings—Golden Snitches—poured into the sky, shimmering brilliantly.

The audience gasped in delight at the sight. Once the cheers quieted, the host continued:

"Tonight, one lucky wizard from our audience will have the honor of riding the latest concept Firebolt broomstick—still not available on the market—into the sky to choose one of these hundred Golden Snitches. That Snitch will serve as the official Snitch for tonight's match!"

"And, of course, we won't let this lucky wizard go unrewarded. The concept Firebolt broomstick they ride will be theirs to keep!"

The host then held up a sleek, perfectly streamlined broomstick. The crowd, already excited, erupted into a deafening roar as they saw the new Firebolt, with countless hands raised in hope of being chosen.

Once the anticipation reached its peak, the host raised his wand, closed his eyes, and began spinning in place. After several rotations, a brilliant white light shot from his wand, soaring into the air before slowly descending.

The light landed on Dumbledore.

All eyes followed the glowing light until they fixed on Dumbledore. Those who had been grumbling about their own luck were momentarily stunned before breaking into applause and cheers.

Cornelius Fudge, watching nearby, leaned toward Lucius Malfoy and whispered, "Where did they find this host? Absolutely brilliant! Out of all these people, he managed to pinpoint Dumbledore! Watching him spin, I nearly got dizzy myself."

Lucius gave a knowing smile and explained, "Minister, it's a simple charm. The light automatically seeks out the wizard with the most magical power in the vicinity."

Fudge nodded, his expression one of sudden realization.

Meanwhile, Wentworth watched the light settle on Dumbledore, his expression a mix of resignation and disdain for the event organizers. Inwardly, he sighed, already predicting what Dumbledore would do next.

Sure enough, Dumbledore slowly rose from his seat and walked to the front of the box. With a small gesture to quiet the crowd, the once-raucous stadium fell silent.

"I've always believed," Dumbledore began with a wry smile, "that my long life is owed to taking good care of myself. Who would've thought it's actually because I've been so lucky?"

The audience erupted into laughter.

Once the laughter subsided, Dumbledore continued, "But as I mentioned, I am, after all, over a hundred years old. I haven't ridden a broom in decades! These days, the school insists on sending a student with me whenever I go out, just in case I get lost. And now you want me to chase a Golden Snitch? You're setting me up for failure!"

The laughter grew louder, with some in the crowd breaking into applause.

Dumbledore turned and pointed behind him. "So, my friends, let my student here take my place for this delightful ritual. What do you say?"

Amid thunderous cheers, a prepared Wentworth stepped forward, smiling as he joined Dumbledore on the platform.

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