Chapter 82: The Assembly of the Grindelwald Faction
"How could that be acceptable?!"
Cedric and Kirk practically exclaimed in unison.
Their reactions were not unexpected by Dumbledore. However, to Dumbledore's surprise, Wentworth's eyes lit up, showing no trace of concern about the werewolf's identity.
Of course, Wentworth had already deduced who the "teacher" Dumbledore referred to might be.
Without hesitation, Wentworth nodded repeatedly, his tone carrying a hint of excitement.
"Alright, Headmaster Dumbledore, I agree!"
Seeing Wentworth agree so readily, Cedric quickly tugged at Wentworth's sleeve, whispering anxiously:
"Wentworth, are you sure about this? That's a werewolf! Don't you know how dangerous werewolves can be?"
Kirk chimed in from the side:
"Headmaster Dumbledore, are you serious? Allowing a werewolf to teach Wentworth Defense Against the Dark Arts? What could he possibly teach? How to defend against himself?"
Their extreme reactions were understandable. In the magical world at this time, werewolves were undoubtedly at the bottom of the societal hierarchy.
Before Dumbledore could explain, Wentworth interjected confidently:
"Relax. Even if you don't trust the werewolf, you should trust Headmaster Dumbledore! Headmaster, I believe you wouldn't put me in harm's way. I'm willing to accept guidance from this werewolf teacher!"
Dumbledore's face softened with a smile at Wentworth's response, his voice kind as he said:
"You're absolutely right, Wentworth. Of course, I wouldn't harm you—you are, after all, my student!"
"In fact, this werewolf was once my student too. He is a brilliant wizard who graduated from Hogwarts!"
Cedric and Kirk were both stunned by Dumbledore's explanation, though their doubts were clearly not entirely assuaged.
After a moment of hesitation, Cedric spoke up:
"Headmaster Dumbledore, if it's possible, I'd like to accompany Wentworth and join these weekend lessons with the werewolf... teacher."
Cedric's tone was conflicted, and Wentworth immediately understood his intent. Cedric wanted to ensure Wentworth's safety and deliberately proposed to go along as a safeguard.
Dumbledore chuckled and nodded.
"Of course, you may. In fact, for the most part, you'll forget he's a werewolf altogether, so long as you avoid full-moon nights!"
Kirk, looking a little sheepish, added:
"Sorry, Wentworth, Cedric. I'll have to sit this one out—I'm busy preparing for my O.W.L.s."
Before Kirk could finish, Wentworth enveloped him in a hug and said warmly:
"That's alright, Kirk. Honestly, I was hoping you wouldn't come. Just wait—before long, I'll have you running in circles during our duels!"
Kirk smiled regretfully but retorted:
"Keep dreaming!"
Cedric also gave Kirk a light hug, whispering reassuringly in his ear:
"Don't worry—we'll be careful."
Watching the camaraderie between the trio, Dumbledore's smile grew even more pronounced.
"Alright, Wentworth," Dumbledore said. "I'll notify him to come as soon as possible. Since he is neither a professor at Hogwarts nor a current student, he cannot enter the castle."
"I'll arrange for him to stay in Hogsmeade Village. Every weekend, I'll bring you and Cedric there to learn from him. His name is Lupin—Remus John Lupin."
In the following days, while Wentworth and Cedric eagerly awaited the weekend to travel to Hogsmeade and learn Defense Against the Dark Arts from Lupin, the wizarding world outside Hogwarts was in turmoil.
Nearly every Auror in the British Ministry of Magic had their leave canceled. Under the command of the new Head of the Auror Office—Rufus Scrimgeour—countless Aurors scoured Britain in search of a group of illegal wizarding hunters.
The atmosphere across the British magical community grew tense, with widespread unease.
However, despite the Aurors' exceptional combat skills, their ability to locate the targets left much to be desired. Days passed with minimal progress.
While dark wizards hidden in the shadows mocked the Ministry's inefficiency, the appearance of another group sent these dark wizards scattering in fear.
Inside what appeared to Muggles to be a derelict building, the interior was anything but ordinary. The room was enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm and filled with peculiar magical artifacts.
At the head of a long table sat Abernathy, his expression stern.
Around the table, witches and wizards were seated in order. Among them were elderly wizards with graying hair and young wizards sitting upright, barely daring to breathe.
Each wizard held a piece of parchment, discussing its contents in low voices.
One gray-haired wizard turned to a younger wizard sitting beside him and asked with a smile:
"What's your name? Which family do you come from?"
The younger wizard quickly straightened up and respectfully replied:
"My name is Auston Greengrass. I hail from the pure-blood Greengrass family."
The elder wizard nodded slowly and said:
"Ah, I know your family. It's rare to see one of the Sacred Twenty-Eight families still uphold their ancient oaths and resist serving under Voldemort."
Auston Greengrass smiled and replied:
"Years ago, Voldemort's followers approached my father. I still remember that night vividly—countless dark wizards broke into our home, demanding our allegiance to Voldemort."
"My father steadfastly refused. I was terrified, thinking they would attack us. But then my father revealed this!"
As he spoke, Auston pulled a pendant from his robe—a symbol of the Deathly Hallows, with a triangle enclosing a circle and a vertical line through the center.
Gazing at the pendant in his hand, Auston spoke reverently:
"I could see their hesitation. They wanted to attack but were clearly afraid. In the end, their leader simply left us with these words: 'You'll regret this. When we return, you'll realize you've missed your only chance at survival.' Then they left."
"That was when I understood that our allegiance lies with the great Gellert Grindelwald! We are the Grindelwald Faction! So, when I received the summons to assemble, I came immediately. The Greengrass family has never forgotten our ancestors' oaths—for the greater good!"
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