Chapter 203: The Mirror of Erised

"Professor Snape?"

At the sight of the figure, Cedric and Kirk called out in astonishment.

Snape turned away from the Mirror of Erised, facing Wentworth and the others. His cold voice broke the silence:

"Wentworth, you seem to have known about these trials all along. Care to explain how you managed that?"

Wentworth responded with a calm smile:

"Cats have their ways, rats have theirs—wizards, naturally, have the ways of wizards. Professor Snape, I upheld my end of the bargain. Harry Potter was unharmed on Halloween. Now, what about your promise to me?"

Snape's expression remained unchanged. Without a word, he turned back to the mirror and muttered:

"You're asking me to betray Dumbledore, Wentworth."

Despite his words, Snape flicked his wrist behind him, sending a small stone flying toward Wentworth. He caught it deftly, inspecting the blood-red, irregular gem that shimmered with an inner glow.

Snape's voice echoed again:

"Take what you've come for and leave. Our deal is done—unless you'd like me to dock points from Hufflepuff."

Wentworth shook his head, tucking the Philosopher's Stone into his pocket.

"Professor Snape, the Mirror of Erised shows us our heart's deepest desires... but it is not a prophecy. It's an illusion. Don't lose yourself in it."

He stepped toward Snape, who scoffed.

"I don't need you to tell me that. And five points from Hufflepuff."

With that, Snape swept away.

Watching his retreating figure, Wentworth called out:

"If Dumbledore expels you for treachery, the Pureblood Party would gladly welcome you!"

Snape's footsteps faltered for a moment—but then he quickened his pace and disappeared.

Cedric and Kirk rushed to Wentworth, having barely dared to breathe during the exchange.

"Wentworth," Cedric said, eyes wide, "I can't believe Snape would make a deal behind Dumbledore's back!"

Wentworth smirked.

"Behind his back? You're underestimating both Dumbledore and our Potions Master."

Cedric and Kirk exchanged uneasy glances.

"You mean... Dumbledore knew?" Kirk asked hesitantly.

Wentworth nodded slowly.

"Don't forget—this is Hogwarts. With Dumbledore, the greatest white wizard of our age, watching over us... do you really think he wouldn't notice us stirring up such a commotion around his most carefully guarded treasure?"

Ignoring their nervous faces, Wentworth's gaze drifted back to the Mirror of Erised.

"See my heart's deepest desire? I don't even know what it is myself."

He stepped forward—then froze. His face paled. In an instant, he drew his wand and aimed it at the mirror.

Cedric and Kirk jumped, staring at him in alarm. Wentworth's expression shifted wildly—shock, fear, longing—before he slowly lowered his wand.

Meanwhile, in the headmaster's office, Snape faced Dumbledore.

"The Philosopher's Stone has been delivered... but I still don't understand. Why entrust it to Wentworth? You know who else is searching for it."

Dumbledore's blue eyes twinkled behind his half-moon glasses.

"Precisely. Hogwarts is not safe, Severus. That's why the Stone must be sent somewhere it will be... protected. The Pureblood Party stands behind Wentworth. Even at the height of Voldemort's power, they would not have dared challenge them. Let alone now."

Snape hesitated, then muttered:

"You're provoking war between the Pureblood Party and the Death Eaters... but aren't you afraid the victor will be stronger than ever?"

Dumbledore smiled faintly.

"No, Severus. Because I already know who will win."

When Snape left, Dumbledore sat alone, lost in thought.

"Gellert..."

Before the Mirror of Erised, Wentworth's smile had faded. His wand trembled in his hand before he finally lowered it.

"Wentworth, what's wrong? Say something!" Cedric pleaded.

Wentworth exhaled slowly, shaking his head.

"I'm fine. Let's go... unless you want a look at the mirror yourselves."

Cedric and Kirk both recoiled. Once, Kirk might have been eager—but the look on Wentworth's face had killed any such curiosity.

Wentworth gave a bitter smile and turned to leave. Yet as he walked away, his expression grew dark.

The mirror had laid bare his greatest secret.

He had seen Su Xinghe.

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