The next morning, as Wentworth entered the Great Hall at Hogwarts and caught sight of Cedric and Kirk, he was so startled by their appearance that he nearly jumped.
"What happened to you two? Look at those dark circles under your eyes! You look like you've been... overindulging all night!"
Cedric stifled a yawn and groaned, "Kirk dragged me into his dorm to play cards all night. I'm absolutely exhausted!"
Wentworth frowned but couldn't help his curiosity. "Just the two of you? Who else could have lasted that long?"
Still half-asleep and groggy, Cedric muttered absentmindedly, "Cassandra."
"Who? Cassandra? Just the three of you?!"
As soon as the words left his mouth, Cedric's eyes snapped open in realization. Damn, that slipped out.
Thinking quickly, he diverted the conversation, glancing past Wentworth as if searching for someone. "Wait a second—where is Cassandra this morning? I actually needed to ask her something! By the way, Wentworth, what were you asking me again?"
Wentworth rolled his eyes but, turning to look over his shoulder, found that Cassandra—who usually sat not far behind him—was nowhere to be seen.
Frowning, he glanced toward the Slytherin table and called out, "Draco!"
Draco Malfoy, who had been peacefully enjoying his breakfast, nearly spilled his porridge at the sudden summons. His face twisted in irritation as he turned to scold the culprit—only to see that it was Wentworth.
His anger vanished instantly. Flashing a grin, he hurried over, saying, "Wentworth, what can I do for you?"
Cedric and Kirk exchanged surprised glances. Since when had Wentworth recruited first-years as followers? They met each other's eyes, silently acknowledging the implications.
Wentworth, however, paid no mind to their reactions. He got straight to the point. "Draco, do you know where Cassandra from your house has gone?"
Draco's cheerful expression turned into an awkward grimace. "Oh, Wentworth, you've come to the right person for that! Last night, after she got caught by Professor Snape..."
He abruptly trailed off, glancing at Cedric and Kirk.
Wentworth sighed impatiently. "Just keep talking. Pretend they're not here."
Cedric and Kirk: "..."
Realizing that these two must be close to Wentworth, Draco nodded and continued, "This morning, Professor Snape called me to his office—Merlin's beard, Wentworth, you wouldn't believe how terrifying that place is! It's full of—"
"Focus!" Wentworth interrupted. "I don't need a description of Snape's office. I spent months in there last year!"
Draco stared at him in awe. "Blimey..." he whispered.
Shaking off his amazement, Draco resumed, "Anyway, while I was being lectured, Cassandra walked in and asked for leave."
"Leave?!"
Wentworth, Cedric, and Kirk all reacted in unison, their expressions filled with surprise.
Draco nodded. "Yeah. She said her father's old injuries had flared up again, so she wanted to go home and check on him. Professor Snape approved her request and even gave her some potions to take with her."
Wentworth stroked his chin thoughtfully. Maybe Cassandra really was worried about her father's condition and wanted to make sure he was recovering.
But Cedric frowned. "Wait a minute—how did she leave Hogwarts? She doesn't know how to Apparate yet, and you can't Apparate inside Hogwarts anyway. And it's not like the Hogwarts Express would make a special trip just for her."
Draco quickly explained, "Oh, I know this! Professor Snape offered to Apparate her out, but Cassandra refused. She said her father had arranged for a temporary connection to the Floo Network, so she used that to leave."
Cedric looked even more puzzled. "But I've heard from my father that the fireplaces at Hogwarts are usually disconnected from the Floo Network for security reasons. Reconnecting them requires a lot of paperwork with the Ministry of Magic."
Draco raised an eyebrow. "You didn't know, Cedric? My father mentioned in a letter that Cassandra's father used to be a senior Auror at the Ministry, but after disappearing for a while, he was reassigned—to head the Department of Floo Network Management."
"So for him, bypassing all that bureaucracy is as simple as saying a few words."
Understanding dawned on Wentworth and Cedric. Wentworth gestured for Draco to leave, but Draco lingered, grinning mischievously.
"Something else?" Wentworth asked, amused.
Draco's smile widened. "Wentworth, last night's duel—you were the referee. You never announced a winner! How about Harry and I have a rematch sometime?"
Wentworth waved him off. "Forget it. Watching you two duel is a waste of time—entertaining, but pointless. I'm calling it a draw. Now, off you go!"
Draco left, looking disappointed.
Meanwhile, far away from Hogwarts, Cassandra stepped into Diagon Alley.
A sheer black veil concealed her face, making it impossible for anyone to recognize her. She walked purposefully through the bustling street, her eyes scanning the shopfronts as if searching for something.
Eventually, she stopped in front of a toy shop.
Through the display window, a single origami crane sat perched among the other toys.
Her gaze lingered on it for a moment before she pushed open the door without hesitation and stepped inside.
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