Snape's words made Professor McGonagall swallow back what she was about to say. She took a deep breath and then spoke:
"You're incredibly lucky—not every student survives an encounter with a troll. Five points to each of you! You must realize just how fortunate you are!"
Hearing Professor McGonagall's words, Hermione and the others couldn't help but smile with pleasant surprise. However, at that moment, Harry suddenly noticed something—there was a bite mark on Snape's leg.
After finishing her reprimand, Professor McGonagall stormed off angrily, with Snape following closely behind. Only Professor Quirrell remained to handle the aftermath.
Clapping his hands, Professor Quirrell smiled and said, "Alright, children, time to head back!"
Wentworth took the lead, striding out without hesitation, while the others followed him in single file.
After bidding each other goodnight, the students returned to their respective common rooms.
When Wentworth and Cedric arrived at the Hufflepuff common room—usually bustling at night—they found only Kirk there.
Seeing them return, Kirk quickly came forward, asking, "How did it go? Smoothly?"
Wentworth sighed and replied, "It was touch-and-go. What about on your end?"
Kirk grinned. "All clear—I made sure everyone returned to their dormitories."
Wentworth nodded, then glanced between Kirk and Cedric. "You've both been dying to know what I'm up to tonight. Well, now I can tell you—our target is one of the wizarding world's greatest treasures: the Philosopher's Stone!"
Wentworth's announcement was met with gasps from Cedric and Kirk.
"Immortality?!" Cedric exclaimed.
"Unlimited gold?!" Kirk blurted out.
Wentworth shot Kirk a displeased look. "What are you, playing a game? Unlimited gold?"
Kirk, however, grabbed Wentworth's arm, his face full of disbelief. "Merlin's beard, Wentworth—is it really the Philosopher's Stone? The legendary one?"
Wentworth nodded firmly. "Yes, the very same—crafted by Nicolas Flamel himself."
Kirk and Cedric exchanged stunned glances before Kirk said, "Joining the Pureblood Party was the best decision I ever made. The magical world looks entirely different depending on the wizard's perspective! The Philosopher's Stone—an artifact of legend! I never thought I'd see it with my own eyes!"
Wentworth raised a hand in caution. "Kirk, I need to be clear—the Philosopher's Stone isn't yours. I have other plans for it. If you're after gold, I can give you that."
Kirk immediately waved his hands. "You know me, Wentworth! Even if you wanted to give me the Stone, I wouldn't take it! I don't want some dark wizard setting his sights on me. Just seeing it is more than enough!"
Satisfied, Wentworth turned to Cedric, who quickly shook his head and said, "Wentworth, you know I'm more interested in the man who made the Stone. If you can bring Nicolas Flamel here, I might let you hand him over to me for a few days."
With their responses, Wentworth nodded approvingly. It wasn't that he distrusted Kirk or Cedric—but he preferred to lay everything out in the open to avoid misunderstandings later.
After casting a quick glance around to ensure no one was watching, Wentworth motioned to them. "Alright, let's go! We shouldn't keep our friends waiting."
With that, Wentworth led the way, with Kirk and Cedric exchanging puzzled looks behind him, wondering who else had been invited on this mission.
They soon arrived at the fourth-floor corridor of Hogwarts Castle. Stopping before a wooden door, Wentworth turned to Cedric.
"Did you bring what I asked?"
Cedric nodded, pulling a flute from his pocket.
Wentworth gave a satisfied nod. "Once we're inside, play it immediately—understood?"
Cedric, sensing the gravity of the situation, swallowed nervously and nodded again.
Wentworth pushed open the wooden door. The sound of heavy breathing echoed in the room.
He stepped in first, whispering to Cedric, "Quick—play the flute!"
Though unsure of the reason, Cedric obeyed, placing the flute to his lips. As their eyes adjusted to the darkness, they spotted an enormous creature—
A massive three-headed dog lay before them.
Cedric's hands trembled, and he nearly forgot to play. The moment the music stopped, the dog stirred, its eyelids flickering.
Without needing a reminder, Cedric frantically resumed playing, and the beast settled once more.
Wentworth whispered, "Don't stop, Cedric—my life is in your hands."
Without waiting for a reply, Wentworth approached the dog's body, searching beneath it. Soon, he found what he was looking for—an enchanted trapdoor.
Kirk quickly joined him, helping to lift the beast's massive paw and reveal the hidden entrance.
Wentworth beckoned Cedric closer, saying, "Below is the Devil's Snare."
Without another word, he plunged into the trapdoor's depths.
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