Upon seeing Wentworth leap into the trapdoor, Kirk and Cedric exchanged a glance. Kirk patted Cedric on the shoulder before following Wentworth without hesitation, disappearing into the darkness below.
Cedric, still clutching the flute between his lips, carefully set it aside before diving down as well.
In moments like these, the value of knowledge became apparent. Thanks to Wentworth's prior warning that Devil's Snare awaited below, Kirk and Cedric instinctively relaxed their bodies the moment they made contact with the constricting vines. The two quickly sank through the plant's tendrils, landing gently on the stone floor beneath.
As they disentangled themselves from the Devil's Snare, Cedric winced, rubbing at the marks left on his shoulders by the tightening vines.
"I'd bet anything this Devil's Snare was grown by our Head of House," he muttered.
Kirk nodded in wholehearted agreement.
The trio pressed on down the dim corridor. Before long, a faint buzzing noise reached their ears.
"What's that?" Cedric asked, his curiosity piqued. "Sounds like wings flapping?"
"You've got it," Wentworth replied, leading the way without turning his head. "Now, care to guess what kind of birds they might be?"
"Nothing good could show up in a place like this," Kirk quipped from behind.
"I won't let you talk about yourself like that, Kirk," Wentworth retorted without missing a beat.
Kirk: ???
Cedric was too baffled to guess, but his confusion quickly turned to amazement when they emerged into a chamber filled with hundreds of glittering, fluttering keys.
His gaze shifted between the locked wooden door ahead and the airborne keys.
"I suppose Alohomora won't work on that door?" he asked dryly.
Kirk, ever practical, pulled out his wand. "Only one way to find out."
Before he could take a step forward, Wentworth grabbed his arm, shaking his head.
"Don't waste your energy. If the professors left such an obvious loophole, Hogwarts would've been reduced to rubble long ago."
He gestured at the swarm of keys. "We'll need one of those to pass through."
Kirk and Cedric exchanged glances, their expressions falling as they scanned the sea of flying keys.
"Wentworth," Kirk began hesitantly, "we—"
He trailed off as Wentworth swung his leg over one of the broomsticks propped against the wall.
"Position yourselves by the door," Wentworth instructed. "Cover me when the time comes."
With that, he kicked off and soared into the air. The keys instantly reacted, whirling around him like a shimmering storm. Some even began diving at him, sharp edges flashing.
"Protego!" Kirk cast a Shield Charm, enveloping Wentworth in a shimmering barrier. The spell absorbed several strikes, giving Wentworth the breathing room he needed.
Having studied the puzzle in advance, Wentworth quickly identified the tarnished silver key with a bent wing. He snatched it from the air and tossed it down to Cedric.
Cedric fumbled the catch but managed to fit the key into the lock. With a satisfying click, the door creaked open. He and Kirk darted through, followed moments later by Wentworth, who streaked through the doorway on his broom just as they slammed the door shut behind him.
A cacophony of rattling impacts echoed from the other side as the furious keys battered the door.
Their relief was short-lived. The room ahead flickered to life as torches flared along the walls, illuminating a vast chessboard. The trio stood at the edge, pieces towering over them.
Kirk's eyes widened in understanding. "So that's why you made us play two extra games of Wizard's Chess today."
Without needing further instruction, Kirk strode to the knight's position, while Cedric claimed the castle. Wentworth took up the bishop's square.
Kirk glanced at Cedric, a teasing smile playing on his lips.
"Who gets to call the shots?"
Cedric grimaced. "You do. Don't think I haven't noticed you letting me win all day."
Kirk's grin widened. "Playing with smart people is the best—you let them win, and they think it's their own skill."
In truth, Kirk's knack for games rivaled his magical talents. Whether through natural aptitude or sheer experience, he maneuvered the pieces deftly. Unlike the sacrificial gambits seen in the original story, Kirk's skillful play secured victory without any unnecessary sacrifices.
As the opposing king surrendered, Kirk chuckled smugly. "Seems our professors aren't much for chess, eh?"
Wentworth and Cedric ignored him, already heading for the next door.
Realizing he was talking to himself, Kirk's grin faltered. He shrugged and mumbled, "At least I'm better at one thing than the professors..."
The three descended a long staircase into a cavernous chamber. At the far end, a lone figure stood with his back to them, gazing into a massive, ornate mirror.
Wentworth's eyes narrowed at the sight.
So Dumbledore put the Mirror of Erised here from the start.
His suspicions about the headmaster's manipulations solidified. Harry stumbling across the mirror at Christmas had never been a coincidence—Dumbledore had planted the idea in his mind all along.
Wentworth smirked. Voldemort, you never stood a chance. The examiner was giving your opponent the answers.
Without turning, the figure spoke.
"Wentworth... you've arrived much faster than I anticipated."
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