Upon hearing Wentworth's words, Dumbledore paused for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. After the laughter subsided, he began to explain:
"Wentworth, you've got it all wrong! The reason we're not sending you straight back to Hogwarts is precisely because Hogwarts needs you!"
At that, Wentworth curled his lip, clearly wearing an expression that said, "Yeah right, tell that to the trolls."
Dumbledore, unbothered by the reaction, continued with a smile:
"You see, Wentworth, have you ever heard of the Wizarding Schools Potions Championship?"
Wentworth froze for a moment, as if something had clicked—but still shook his head in confusion.
Seeing this, Dumbledore wasn't surprised. He proceeded to explain:
"There are many magical schools across the globe, and Hogwarts is just one of them. Of course, just as British witches and wizards naturally believe Hogwarts to be the finest magical school in the world, wizards from other countries think just as highly of their own institutions."
"That's why many schools initiate various tournaments under the guise of academic exchange. But in truth, they all have the same goal—to prove they are the best."
"One of the more prestigious competitions among these schools is the Wizarding Schools Potions Championship."
"It's organized by four institutions that are considered the foremost in the field of Potion-making: Koldovstoretz in Russia, Uagadou in Uganda, the Mahoutokoro of Japan, and our very own Hogwarts."
"As for the content of the tournament, well, the name should give it away! It's a test of students' proficiency in Potions. The exact nature of the challenges is only revealed on-site, announced and explained by the tournament judges. This year, the tournament will be held at the Japanese Mahoutokoro."
Only now did Wentworth fully grasp what was being said. He blinked and asked:
"So, Headmaster, you want me to represent Hogwarts in this tournament?"
Dumbledore nodded, then shook his head again, just as Wentworth raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"To be precise," said Dumbledore, "it was Severus who recommended that you represent Hogwarts in this year's Potions Championship."
Wentworth was stunned. Of all people, he hadn't expected Snape to put his name forward.
Dumbledore looked amused as he went on:
"Severus said that even back in your first year, you demonstrated potion-handling skills far beyond your peers. He also mentioned that you might be using special brewing techniques passed down through your family?"
As he said this, Dumbledore's gaze shifted subtly toward Gellert Grindelwald, who had been silently observing from the side.
Grindelwald, calm as ever, met the headmaster's eyes and said:
"The Grindelwalds have always been known for producing versatile magical prodigies. Myself, for instance."
Dumbledore chuckled softly and turned his attention back to Wentworth.
Wentworth forced a smile, a bitter one. Whether the Grindelwald family had special Potion techniques, he had no idea, but he knew he certainly didn't. The only reason he had done so well in first-year Potions was thanks to one thing: getting his hands on Snape's old notebook ahead of everyone else.
Just as Wentworth was thinking about that, Dumbledore continued:
"Oh, and Severus asked me to let you know, your performance in the tournament will count as your Potions grade this term. If you take first place in the Potions Championship, he'll award you an Outstanding."
Wentworth gave an awkward laugh, half-joking, half-serious:
"And what if I come second? Or third, maybe even fourth?"
Dumbledore looked at him with twinkling eyes and replied, teasingly:
"Well then, I'm afraid, Wentworth… Severus said to tell you that unless you win first place, your final exam score will be your first-ever Troll."
Wentworth leapt to his feet in outrage.
"That's ridiculous!"
But Dumbledore remained composed.
"Well… you see, Severus himself won first place in the Potions Championship years ago—bringing home the championship trophy for Hogwarts: a golden cauldron."
That shut Wentworth up. He slumped back in his seat, muttering under his breath:
"Headmaster Dumbledore… when does the tournament actually begin? Will I have time to prepare at all?"
Dumbledore considered the question before answering:
"If I recall correctly, the Potions Championship is set to begin about one week after the Hogwarts term starts. It will be held at the Japanese Mahoutokoro."
Wentworth nodded, then brightened slightly.
"So I've got a week? That's enough time to ask Professor Snape for some intense training sessions! At the very least, he can give me a few helpful tips—"
But Dumbledore shook his head gently, cutting him off.
"Unfortunately, I'm afraid that won't be possible."
Wentworth gave him a puzzled look.
Dumbledore elaborated:
"Before we go to Japan, we'll be making a brief stop in Uganda—at Uagadou, the most prestigious magical school on the African continent, and also one of your opponents in the upcoming tournament."
Wentworth blinked.
"But, Headmaster… Japan and Uganda aren't exactly on the same route. And besides, we're wizards, surely we're not flying Muggle planes, are we?"
Dumbledore gave him a knowing smile, gesturing for him to calm down. His expression then turned more serious.
"Our visit to Uagadou isn't just a detour. We're going there to investigate a formal complaint that was filed against the school."
"During the recent International Animagus Symposium, a report was filed accusing Uagadou of failing to properly regulate its students, allowing them to transform into Animagi at will, without proper supervision. It poses a serious threat to the Statute of Secrecy, and could disrupt the balance of our magical world."
Wentworth nodded slowly, still trying to follow, then asked:
"And what does that have to do with us?"
Dumbledore's eyes twinkled with quiet amusement.
"Well, you see… your headmaster happens to be the current Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards. This is a grave accusation. Naturally, I must investigate it myself."
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TN: This fanfic has been fully translated and is available on my Patreon —— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]