Defense Against the Dark Arts

"Wait, are we starting already? At least tell me what I'm supposed to do!"

Wentworth said, sounding somewhat panicked.

"Be careful not to make eye contact with Abernathy, Wentworth!"

"Wentworth, let your mind wander, think about other things—random, messy things, anything at all!"

The others stood behind Wentworth, chiming in all at once.

"Legilimency!"

At that moment, Wentworth finally felt how correct his decision to insist on going to Hogwarts yesterday had been. Although the people in front of him were all masters of the magical world, they had absolutely no idea how to teach!

As expected, professional matters should be left to professionals. When it came to learning, the teachers at Hogwarts were far more reliable. Speaking of Hogwarts teachers, Wentworth suddenly wondered, who would be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher this year?

*No, I need to let my mind wander! Would it be Professor Bo? Or Professor **? Or some other teacher?

Just like that, relying solely on his longing for the many teachers from his past life, Wentworth managed to endure Abernathy's first attempt at Legilimency.

"Let's stop here for today, Wentworth. Make sure to get plenty of rest; practicing Occlumency is very draining. We'll continue tomorrow."

After Rosier finished speaking, she bid farewell to Wentworth along with the others. Once they had left, Wentworth hurried off to the restroom.

Upon returning to Rosier's residence, she turned to Abernathy, unable to contain her impatience:

"Abernathy, what do you think of Wentworth's talent? What were you able to see with Legilimency?"

Hearing Rosier's question, Abernathy's face flushed, as if he found it difficult to speak.

"Abernathy, what's wrong? I noticed earlier that while you were using Legilimency, not only were you blushing, but you were also breaking out in a sweat. Could it be that Wentworth's talent is so great that he managed to resist your Legilimency on his very first try?"

Someone nearby asked curiously.

Abernathy, face still red, finally conceded after a long moment and nodded:

"That's right, Wentworth's talent is indeed impressive. I only managed to glimpse a few things at the very beginning, and after that, I gained nothing at all!"

Hearing Abernathy's explanation, the group was filled with joy. Although Wentworth, as a blood descendant of the Grindelwald Family, was the undisputed choice for the future leader of the Acolytes, no one wanted to follow a weakling.

Hearing the conclusion Abernathy reached after testing him personally, the group finally felt satisfied and began to look toward the future with renewed hope.

"Abernathy, what was Wentworth thinking about at the very beginning? If it's a secret you can't tell us, then never mind."

After a moment, Rosier suddenly asked with curiosity.

"It's nothing that can't be said. At the start, Wentworth was wondering who the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher would be this year."

Abernathy thought for a moment and answered immediately.

"As expected, Wentworth still yearns for the Dark Arts!"

"Of course, who doesn't yearn for powerful Dark Arts? I yearned for them back in the day, too! Wentworth is able to resist the temptation of the Dark Arts and ask to learn Occlumency—all of that is for our sake!"

"By the way, wasn't the Defense Against the Dark Arts position at Hogwarts cursed by the Second Generation Dark Lord?"

"Bullshit, what Second Generation Dark Lord? Someone like that doesn't deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as our leader!"

Ignoring the chatter of the others, Rosier wore a thoughtful expression after hearing about the Defense Against the Dark Arts class at Hogwarts.

Soon, everyone noticed that Rosier seemed lost in deep thought, and the volume of their discussion began to fade.

"Rosier, what's wrong? Is something the matter?"

Abernathy asked.

After slowly coming back to her senses, Rosier turned to look at everyone, her eyes firm as she said:

"I understand what Wentworth meant! Abernathy, I think Wentworth intentionally let you use Legilimency to see his initial thoughts!"

Seeing Abernathy's bewildered expression, Rosier shook her head and continued to explain:

"The Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is the next step in Wentworth's plan! He wants one of us to become the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher at Hogwarts!"

"Once one of us becomes the teacher, the benefits to us will be immense! First, we can protect Wentworth at close range within Hogwarts; second, we can assist with the next phase of Wentworth's plan; and third, we can obtain a public identity!"

Hearing Rosier's explanation, the group was suddenly enlightened. However, Abernathy frowned and asked:

"But will Dumbledore agree to our request and let us become professors at Hogwarts?"

Rosier replied with absolute confidence:

"If it were any other subject, Dumbledore might not, but for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Dumbledore is currently desperate for someone to apply! After all, the fate of a Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is always one of five outcomes: death, disappearance, fleeing, or injury. No headmaster of any school could stand that!"

"But we are the Acolytes! Dumbledore knows many of us!"

"Have you never heard of Polyjuice Potion?"

Hearing this, the group finally understood why Rosier was so confident, and they began to praise her quick thinking.

Rosier, however, let out a long sigh, shook her head, and said:

"No, this was all a hint from Wentworth. The reason he didn't say it explicitly is because Wentworth is still hesitant; after all, being a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts is a high-risk profession. But surely, all of this is part of Wentworth's plan."

Hearing this, Abernathy stepped forward and said:

"I'll go! I once worked for the American Congress and received a formal magical education. Taking on a position as a school professor shouldn't be a problem."

But no sooner had Abernathy finished speaking than someone retorted:

"You must be joking. I am also a graduate of Durmstrang Institute and have received a proper magical education. Furthermore, my strength is greater than yours, which means I can be of more help to Wentworth!"

"If you want to talk about strength, then I really must have a proper debate with you about that..."

"Enough!!!"

Seeing that the scene was about to descend into chaos, Rosier let out a roar, which finally caused everyone to quiet down.

"The Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts is clearly a crucial part of Wentworth's plan. It requires not only strength but also sufficient caution; after all, that is right under Dumbledore's nose!"

"Look at you few, taking so long to think through a problem. Wentworth clearly gave you a hint, yet you remained indifferent. How can I feel at ease letting you go? If you go, I'm afraid you'll only end up dragging Wentworth down with you!"

"This time, I will go myself!"

Rosier looked out the window and said with ironclad resolve.