Defense Against the Dark Arts

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

Wentworth said in a panic.

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

"Wentworth, clear your mind. Think about something else, anything at all!"

The others crowded behind Wentworth, all talking at once.

"Legilimency!"

At that moment, Wentworth finally realized how right he'd been to insist on going to Hogwarts yesterday. These people might all be experts in the Wizarding World, but they had no idea how to teach!

As expected, some things were best left to the professionals. When it came to learning, Hogwarts teachers were far more reliable. Speaking of Hogwarts teachers, Wentworth suddenly wondered who would be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year.

No, I need to clear my mind! Would it be Professor Bo? Or ***? Or some other professor?

And so, by drawing on his longing for the many teachers from his past life, Wentworth managed to endure Abernathy's first attempt at Legilimency.

"That's enough for today, Wentworth. Make sure you get plenty of rest. Practicing Occlumency takes a lot of energy. We'll continue tomorrow."

After Rosier spoke, she led the others away and said goodbye to Wentworth. As soon as they left, Wentworth hurried to the bathroom.

Back at Rosier's place, she turned to Abernathy at once and asked eagerly:

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

At Rosier's question, Abernathy blushed, seeming unsure how to answer.

"Abernathy, what's wrong? I noticed you blushing and sweating the whole time you were using Legilimency. Was Wentworth so talented that he resisted your Legilimency on his first try?"

Someone nearby asked curiously.

Still blushing, Abernathy waited a long moment before finally nodding as if resigned.

"That's right. Wentworth really is talented. I only managed to read a few things at first. After that, I got nothing!"

The others beamed at Abernathy's explanation. Wentworth, as a descendant of the Grindelwald Family, was the obvious choice to lead the Acolytes in the future, but none of them wanted to follow a weakling.

Now that Abernathy had tested him firsthand, they were satisfied and once again filled with hope for the future.

"Abernathy, what was Wentworth thinking about at first? If it was a secret we shouldn't know, never mind."

After a while, Rosier asked curiously.

"It's nothing we can't talk about. At first, Wentworth was wondering who would be teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts this year."

Abernathy thought for a moment, then answered immediately.

"So Wentworth still longs for Dark Magic!"

"Of course. Who doesn't admire powerful Dark Magic? I did too, back in the day! Wentworth is resisting its temptation and asking to learn Occlumency for our sake."

"Come to think of it, wasn't Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts cursed by the Second Generation Dark Lord?"

"Bullshit. What Second Generation Dark Lord? That guy wasn't fit to be mentioned in the same breath as our leader."

Ignoring the others' chatter, Rosier wore a thoughtful expression when she heard them mention Hogwarts' Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Soon, everyone noticed that Rosier seemed lost in thought, and their voices gradually quieted.

"Rosier, what's wrong? Is something bothering you?" Abernathy asked.

Rosier slowly came back to herself, then turned to the others, her gaze firm.

"I understand what Wentworth meant! Abernathy, I think Wentworth deliberately let you read his first thought!"

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

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

"If one of us becomes the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, the benefits to us would be enormous! First, we could protect Wentworth up close at Hogwarts. Second, we could help him with the next step of his plan. Third, we'd have a public identity!"

Only then did the others understand. But Abernathy frowned and asked:

"But would Dumbledore agree to let us become professors at Hogwarts?"

Rosier answered confidently:

"If it were any other subject, perhaps not. But Dumbledore must be desperate for someone to apply for Defense Against the Dark Arts! After all, the professors for that subject at Hogwarts have only ever met one of five fates: death, departure, escape, disappearance, or injury. No headmaster could put up with that!"

"But we're Acolytes! Dumbledore knows many of us!"

"Have you never heard of Polyjuice Potion?"

Only then did the others understand why Rosier was so confident, and they praised her quick thinking.

But Rosier sighed deeply and shook her head.

"No, these were all hints from Wentworth. He didn't spell it out because he's still hesitating. After all, the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts has a dangerous job. But this must all be part of Wentworth's plan."

At that, Abernathy stepped forward and said:

"I'll go! I used to work in the United States Congress, and I received a proper magical education. Taking a job as a school professor shouldn't be a problem."

But as soon as Abernathy finished speaking, someone objected:

"You've got to be kidding. I graduated from Durmstrang Institute too, and I received a proper magical education. Besides, I'm stronger than you and can do more to help Wentworth!"

"If you want to talk about strength, then I'd like to have a proper debate with you..."

"Enough!!!"

As the room threatened to descend into chaos, Rosier shouted, and everyone fell silent.

"The Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor is obviously a crucial part of Wentworth's plan. It takes more than strength; we also need to be careful. After all, we'd be right under Dumbledore's nose!"

"You lot take forever to figure anything out. Wentworth gave you a clear hint, and you still did nothing. How can I trust you to go? I'm afraid you'd only end up dragging Wentworth down!"

"This time, I'll go myself!"

Rosier looked out the window and spoke with absolute resolve.