Before the Division of Houses

"Are you two really meeting for the first time today?"

Cassandra asked with a hint of curiosity. After receiving a firm nod from Wentworth, a strange smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.

"May Merlin bless you—no, bless you both! If Merlin can even bring himself to do so."

Without waiting for Wentworth to react, Cassandra followed in Hagrid's footsteps, leaving a stunned Wentworth standing in her wake.

Soon, Hagrid led all the first-years along a winding path until they reached the edge of a vast lake.

"Everyone, before you lies the Black Lake. We shall cross it by boat to reach Hogwarts Castle. Remember, four to a boat—it must be four to a boat!"

Hearing Hagrid's words, Wentworth leaned forward, peering curiously into the dark water.

"What are you looking at?"

A fellow student asked from behind him.

"I heard there are water monsters in the Black Lake. I'm just checking to see if they're happy to see us!"

Wentworth's remark caused many of the young wizards nearby to instinctively step back. The students who had been scrambling to be the first on the boats now subconsciously steered clear of the water's edge.

"Tch, a bunch of cowards. Move aside, don't block my way!"

Cassandra strode toward the shore and headed straight for one of the moored boats.

Yet, after Cassandra climbed aboard, no other student dared to follow. Whether they were spooked by Wentworth's words or simply intimidated by Cassandra's overwhelming presence, they all held back.

Seeing this, Wentworth sighed helplessly, stepped forward, and sat down beside Cassandra. Finally, two other students called out by Hagrid climbed in, looking thoroughly reluctant.

The group then set off, rowing their boats toward the far side of the lake.

When Hogwarts Castle first appeared in his line of sight, Wentworth couldn't help but stand up.

Bathed in starlight, Hogwarts looked mysterious and magnificent. Although Wentworth had seen it countless times in the original books and films during his past life, seeing it with his own eyes made him realize how inadequate language truly was; no words could capture even a ten-thousandth of the ancient castle's grandeur.

While Wentworth and the others were crossing the lake, Ilona had already arrived at the Headmaster's office under the guidance of Professor McGonagall, where Dumbledore was waiting for her.

After dropping Ilona off, Professor McGonagall hurried away; after all, as Deputy Headmistress, she was far busier than Dumbledore.

Looking at the wizard she had fantasized about defeating countless times, Ilona offered a refined smile.

"Greetings, Headmaster Dumbledore. I am Ilona. It is a pleasure to meet you. As the greatest white wizard of this age, I have imagined this meeting a thousand times."

Dumbledore gazed at Ilona with soft eyes. After a moment, he spoke:

"Greetings, Ms. Ilona. You must be tired from your journey. The opening feast won't begin for a while; would you care for a Sherbet Lemon?"

Ilona waved her hand in refusal.

"Thank you for your hospitality, Headmaster Dumbledore, but I think I shall pass. A generous student on the train already treated me to plenty of sweets."

Dumbledore nodded, not pressing the matter, and said with a smile:

"Hogwarts students are warm and hospitable children. I believe you will like it here! Ms. Ilona—no, I should call you Professor Ilona from now on."

Ilona wore a perfectly measured smile, feigning pleasant surprise:

"Does this mean I have been hired, Headmaster Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore nodded, confirming:

"Indeed, Professor Ilona. Not everyone can withstand my Legilimency while looking me directly in the eye. You will surely make an excellent Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"However, due to the timing, we cannot have the students purchase the books you specified. I'm afraid you will have to continue using the previous Defense Against the Dark Arts textbooks. Would that be acceptable?"

Ilona's smile grew even brighter as she replied:

"Of course, Headmaster Dumbledore. In truth, I don't require many textbooks!"

"That is good to hear, Professor Ilona."

"I advocate for practical combat!"

By the time Wentworth and Cassandra arrived outside Hogwarts Castle by boat, Professor McGonagall was already waiting for them.

"Everyone, welcome to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry! Once we enter the castle, we will proceed with the Sorting Ceremony."

"As I am sure you all know, Hogwarts has four houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin, named after the four founders of Hogwarts."

Listening to Professor McGonagall's introduction, Wentworth curled his lip and whispered:

"What a dull, uninspired introduction."

But Wentworth had forgotten that a cat's ears are incredibly sensitive, and Professor McGonagall was a well-known cat-shifter.

"Mr. Wentworth, if I am not mistaken, you are Mr. Wentworth, are you not? It seems you have some better ideas regarding my introduction?"

Wentworth hadn't expected his mutterings to be overheard by Professor McGonagall.

He was about to step forward and apologize, but then he remembered his plan: to stay far away from Gryffindor and Slytherin. And the woman before him was the Head of Gryffindor.

It felt wrong to think this way, but if he could make McGonagall dislike him, surely the Sorting Hat wouldn't place him in Gryffindor.

Thus, Wentworth stepped out without a hint of hesitation, standing before all the first-years:

"Yes, Professor McGonagall. I do believe your introduction to the four houses of Hogwarts was far too simplistic. This introduction has likely been used for many years without change—it is truly devoid of innovation. The Muggle world changes with each passing day; the wizarding world should also strive for constant progress!"

Watching the articulate Wentworth, McGonagall thought to herself: Dumbledore, this child truly carries the blood of the Grindelwalds. He is destined to stir up change in the wizarding world, just like his grandfather.

And now, he had become a student at Hogwarts.

Despite these thoughts, Professor McGonagall did not silence him. Though she was famously strict, she was not a professor who forbade students from speaking their minds.

"It seems, Mr. Wentworth, that you know quite a lot about the four houses of Hogwarts. If it were you, how would you introduce them?"

Professor McGonagall stood at the front, looking down at Wentworth as she asked.