Hufflepuff's Conditions

While Wentworth whispered beside Coke, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and the others were carefully reading the parchment Professor Sprout had handed them.

After reading its contents, Professor McGonagall was the first to speak, her voice full of anger:

"This is utter nonsense! Who gave them permission to do this? I'll send them back at once!"

But Dumbledore called out to Professor McGonagall as she turned to leave. After a moment's silence, he asked:

"Professor Snape?"

"I'm here!"

Only then did Snape emerge from behind them, unhurriedly.

"Professor Snape, did you instruct the Slytherin students to do this?"

Seeing Snape, Professor McGonagall couldn't help speaking with indignation.

But Snape kept his eyes fixed on Dumbledore and said pointedly:

"Dumbledore, this is a good opportunity, isn't it?"

Dumbledore didn't object. Instead, he sank into thought once more.

A good opportunity for what? Only Dumbledore and Snape understood: it was a chance to find out how skilled Wentworth was at spells!

As early as yesterday, when Wentworth demonstrated what Snape had mistaken for a unique potion-making technique of his own, Snape had warned Dumbledore that the Acolytes had obviously begun training Wentworth before he ever arrived at Hogwarts!

If the Acolytes had trained Wentworth in potion-making, there was no reason to think they hadn't trained him in spells, too! After all, Wentworth was now right under Dumbledore's nose. How could he have no means of defending himself?

And this was undoubtedly a perfect opportunity to discover the extent of Wentworth's spellwork!

Dumbledore understood what Snape meant. Professor McGonagall only half-understood, while Professor Sprout, though puzzled, wisely kept her questions to herself. Worry filled her eyes.

At last, Dumbledore spoke:

"Let's ask the students what they think first!"

Then Dumbledore took the parchment and slowly walked between the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs. He asked:

"Students of Hufflepuff, what do you think of this parchment from Slytherin?"

Green glanced at Wentworth one last time. Wentworth nodded to him, a moment that Dumbledore, Snape, and the others also noticed. They all understood: Green was likely speaking with Wentworth's approval.

"Headmaster Dumbledore, Hufflepuff is willing to accept. We may be the friendliest house, but since our Slytherin classmates have asked us for instruction, we won't be stingy. We're happy to teach them what magic is!"

Green spoke with confidence.

But Vane, hearing this, wouldn't stand for it. He hurriedly retorted with open disdain:

"Teach us? What useless things could you possibly teach?"

"I won't let you talk about yourself that way!"

Green replied sternly.

Vane: ???

Dumbledore laughed when he heard this, as if lost in a memory. He turned to Professor Flitwick, the Ravenclaw Head of House, who stood some distance away.

"Filius, guess what this parchment reminds me of?"

Professor Flitwick smiled and replied:

"Headmaster Dumbledore, if I'm not mistaken, the Dueling Club!"

Dumbledore nodded and continued:

"That's right, the Dueling Club! Hogwarts' Dueling Club has been suspended for quite some time. Perhaps reopening it for one evening would be a good idea! But it must be under the teachers' supervision, young men."

"Since Slytherin has issued a challenge to duel and Hufflepuff has accepted, I declare the challenge official! Tonight, the Dueling Club will reopen at Hogwarts!"

At Dumbledore's announcement, the young wizards erupted into cheers. It wasn't only the Slytherins and Hufflepuffs cheering; Gryffindor and Ravenclaw were just as excited!

The name alone was enough to tell you this was an activity Gryffindors loved. And Ravenclaw? Hadn't they heard that their Head of House had been a dueling champion in his youth?

Looking at the cheering students, Dumbledore said kindly:

"Young people have it good! But we need to set some rules. As for the judges, to ensure fairness, I propose that Professor McGonagall, Head of Gryffindor, Professor Flitwick, Head of Ravenclaw, and our Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor, Professor Ilona, serve together!"

The three professors readily agreed to Dumbledore's request.

"Now, is there anything else you'd like to say?"

Dumbledore had only asked the question as a formality, but Green stepped forward and said:

"Of course. Since Slytherin issued the challenge, we Hufflepuffs have a few suggestions of our own!"

Dumbledore glanced at Wentworth behind Green and said:

"Of course. That's your right!"

Without hesitation, Green began:

"First, we Hufflepuffs would like the professors to check both sides' duelists before the duels begin, to make sure no one has taken Felix Felicis or Polyjuice Potion!"

At Green's words, Snape's expression instantly darkened, while Vane flushed and said:

"Green! Are you questioning Slytherin's fairness?"

But Green replied calmly:

"I'm defending fairness!"

Dumbledore nodded and said:

"I think Mr. Green's suggestion is acceptable!"

Then Dumbledore looked at Vane, who answered angrily:

"No problem. Slytherin agrees!"

Green continued:

"Second, we Hufflepuffs want both sides to decide on their duelists in advance and submit the names to Professor Ilona before the duels begin. No changes to the list will be allowed!"

This time, Vane spoke before Dumbledore could:

"No problem. We agree to that, too! We'll start with the fifth-years!"

Seeing this, Green seemed relieved. He continued:

"Third, Vane, we're the fifth-year Prefects for Slytherin and Hufflepuff. That's both an honor and a responsibility. Shouldn't we take responsibility for this? I propose that whichever house loses the duels resign its Prefect. Do you dare?"

Hearing Green's proposal, Vane froze for a moment and thought it over carefully. He couldn't find any reason Slytherin would lose, so he sneered:

"Green, looks like you don't plan on staying Prefect. Since you're so eager to resign, I'll help you out! I agree!"