Not Lost Yet!

Vane was seen walking toward Professor Ilona with an anxious expression, saying:

"Professor, I protest!"

Ilona glanced at Vane and asked in a flat tone:

"Protest? Protest what?"

Vane pointed toward the Hufflepuff side, looking indignant as he said:

"Professor, Hufflepuff is cheating!"

Faced with Vane's accusation, Professor Ilona couldn't help but roll her eyes. Without even looking at him, she said:

"Hufflepuff is cheating? Be specific. How exactly are they cheating?"

"They... they..."

Vane was suddenly struck dumb, not knowing what to say. After all, Hufflepuff had only manipulated the order of appearance; they hadn't violated any agreements or the rules of the duel.

Seeing Vane rendered speechless, Cassandra, who had been silent for a long time in the Slytherin ranks, finally couldn't hold back anymore. Ever since Wentworth had first stepped onto the dueling stage to face Vane, Cassandra had sensed that something was wrong.

But it wasn't until Green stepped up just now that Cassandra understood Hufflepuff's plan. Her heart was conflicted; on one hand, she admired Hufflepuff's strategy, but on the other, she felt deeply unwilling to accept it.

Thus, Cassandra walked up to Professor Ilona and said:

"Professor Ilona, I believe the reason Hogwarts reopened the Dueling Club was to test our students' practical combat abilities. Doesn't Hufflepuff's use of such tactics make this duel meaningless?"

"What do you think? Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick."

Faced with Cassandra's inquiry, Professor McGonagall seemed somewhat hesitant, but Professor Ilona said, appearing completely unshaken:

"Cassandra, you must understand that real combat is not just two people standing still and blasting spells at each other! In actual combat, strategy is often more important than raw power!"

Professor Flitwick, who had been standing to the side, also nodded and said:

"Indeed, I agree with Professor Ilona's opinion. Exceptional wisdom is humanity's greatest treasure!"

As the Head of Ravenclaw House, Professor Flitwick used a classic Ravenclaw sentiment to draw a conclusion to the debate.

Seeing that both Professor Ilona and Professor Flitwick approved of Hufflepuff's methods—even showing their support—Cassandra, despite her extreme reluctance, had no other choice but to return to the Slytherin ranks.

Subsequently, under Professor Ilona's urging, the duel between Hufflepuff and Slytherin continued.

Although Green admitted that he was no match for Vane, as a Hufflepuff prefect facing a lower-year Slytherin, he still demonstrated his own strength.

Moreover, compared to Vane, Green was much steadier beneath his cynical exterior. He started with an Armor Charm to make himself invincible, then, after a few rounds of spell exchanges, he finished by disarming his opponent with an Expelliarmus, winning easily.

Returning to the Hufflepuff students, Green ignored the cheers and flattery directed at him and walked straight to Wentworth, pulling him into a hug and expressing his gratitude repeatedly.

The two subsequent duels—a Hufflepuff fourth-year against a Slytherin third-year, and a Hufflepuff third-year against a Slytherin second-year—were also uneventful, both ending in Hufflepuff's favor.

When Hufflepuff secured their third victory, the house erupted in thunderous cheers. Perhaps infected by the excitement, or perhaps out of admiration for Hufflepuff's strategy, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw also broke into applause.

Amidst the cheers that echoed throughout Hogwarts, Green and Cedric grabbed Wentworth by either side and, with the help of other Hufflepuffs, tossed him into the air to show their gratitude to the hero of their victory.

"Put me down! I'm afraid of heights! You bunch of ingrates! Ahhh!"

As Wentworth screamed in terror, the cheers on the field grew even louder!

All the professors watched the scene in silence, tacitly choosing not to intervene. Dumbledore, McGonagall, Snape, and others who knew Wentworth's true identity were all thinking the same thing:

From this day on, Wentworth had become the most prestigious figure in Hufflepuff! After conquering the stomachs of all the Hufflepuffs, Wentworth had finally conquered their hearts as well!

Ilona, meanwhile, was thinking that Wentworth was only in his first year. If nothing went wrong, he would be here for seven more years. In total, thirteen classes of students would be his classmates.

Where was this? This was Hogwarts! Thirteen classes! That was an entire era in the wizarding world! So, the reason our new leader of the Acolytes chose to come to Hogwarts was to monopolize the magical talent of an entire generation! What vision, what ambition!

When Ilona was still Rosier, she had always wondered what kind of plan Wentworth was hiding. Every time she thought she had guessed it, Wentworth would surprise her again shortly after.

Today, Ilona finally confirmed one thing: leaders can be trained, but true leaders are born! Like the great Gellert once was, or like Wentworth is now!

Just as most of the professors were lost in their thoughts, as the Hufflepuffs were immersed in joy, and the Slytherins were drowning in sorrow, one person remained clear-headed.

"Hey! Have you all had enough?! This duel isn't over yet!"

A voice like a silver bell rang out, and the noisy Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom at Hogwarts suddenly fell silent.

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound to see a girl with green eyes and a graceful figure, wearing green robes, standing on the dueling stage with her wand in hand, waiting.

"Cassandra, we... we've already lost..."

Seeing this, Vane walked behind Cassandra and tried to persuade her, looking utterly dejected.

"You lost, not me! I haven't even stepped onto the stage yet! And stay away from me! You are not worthy of the greatness of Slytherin!"

Cassandra's words made Vane flush red, and he couldn't help but retreat. The other Slytherins looked equally ashamed.

"Professor Ilona, perhaps Slytherin has lost, but I haven't! Please announce the list for the next duel!"

Cassandra stared ahead with a firm gaze as she spoke.

Everyone, please give a little tap and cast your votes!

Thank you all!

May your new year be sweet and refreshing!