Cassandra with Red Eyes

On the other hand, after Cassandra left, the flying lesson had to continue. Madam Hooch replaced Wentworth's broomstick, as the previous one had completely fallen apart during his collision with Cassandra.

Even Cassandra's broom had developed a long crack. Although Madam Hooch indicated that it could be repaired with a Mending Charm, the performance of a broomstick would inevitably be affected after such repairs.

Looking at Cassandra's broom placed to the side, Wentworth couldn't help but feel a bit awkward, thinking to himself, Why did I have to pick a fight with a female driver?

Wentworth made up his mind that once Cassandra returned, he would tell her that during the holidays, he would go to Diagon Alley and buy a new broomstick to give to her as compensation.

However, until the flying lesson ended, Cassandra did not return to class. This not only caused all the first-years to whisper among themselves, but it also deepened the unease in Wentworth's heart.

Even in the evening, when Wentworth, Cedric, and the others arrived at the Great Hall of Hogwarts for dinner, Wentworth noticed that Cassandra was also missing from the Slytherin table.

At this point, Wentworth was finally certain that something must have happened.

After dinner, Wentworth went to Snape's office as usual; after all, Snape had said that for the next month, he would be giving him "special tutoring" every night!

Knocking and entering, Snape was already waiting in the office. Seeing Wentworth walk in, Snape immediately began:

"Today, I will teach you how to brew a Wit-Sharpening Potion. The preparation of a Wit-Sharpening Potion requires..."

Seeing that Snape hadn't started with his usual cold sarcasm the moment he walked in, Wentworth couldn't help but feel a trace of surprise, feeling that this wasn't Snape's style at all.

But compared to that, Wentworth had more important things he wanted to ask.

"Professor Snape, I would like to ask, do you know what happened to Cassandra? She was called away by Headmaster Dumbledore during this afternoon's flying lesson and hasn't returned since. I'm a bit worried about her!"

Wentworth suddenly spoke up, interrupting Snape's lecture, which made Snape respond with some irritation:

"I suppose no one has ever told you that when others are speaking, you had best listen quietly, and even if you must speak, you should wait until they have finished!"

"Furthermore, I am curious, why are you so worried about Cassandra?"

At this point, Snape's expression even shifted slightly.

Fearing that Snape might misunderstand, Wentworth quickly spoke up:

"Of course, Professor, don't forget, I am a Hufflepuff! Although I have some misunderstandings with Cassandra, those are internal conflicts. If she has truly encountered some trouble, I am very willing to help!"

Snape looked at Wentworth, revealing a mocking smile, and asked with some disdain:

"Besides being a little clever, what else can you do? What kind of help could you possibly provide?!"

Wentworth thought carefully and solemnly before answering:

"I have money! A lot of money!"

Seemingly choked by Wentworth's answer, Snape didn't speak for a long time. After a while, Snape waved his hand and said:

"Your task is to study hard; the rest is for the professors to handle! Now, put away your curiosity and your overflowing sympathy, and let us continue the lesson!"

Seeing this, Wentworth stopped asking questions, but he confirmed one thing: whatever happened to Cassandra was definitely not a small matter! Anything that couldn't be solved with money was a big deal!

When the training with Snape ended that night, Wentworth returned to the Hufflepuff common room.

Along the way, Wentworth felt that Snape was a bit strange tonight. He hadn't treated him like a laborer, but had actually been teaching him Potions knowledge. Although he didn't know the reason for this change, being able to learn things not found in textbooks was a good thing regardless.

Returning to the Hufflepuff common room, Wentworth had originally intended to wait until everyone had gone to their dorms to sleep before sneaking off to the Room of Requirement to practice spells.

However, shortly after he returned, a Hufflepuff student ran in and headed straight for Wentworth, saying:

"Wentworth, Cassandra from Slytherin is waiting for you outside our common room. She wants you to come out and see her!"

"Whoa!!!"

Hearing the message brought by the Hufflepuff, the surrounding Hufflepuffs let out a chorus of strange noises, leaving Wentworth feeling quite awkward.

But the Hufflepuff who delivered the message added:

"Wentworth, be careful! I think Cassandra's state isn't quite right; it looks like her eyes are even red from anger!"

Hufflepuffs: ...

Wentworth: ???

As Wentworth walked toward the exit of the Hufflepuff common room, he assumed that the reason Cassandra's eyes were red from anger was because he had broken her broomstick during the flying lesson that afternoon.

Therefore, as soon as Wentworth stepped outside and saw Cassandra standing with her back to him not far away, he quickly said:

"Cassandra, I'm really sorry about this afternoon, breaking your broomstick, but I'll buy a... new one for you later..."

As he spoke, Wentworth's voice gradually trailed off.

Because at this moment, Cassandra had turned around, allowing Wentworth to see that her eyes were indeed red, but it was clearly from crying, not from being red with anger as the Hufflepuff had claimed!

"Cassandra, are you okay? Should we reschedule our duel?"

Seeing this, Wentworth couldn't help but ask tentatively.

But Cassandra shook her head very firmly and said:

"No need, today is fine!"

Saying this, Cassandra turned and walked away.

Seeing this, Wentworth had no choice but to quickly follow.

"Cassandra, if there are any difficulties or troubles, you can tell me. Maybe I can help you!"

"Our family has an old butler who has been with us for over a hundred years. Do you know why he has been able to live so long?"

"Because your family has special techniques for maintaining health?"

"Because he never meddles in other people's business!"

Wentworth: ...

When Cassandra and Wentworth walked to the first floor of Hogwarts, Cassandra suddenly stopped in her tracks. Seeing this, Wentworth wore an inquiring expression.

Cassandra asked, looking somewhat embarrassed:

"Where do you think... would be a suitable place for us to duel?"

Wentworth: ...