As Wentworth whispered to Kirk by his side, Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and others were carefully reviewing the parchment that Professor Sprout had handed them.
After scanning its contents, Professor McGonagall was the first to break the silence, her voice filled with indignation.
"This is absurd! Who gave them permission to do such a thing? I'll have them return at once!"
But Dumbledore stopped her just as she was about to turn. After a moment of contemplation, he asked, "And what about Professor Snape?"
"I'm here," came Snape's measured response as he emerged unhurriedly from behind the group.
"Professor Snape, did you instruct the Slytherin students to do this?" McGonagall demanded, clearly frustrated at Snape's demeanor.
Snape, however, locked eyes with Dumbledore, his tone carrying a hint of insinuation. "Dumbledore, isn't this an excellent opportunity?"
Dumbledore neither opposed nor agreed immediately. Instead, he sank into deep thought once more.
An excellent opportunity? Only Dumbledore and Snape understood that this was a rare chance to gauge Wentworth's level of proficiency in spellwork.
Since yesterday, when Wentworth demonstrated a potion technique so unique that Snape initially mistook it for something entirely his own, Snape had warned Dumbledore. It was evident that before Wentworth's arrival at Hogwarts, the Pureblood Party had already begun training him.
If the Pureblood Party had gone so far as to train Wentworth in potioneering, there was no reason they wouldn't have provided him with some level of expertise in spellwork. After all, knowing that Wentworth was now under Dumbledore's watchful eye, it was only logical that they'd ensure he had some means of defending himself.
This presented a golden opportunity to uncover the extent of Wentworth's magical capabilities.
Dumbledore understood Snape's implication. Professor McGonagall appeared somewhat puzzled by the exchange, while Professor Sprout, though equally unsure of its full meaning, wisely refrained from asking questions. Still, her eyes betrayed her concern.
Finally, Dumbledore spoke. "Let us first hear what the students themselves have to say."
With that, Dumbledore took the parchment and slowly walked toward the gathering of Slytherins and Hufflepuffs. Addressing the group, he asked, "Hufflepuff students, what do you think of this parchment Slytherin has sent over?"
Kirk exchanged a glance with Wentworth, who gave him a small nod. This brief interaction did not escape the notice of Dumbledore, Snape, and the others. It was clear to all that whatever Kirk was about to say had likely been instructed by Wentworth.
"Headmaster Dumbledore," Kirk began with confidence, "we Hufflepuffs are willing to accept. While Hufflepuff is known as the kindest and most inclusive of the houses, since our Slytherin classmates have extended this request, we won't hesitate to teach them a thing or two about what magic truly is."
The Slytherin student Waylin, however, was quick to scoff at Kirk's declaration. "Teach us? What could you possibly teach us that isn't utterly useless?"
"You shouldn't speak so poorly of yourself," Kirk retorted with a stern expression.
Waylin: ???
Hearing this, Dumbledore chuckled heartily, as though reminiscing about something. Turning to Professor Flitwick, the head of Ravenclaw, he said, "Filius, can you guess what this parchment reminds me of?"
Professor Flitwick, smiling, responded, "Headmaster, if I'm not mistaken, it's the Dueling Club."
Dumbledore nodded. "Precisely! The Hogwarts Dueling Club—it's been dormant for quite some time now. Perhaps it's not such a bad idea to revive it on occasion. However, it must be conducted under the strict supervision of the staff. What do you young people think?"
"Since Slytherin has extended this dueling challenge and Hufflepuff has agreed, I hereby announce the official reformation of the Dueling Club! Tonight, Hogwarts will reopen its Dueling Club!"
Cheers erupted from the gathered students—not just from Slytherin and Hufflepuff but from Gryffindor and Ravenclaw as well. The mere mention of the Dueling Club was enough to ignite Gryffindor's competitive spirit. As for Ravenclaw? Everyone knew that their head of house, Professor Flitwick, had been a champion duelist in his youth.
Watching the jubilant students, Dumbledore's expression was warm and kind. "Ah, youth! But let us not forget the rules. For fairness, I propose that the judges for tonight's duels be Professor McGonagall from Gryffindor, Professor Flitwick from Ravenclaw, and Professor Ilona, our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher."
The three professors readily agreed to Dumbledore's suggestion.
"Now then, does anyone have anything else to add?"
Dumbledore's question seemed more rhetorical, but Kirk stepped forward once again. "Naturally. Since Slytherin initiated this challenge, Hufflepuff has a few conditions to propose as well!"
Dumbledore glanced at Wentworth, who stood silently behind Kirk, before saying, "Of course. You're entitled to make your suggestions."
Without hesitation, Kirk declared, "First, we Hufflepuffs request that the professors inspect both sides' duelists before the matches begin to ensure no one has consumed Felix Felicis or Polyjuice Potion."
Snape's expression darkened at this, while Waylin, his face flushed, exclaimed indignantly, "Kirk! Are you accusing Slytherin of being unfair?"
"I'm advocating for fairness," Kirk replied evenly.
Dumbledore nodded in approval. "I find Mr. Kirk's suggestion acceptable."
Waylin, though visibly annoyed, grudgingly conceded. "Fine! We Slytherins agree!"
Kirk continued, "Second, we request that both sides submit their lists of duelists to Professor Ilona before the matches and that no changes be allowed once the lists are finalized."
This time, Waylin preempted Dumbledore. "No problem! We agree! We'll start with our fifth years."
Seeing Waylin's quick agreement, Kirk seemed to relax before delivering his final proposal. "Third, Waylin, as the fifth-year prefects of Slytherin and Hufflepuff, we carry both honor and responsibility. Shouldn't we bear the consequences? I propose that if either house loses this duel, the respective prefect should voluntarily resign their position. Do you dare to accept?"
Waylin froze momentarily, calculating the odds. Convinced of Slytherin's superiority, he sneered, "Kirk, it seems you're eager to give up your prefect badge. Very well, I accept your challenge!"
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