When Hermione stepped out of the room, about to return to the dormitory, she nearly bumped into Ron, who was hurrying toward her. Startled to see him rushing in her direction, she blurted out:
"Ron? What are you doing here?"
Ron stopped in front of her, panting slightly, and answered, "Ginny said you ran off looking flustered. I was worried about you, so I came to find you. Is something wrong?"
Hermione quickly shook her head and replied, "No, nothing serious. I just remembered a spell I wanted to try and needed a quiet place to practice. But thanks—how did you find me so quickly?"
Ron gave an awkward shrug and mumbled, "Well… it's good that you're okay. Let's head back."
Hermione didn't mention the Secret Order. For one, they hadn't shown any direct hostility—at least not yet—toward her or Hogwarts. And more importantly, she knew full well that her friends stood no chance against the likes of its members. Telling them now would only place them in danger.
As she mulled this over, a piercing scream shattered the air, stopping both her and Ron in their tracks.
They exchanged a glance—and in the next instant, Hermione bolted toward the source of the scream, with Ron just a moment behind.
Following the sound, they reached a nearby bathroom, where a Gryffindor girl was collapsed at the threshold, trembling in shock.
As Hermione and Ron arrived, the girl raised a shaking finger and pointed inside. Hermione followed her gaze—and there, lying stiff and unmoving on the floor, was Cassandra.
Hermione's heart sank.
"This is bad."
Knowing Wentworth's true identity, Hermione couldn't help but think: If he loses control, the entire school might have to bear the consequences.
Wentworth soon arrived, flanked by Kirk and Cedric. The moment he saw Cassandra's petrified body, he struck the wall with his fist.
Kirk and Cedric rushed to restrain him.
Just as he turned toward the Gryffindor girl who had discovered Cassandra, Hermione stepped in front of him.
His expression darkened further, and Hermione quickly said, "Wentworth, please—calm down and listen to me. I was the first one here after hearing her scream. I already spoke to her—she only came to the bathroom to tidy up her clothes. The moment she opened the door, she saw Cassandra on the floor. She didn't do this."
Wentworth frowned and said impatiently, "I know she didn't do it. I just need to ask her something."
Only then did Hermione reluctantly move aside.
Wentworth stepped forward and asked, "On your way here, did you see anyone else?"
The Gryffindor girl, now recovering thanks to the support of the surrounding students, shook her head slowly after a moment of thought.
Wentworth took a deep breath, clearly struggling to keep his fury in check. "Try to remember—carefully."
The girl hesitated, then said, "I—I really had to use the loo and was looking for one closer than usual. I didn't see anyone strange on the way. I came in and saw Cassandra like that on the floor, and I screamed. Hermione and Ron arrived just after. Then... everyone else followed."
Wentworth gave a nod and subtly signaled Kirk with his eyes. Kirk slipped away without a word.
Turning back to Hermione and Ron, Wentworth asked, "And what about you two? Why are you here?"
Hermione opened her mouth to answer—only to falter. If she didn't explain what had happened earlier, it really would be difficult to justify why she was here at this exact moment.
Faced with Wentworth's piercing gaze, Hermione exhaled and said weakly, "Wentworth, I do have my reasons for being here, but I swear—I didn't do this. You... you have to believe me!"
Even she could hear the desperation in her own voice.
To her surprise, Wentworth nodded and said simply, "I believe you didn't do it."
Hermione blinked, caught off guard—and was unexpectedly touched.
But her moment of relief was cut short when Wentworth added coolly, "Because Salazar Slytherin would never choose you as his heir. And you certainly couldn't control what he left behind."
Hermione: "…"
Still, knowing that Wentworth didn't suspect her, Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of relief.
Then he turned to Ron.
"Ron, what about you? Why are you here?"
Ron quickly jumped in. "I was looking for Hermione!"
Seeing that Wentworth still looked unconvinced, Ron hastily added, "Ginny told me Hermione ran off in a panic. I thought something might've happened, so I chased after her. Just as I found her, we heard the scream—and came here together."
At that, Wentworth gave a thoughtful nod.
He already knew Cassandra had planned to use Polyjuice Potion to impersonate Hermione and meet with Ginny. From what he'd heard, he could now piece things together: the real Hermione must have discovered the impersonation and given chase, Ginny informed Ron, and Ron followed as well.
But something still didn't sit right.
Just then, the students gathered nearby began to part, making way as Professor Dumbledore, followed closely by Professor Snape and others, approached the scene.
Upon arriving, Dumbledore, as always, instructed the students to disperse and had someone carry Cassandra to the Hospital Wing.
As the crowd thinned and the corridor quieted, Dumbledore looked at Wentworth, who had remained rooted to the spot. He gave a soft sigh.
"If you have something to say," said Dumbledore gently, "come and say it in my office."
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