338 Chapter 337 "Special Independent Investigator"
Despite Essien's admission, Headmistress Lopez maintained a stern countenance as she asked, "Do you understand your mistake? Then enlighten me. Where did you go wrong?"
With a cautious tone, Essien kept his head bowed as he responded, "I should not have taken action against the visiting Hogwarts students. I humbly seek your forgiveness, Headmistress Lopez."
Upon hearing Essien's response, Headmistress Lopez took a deep breath before delivering her verdict, each word deliberate, "I see, you admit your mistake. But do you truly comprehend it? Even if it were a mistake, it was a trifling one at best! Your true mistake lies in allowing a Hogwarts student to toy with you all! It brings shame upon Uagadou!"
Essien flushed crimson at Headmistress Lopez's scolding, his head sinking even lower, "I don't quite understand, Headmistress..."
"That's why he toyed with you in the first place! Not only are you making me lose face in their first time visiting Uagadou, but you are making me ashamed of actually admitting you as one of my students." Lopez replied sternly.
Observing this exchange, Wentworth cast a curious glance at Dumbledore, who subtly gestured for him to remain composed. Meanwhile, Akingbade, standing nearby, interjected awkwardly, "Um, it's getting late. Headmaster Dumbledore, and esteemed young man, would you care to sample the delicacies of our Uagadou?"
Upon hearing Akingbade's invitation, Lopez shot Essien a fierce glare before turning to Dumbledore and Wentworth with a smile, remarking, "Indeed! To welcome your arrival, I've arranged for the cafeteria to prepare some of our local delicacies. I cordially invite both of you to partake in the feast!"
Dumbledore chuckled warmly in response, declaring, "Then it shall be a true delight for my students and me!"
Led by Lopez, the group proceeded toward the Uagadou School of Magic, "Let me guide you as my apology. I will make sure you have the best time in Uagadou from here on out."
Just as they were about to depart, Wentworth seemed to recall something and purposely approached Jimon, returning the inscription stone of the dream messenger he held in his arms to him.
With all eyes on him, Jimon couldn't help but blush. As he reached out to take back the dream messenger's inscription stone from Wentworth, Wentworth grabbed his hand.
Leaning close to Jimon's ear, Wentworth whispered softly, "You're welcome in England, at Hogwarts. Visit anytime soon after I leave Uagadou. I will prepare a feast for you!"
Jimon's response was laden with significance, "Thank you! Wentworth, we shall meet again soon."
With that, Jimon turned and departed, leaving behind a surprised Wentworth.
The other students of Uagadou, still wary of Jimon and his relationship with Wentworth, they started to approach him and interrogate him.
"What do you want to know?! I was simply acting as his tour guide. He pays me handsomely, and that's what matters. If any of you just show him a bit of kindness, perhaps he could spare a few Galleons as well for you." Jimon's voice could be heard as he slowly walked away from the crowd.
Hearing his answer put a smile on Wentworth's face.
At that moment, Dumbledore approached Wentworth, his gaze fixed on Jimon as he departed, and remarked, "I've been pondering how you managed to rise to this occasion, and it seems I've found my answer."
Wentworth, visibly irked, responded, "Professor, do you not realize I couldn't have ascended without the dream messenger's stone? Or are you deliberately testing me?"
Dumbledore quickly waved his hand in reassurance, saying, "You misunderstand, Wentworth. I had no intention of testing you. It's simply that as a special independent investigator on this mission, if you lack the strength to assert yourself, you won't be able to sway public opinion."
As Dumbledore spoke, Wentworth recalled something and hurriedly interjected, "Wait a moment, Professor. What exactly is a special independent investigator? Also, I overheard Essien mention that the purpose of his visit on behalf of the International Confederation of Wizards was to investigate the allegations against Uagadou at the recent Animagus seminar. And the accused Hogwarts student... isn't it me?"
Drawing a deep breath, Wentworth continued, "Professor Dumbledore, am I the Hogwarts student in question?"
Dumbledore maintained his composure and replied calmly, "Indeed, Wentworth. You are the Hogwarts student I've chosen for this particular task."
Upon hearing Dumbledore's admission, Wentworth clenched his teeth and exclaimed, "Professor, you were planning all this since Nurmengard, weren't you? Why didn't you tell me anything about this? What the hell is going on?!"
Dumbledore, unruffled, motioned for Wentworth to walk alongside him as they made their way toward the Uagadou School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
He began to explain, "It all traces back to last month's Animagus seminar. During the seminar, allegations surfaced accusing Uagadou of permitting students to use magic, particularly Animagus magic, without regard for the secrecy laws. This purportedly increases the risk of exposure to the Muggle world."
He continued, "Furthermore, the accusers argue that the substantial number of underage wizards at Uagadou learning Animagus poses a potential threat. The lack of effective control over their powers could lead to chaos in the wizarding world and endanger their fellow classmates."
"So, the proposal was made to bolster supervision over Uagadou. The suggestion is for the African Ministry of Magic to dispatch special personnel to oversee teaching at Uagadou firsthand."
Wentworth listened in disbelief, then retorted, "What's the rationale behind all this? Animagus causing chaos in the wizarding world? That's preposterous! We're all wizards here! Why the fear of Animagi?"
As Wentworth's words trailed off, he noticed Dumbledore looking at him with a half-smile, and the headmaster spoke slowly, "Indeed, many shared your belief until the Animagus seminar. It was there that a student from Uagadou unexpectedly and uncontrollably transfigured into an elephant, weighing several tons, on the spot."
Dumbledore continued somberly, "Had it not been for myself and a few old acquaintances present, the wizards surrounding the Uagadou student would likely have suffered serious injuries from the elephant's rampage. This incident prompted the investigation we now face."
Upon hearing Dumbledore's explanation, Wentworth nodded thoughtfully and remarked, "Professor Dumbledore, this sounds like a deeply woven conspiracy. Do you not harbor any suspicions? For instance, regarding the student who lost control and transformed into an Animagus, was he truly a Uagadou student?"
Dumbledore nodded in agreement but then disclosed, "Shortly after the incident, the Uagadou student announced his withdrawal from the school without returning. He claimed that his presence at Uagadou had caused too much trouble, bidding farewell to professors and classmates alike."
Wentworth couldn't help but chuckle with a hint of disdain on his face. He glanced at Dumbledore and bluntly queried, "An intriguing tale, but what relevance does it have to me?"
