339 Chapter 338 "I Choose Hufflepuff"
"When the incident occurred, the International Confederation of Wizards could no longer remain passive and resolved to dispatch investigators to Uagadou. However, there were disagreements concerning who should undertake this task."
"It was proposed that the local Ministry of Magic oversee the investigation, but this suggestion faced opposition from many quarters."
Wentworth interjected with nonchalance, "These individuals seem to have too much time on their hands. I believe it would be prudent for the local Ministry of Magic to conduct the investigation. They possess a better understanding of the local dynamics."
Dumbledore's response was calm and deliberate, "Among those dissenting voices, you'll find me."
Wentworth conceded, with a wry smile, "Carry on, then. I'll listen closely."
Undeterred, Dumbledore continued, "The reason is quite straightforward. Politics ought to remain external to educational institutions. This is a principle unanimously upheld by magical institutions worldwide."
Wentworth nodded in comprehension, prompting Dumbledore to proceed, "Subsequently, another proposal was put forth—each school would appoint professors to investigate at Uagadou. However, this was vehemently opposed by Laila Lopez! Such a measure would unduly tarnish Uagadou's reputation, implying inferiority compared to other magical institutions."
"In summary, after several days of deliberation, all parties reached a consensus, dividing the investigation into two distinct components. The first involves representatives from the International Confederation of Wizards examining whether Uagadou permits its students to employ magic in contravention of international confidentiality statutes."
"In the second part, an underage wizard is selected to scrutinize the potential threat posed by Uagadou's Animagus program to surrounding underage wizards from the perspective of one of their peers."
Upon hearing Dumbledore's explanation, Wentworth interjected abruptly, "I comprehend, Professor. So, you're representing the International Confederation of Wizards, while I am to represent the underage wizard?"
Dumbledore nodded in affirmation, "Exactly, Wentworth."
Observing this, Wentworth couldn't resist offering Dumbledore a thumbs-up and remarked, "Professor, you truly possess remarkable foresight! As the emissary of the International Confederation of Wizards, your authority is unquestionable. However, aren't you concerned that by selecting Hogwarts students as representatives of underage wizards, you may inadvertently impose bias, intentionally disadvantaging Uagadou to elevate Hogwarts' reputation?"
Dumbledore chuckled in response. After his laughter subsided, he said, "In truth, initially, Laila harbored reservations about appointing Hogwarts students as representatives of underage wizards. However, I reassured her that the students we nominate from Hogwarts would invariably be selected from Hufflepuff. Upon hearing this, Laila readily assented."
Upon hearing Dumbledore's explanation, Wentworth expressed his confusion, "What kind of statement is that?"
Dumbledore blinked at Wentworth and responded calmly, "You have someone to thank for this."
Curious, Wentworth couldn't help but inquire, "Who?"
"Newt Scamander!" Dumbledore exclaimed with a smile as he patted Wentworth's shoulder.
Later that evening, during the dinner arranged by Uagadou for Dumbledore and Wentworth, Lopez personally served a mysterious sausage onto Wentworth's plate. Lopez explained, "Yes, the reason I agreed to your presence at Uagadou is due to your affiliation with Hufflepuff, the same house as Newt."
Grateful for the opportunity, Wentworth thanked Lopez and then, with a puzzled expression, asked, "May I inquire why, Headmistress Lopez? I mean, just because I'm from Hufflepuff? You know, just because we came from the same House doesn't mean necessarily that I am the same as Mr. Scamander."
Laila Lopez nodded, then elaborated, "When circumstances are beyond alteration, and there must be underage wizards acting as special independent investigators, it's only natural that I opt for the best available choice. I didn't choose you specifically; I chose Hufflepuff."
"I've known Newt for many years, and he has made occasional visits to Africa over the years, forging numerous connections here, albeit most of them being strange creatures," Lopez explained, reminiscing few of the encounter she had with Newt.
Upon hearing this, Wentworth couldn't resist interjecting, "There are no strange creatures, only narrow-minded people."
Lopez was momentarily taken aback before smiling and agreeing, "Precisely, just as he said! You see why I didn't regret my choice at all?"
"I once asked him if he was a Hogwarts student, and Newt shook his head. Then, he told me that Hufflepuff students are kind, honest, brave, and sincere at the very least."
Observing Lopez indulging in her sausage, Wentworth couldn't help but offer a wry smile. "Headmistress Laila Lopez, your words have placed quite a burden on me! I don't think I am ready to carry all this responsibility with me."
Responding casually, Laila Lopez reassured, "Don't feel pressured because I firmly believe that we at Uagadou have done nothing wrong!"
Shifting the topic, Laila Lopez inquired, "After walking all day, what are your impressions of Uagadou, or our students?"
Reflecting on his journey, Wentworth replied sincerely, "What impressed me most about Uagadou was the students' impeccable spell mastery. Nearly everyone could perform wandless magic, albeit basic spells. It was both impressive and surprising."
"Few encounters with them as you've seen brought me to that conclusion. While some of them might be not welcoming against strangers from outside their school, but I found someone like Jimon to be quite a fresh breath of air compared to my friends back at Hogwarts." Wentworth continued.
Lopez, mid-bite, paused momentarily, wearing a wry smile at Wentworth's remark.
As Wentworth pondered over the situation, Akimbade, seated beside him, offered a friendly smile and clarified, "Wentworth, I believe there might be a misunderstanding. You see, we're in Africa, where the use of magic wands originated from European invention. It wasn't until the recent century that wands were introduced to Africa."
"Furthermore, unlike Europe and the United States, where wizards are often divided by nationality, African wizards typically affiliate with tribes. These tribes have limited interaction, hindering the spread of wand usage."
Akingbade continued, "Hence, many magical tribes in Africa continue to practice wandless magic. It's not a matter of capability but rather a lack of familiarity with wands."
Adding to Akingbade's explanation, Lopez chimed in, "Moreover, most skilled wand makers reside in Europe and the United States. The cost of acquiring a quality wand is often prohibitive for many African wizards."
"While some wands are crafted locally in Africa, they may not always serve wizards well and could even pose additional challenges. That's why we opted to do with what's already available and hone our spell casting with what's already available to us."
Wentworth absorbed this insight, recognizing the unique dynamics shaping magical practices in Africa. With the preconception that wizards and witches need to have their own wands shattered into pieces in his mind, he started to wonder what more surprises await him in this magical land.
