Chapter 627: The Difference Between Wizards
Chapter 627: The Difference Between Wizards
"As much as I hate to admit it, it's true."
As Cedric saw the stunned expressions on the trio's faces, he smiled and said, "Back in the third year at the Transfiguration Club, he had already mastered the sixth-year curriculum. Everyone, including Professor McGonagall, found it incredible."
"That's why she decided to recommend Kyle to Advanced Transfiguration."
"The same goes for Potions class," Connor added.
Also in their third year, Kyle had brewed the 'Living Death' potion, which was meant for higher-level students, during class. This resulted in him receiving intense private lessons from Snape during the Christmas holidays, so the memory was still fresh.
Harry and Ron's expressions became even more interesting. They exchanged a glance, seeing the same thought reflected in each other's eyes.
...They needed to get out of here, not a minute sooner!
Though they had long been aware of the gap between themselves and Kyle, having it laid out so plainly before them was a bit hard to accept.
The difference between wizards was just too demoralizing... They felt that agreeing to come with Hermione had been a mistake.
"That's why I said I'm not suited to guide others."
Paying no mind to what Harry and Ron might be thinking, Kyle continued, "Cedric, on the other hand, is quite the opposite. He's always been top of the year, achieving 'Outstanding' in all subjects. He even got full marks in his O.W.L. for Spellcasting, demonstrating solid practical and theoretical knowledge.
"Moreover, he often teaches younger students in the common room. If we must choose a student to be a professor, no one is more suitable than him."
As Kyle heaped on the praise, Cedric didn't feel any happier.
"I feel like you're just indirectly bragging about yourself," he muttered. "You can learn it in one go, but I have to take it step by step."
"Don't sweat the small stuff," Kyle chuckled. "So, are you unwilling to teach them?"
"It's not that," Cedric shook his head. "If anyone's willing to listen, I'd be glad to help."
"There you go," Kyle said. He then turned to Hermione, "Of course, if you have someone else in mind, that's fine too. The more of these 'student professors' we have, the better, as long as they can gain the trust of their peers."
Hermione's mind seemed to be elsewhere, as she nodded complicatedly without saying a word.
Harry and Ron, who were standing behind her, kept giving her signals, eager to leave this place.
Hermione seemed like she wanted to say something more, but under the urging of the two, she could only temporarily set aside her doubts and return to the Gryffindor table with them.
After Hermione and the others left, Kyle lifted the Ear-Shutting Spell he had cast.
Cedric turned to him and asked, "I feel like they left feeling pretty disappointed. Are you really not going to teach them?"
"I have other things to do," Kyle said, "and you are indeed more suited to be a professor than I am."
"Don't say that," Cedric shook his head. "I'm not qualified to be a professor yet. I can only offer them some help with Dark Arts Defense."
"Is that so?" Kyle suddenly said, "Autumn might join as well. Wouldn't you want her to call you Professor?"
"Pffft!"
Cedric, who had been drinking pumpkin juice, couldn't hold it in and sprayed the drink all over.
Fortunately, Kyle was prepared, and with a slight flick of his wand, the pumpkin juice hanging in the air quickly condensed and disappeared with a snap.
Justin Finch-Fletchley, who was sitting across from Cedric, came back to his senses and gave Kyle a grateful look.
"Sorry, Justin," Cedric quickly apologized. Then, as if he had thought of something, his face turned red, and he glared at Kyle in annoyance.
“You...” Cedric's face turned even redder, even the tips of his ears were tinged with color.
"Alright, if not a professor, how about this," Kyle interjected, bringing the topic to a close. "What do you plan on teaching them? The Stunning Spell, Expelliarmus, or the Shield Charm?"
"All of those are fine, but I think the Shield Charm is the most important," Cedric panted, taking a few breaths to calm himself down before continuing. "I plan on organizing the content that Professor Moody taught us as a template. What do you think?"
"Oh, and Professor Lupin's Fog Spell and Swift Spell are also very useful."
"Learn to escape first... that's indeed a good idea." Kyle nodded in agreement. "You're indeed more suitable to teach them than I am."
"But..." Cedric turned to look back at the Gryffindor table, "I feel like they would much prefer for you to be the one teaching, not me."
"Never mind," Kyle said softly. "Everyone has a role that suits them best, just like in a Quidditch match. Aside from the players on both teams, the referee's position is equally important..."
Cedric didn't quite understand what he meant, but Kyle didn't explain further. Instead, he changed the subject and started discussing the venue with Cedric.
"If we're going to hold classes, we'll definitely need a classroom. Where do you plan on doing it?"
"I don't know," Cedric replied.
How could he have figured out a location so soon after being pushed into this position?
"How about the sixth floor?"
After a moment, Cedric said, "There are the most empty classrooms there, and usually, no one goes there, so it's relatively safe."
"That won't do," Kyle disagreed. "Just because fewer people go there doesn't mean no one will. Eventually, someone will stumble upon us... Let's go to the eighth floor, the Room of Requirement."
"The Room of Requirement?" Cedric thought of the magical room on the eighth floor, and his eyes lit up with excitement. "That's a brilliant idea! We definitely won't be discovered there."
"You're absolutely right," Kyle smiled.
After dinner, they returned to the Hufflepuff common room to discuss some of the other details.
"Tomorrow, I'll let Hermione know about the Room of Requirement," Cedric said. "But I'm not sure how many people will be willing to come... I mean, this is essentially an extra class, and it will take up their free time."
"You don't have to worry about that," Kyle assured him. "Anyone with a sound mind will join. Count me in as the first volunteer, Professor Diggory."
"I'll go tell Autumn," Connor chimed in. "I'm sure she won't refuse to take an extra class."
As if remembering something, Cedric's face turned red again, and he said angrily, "I told you not to call me that! I'm not a professor, and this is just an extra Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson. There's no need for you two to make such a fuss."
"We need the lessons too," Kyle said matter-of-factly. "Besides, you need to get used to it. Don't forget, Fred and George don't know about this yet."
Cedric's face fell... Fred and George, indeed.
"Is it too late for me to take back what I said?" he asked softly. "I remember Harry got the highest grade in Defense Against the Dark Arts last year. He would be a good choice for this 'student professor' role too."
"It's no use," Kyle patted him on the shoulder. "They've probably already heard about it from Hermione. And you're the Head Boy; you can't go back on your word now."
Cedric sighed helplessly. He could already imagine what those two would say to him tomorrow.
(End of Chapter)
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