It was lunchtime in the Great Hall, and the atmosphere buzzed with chatter, clinking cutlery, and the warmth of Hogwarts' enchanted ceiling, mimicking a pleasant sunny afternoon.
When Cedric Diggory walked in, surrounded by a group of first-year Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws, talking and laughing as though they were lifelong friends, the entire hall couldn't help but turn their heads. In an instant, he became the center of attention — the most radiant presence among all the new students.
"Let's catch up after lunch," Cedric said with an easy smile, parting ways with the Ravenclaws.
He led the Hufflepuffs to their table, where, as they took their seats, platters of steaming hotpot dishes appeared before them. The scent was tantalizing, and even a few curious Ravenclaws couldn't resist drifting over to join them, bringing more laughter and chatter to the growing group.
The scene was nothing short of lively — a warm, inclusive gathering that felt more like a celebration than a meal.
At the Gryffindor table, Fred and George Weasley watched the scene unfold with a mixture of awe and frustration.
"That kid…" Fred muttered, his expression twisted into a pout.
"…really knows how to charm people," George finished with a sigh, slumping in his seat.
The twins were not ones to shy away from a challenge, but even they had to admit Cedric's natural charisma made him a particularly tricky target for their usual pranks. Pranking someone under that much positive attention was like trying to sneak dungbombs into the Hogwarts staffroom — it could be done, but the risk was enormous.
Still, the Weasley twins were never ones to give up easily. Facing difficulty was practically their trademark.
"He's way too high-profile," Percy Weasley commented from beside them, adjusting his perfectly groomed red hair with an air of practiced smugness. The older Weasley sibling clearly wasn't a fan of Cedric's popularity.
"If I were a prefect, I wouldn't flaunt it like that."
Fred turned to Percy, eyes wide in exaggerated shock. "Merlin's beard… you actually agree with us?"
George mirrored the look. "This is terrifying! Are we becoming like him?"
"We need to check our brain circuits," Fred said solemnly. "Quick, someone cast a Scourgify on our thoughts!"
"Terrifying indeed," George muttered, mock-clutching his chest.
Percy, thoroughly unimpressed, sniffed and glared at them both. "Regardless, Mum told me to keep an eye on you two. One toe out of line, and I'll send an owl to her before you can say 'exploding snap.'"
Fred and George exchanged dramatic, exaggerated baby talk.
"Aba, abaa, abaaa!" Fred said with mock horror.
"Abba, ababa, abba!" George replied, hands raised in helpless defeat.
Lunch ended quickly, and after a short break, it was time for Herbology class.
This time, the Hufflepuffs would be sharing the lesson with the Gryffindors.
As the students arrived at Greenhouse One, the difference between the two Houses was immediately clear. The Gryffindors, spirited and unruly, arrived in loose clusters, laughing and chatting as they trailed in behind the Weasley twins. In contrast, the Hufflepuffs, walking in step behind Cedric, looked almost like a well-trained unit — coordinated, focused, and ready to work.
The tension in the air was palpable, especially when Fred and George noticed Cedric at the front.
"Stand up straight!" Fred shouted, playfully rallying his Housemates.
"Don't let them think we're disorganized!" George added, raising his voice.
The Gryffindors formed up into a loose line, a challenge in their stance. The unspoken message was clear: don't underestimate us.
Cedric, unfazed, simply smiled and continued walking. He led the Hufflepuffs to the far side of the greenhouse, intentionally ignoring the attempted provocation. His refusal to rise to the bait left Fred and George visibly deflated — their challenge had gone unmet.
Just then, Professor Pomona Sprout emerged from behind a wall of ferns, beaming from ear to ear. A short witch with flowing gray hair and a patched, dirt-smudged hat, she was practically the embodiment of earth magic. Her robes were flecked with soil, her hands were rough from work, and her eyes twinkled with kindness.
"Professor McGonagall spoke very highly of you," she said, directing her warm gaze at Cedric. "Why don't you give it a try first?"
Cedric blinked in surprise but nodded politely. The Sorting Hat's praise, combined with McGonagall's endorsement, had clearly piqued Sprout's interest. She wanted to see what the Hufflepuff golden boy was made of.
Fred and George exchanged grins. This was the moment they had been waiting for.
"Let's see how he handles pressure," Fred whispered.
"Oh, this is going to be good," George muttered.
The Gryffindors were practically buzzing with anticipation. This was the very first class of the year. No formal lessons had begun, and now a student was being called on to answer questions? What kind of first-year had read the entire textbook already?
Certainly not them.
Even Sprout, realizing she might have set a daunting challenge, tried to soften the moment. "Don't worry, dear. No points will be taken off for wrong answers. But I'll certainly give bonus points if you're right!"
"Thank you for the opportunity, Professor. I'm ready," Cedric responded with calm confidence.
Sprout smiled and began the questioning.
"How many types of herbs are there?"
"Three," Cedric replied immediately. "Wild species, cultivated species, and animal-derived species."
"And how are they categorized in terms of their effects?"
"They fall into six major categories — defensive, healing, health-promoting, toxic, alchemical synthesis, and daily-use herbs."
Sprout's eyebrows rose in pleasant surprise. "And how are they further divided for practical study?"
"There are four divisions," Cedric answered smoothly. "Water-Based Healing, Earth-Based Healing, Mixed Alchemical, and Yao Infusion categories."
There was a pause.
"Correct!" Sprout declared with genuine delight. "Hufflepuff, plus one point!"
Polite applause followed — at first.
But then Sprout continued with harder questions. She asked about ancient Mandrake harvesting techniques, the specific habitat of the elusive Balbo root tuber, and even the herbal reagents used in the preparation of the Draught of Living Death.
And Cedric answered every single question with unflinching accuracy.
Ten minutes passed like this.
By the end, even Fred and George were pale with disbelief.
"This is insane," George whispered.
"He's memorized the whole book," Fred muttered.
When the final answer came without hesitation, Professor Sprout clapped her hands enthusiastically.
"Absolutely brilliant! Hufflepuff, plus five points!"
The greenhouse erupted into thunderous applause. The Hufflepuffs nearly toppled their tables with their excitement. Even the Gryffindors, initially skeptical, couldn't help but admire the flawless performance.
Sprout raised her hand for silence and turned back to Cedric. "Tell me, dear — have you really memorized the entire textbook already?"
Cedric, ever humble, nodded. "I've read it all, Professor, but I haven't practiced most of it. I still have a lot to learn."
That quiet modesty struck a chord with her.
"Well, you've made a wonderful start. Don't worry, I'll make sure to give you all plenty of hands-on experience!"
At that moment, Cedric received a quiet notification from his internal system:
[Ding! You have moved Professor Sprout.]
[Gained 1 bonus talent point. Acquired: Sprout Character Template Card.]
The remainder of class passed without incident — well, except for the occasional stolen glances from the Gryffindors toward Cedric. He hadn't flaunted his knowledge. He hadn't mocked anyone. He had simply been excellent.
And that, perhaps, was the most infuriating part.
When the lesson ended, the Weasley twins lingered behind.
"You win this round," Fred muttered, clearly irritated.
"But we're not giving up!" George added, determination flaring in his eyes.
Cedric turned toward them, voice clear and confident.
"If you want to compete, I'm always ready. As long as it's fair and respectful, I welcome any challenge."
That proclamation — calm, bold, and respectful — made the surrounding Gryffindors perk up. They weren't used to first-years talking like that.
"A proper contest?" one muttered. "I like the sound of that."
"I'd face him in Charms," another said. "Or Transfiguration!"
By the time Cedric walked out of the greenhouse, the seed had been planted.
He wasn't just the Hufflepuff prodigy anymore. He was a worthy rival — one who didn't gloat, who didn't break the rules, but who stood tall and challenged others to meet him at their best.
And that moment, that spark of healthy competition, would be remembered.
For it was the first step on Cedric's path toward be
coming the undisputed Duel Champion of Hogwarts.
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