Sunny November 24

The headmaster's office was unusually quiet. Even the portraits on the walls seemed to be holding their breath. Dumbledore reached for a candy but stopped when the Fat Lady's portrait across from him gave him a stern look. He placed his hands back on the desk, obediently.

Cedric, sitting across from Dumbledore, leaned back in his chair, silent. He had avoided Rita Skeeter's interview earlier and now sought solace in the headmaster's office. It was the only place where he could find peace.

Dumbledore noticed Cedric's slight movement and seized the opportunity to speak. "You didn't give it your all today, Cedric. Don't you want to take first place?"

"This is the same method and score as my previous life. I didn't dare change anything—I was afraid it would affect the final plan," Cedric admitted with a sigh.

"This isn't your past life, and you're not the same Cedric. You need to understand that," Dumbledore said gently. "You should enjoy the tournament, not treat it as a mission. Trust me, I won't let the plan be ruined."

Cedric looked at Dumbledore skeptically but nodded. "I'll try."

Just as Dumbledore was about to continue, the door burst open with a loud "thud". Joey rushed in, waving a photo, followed by Fred, who looked apologetic but couldn't hide the large footprint he'd left on the door.

"Dumbledore! Look at this picture! It says 'Horcrux has been taken!'" Joey exclaimed, slapping the photo onto the desk.

Dumbledore and Cedric turned to look at the intruders. "Joey," Dumbledore said calmly, though his eyes twinkled with amusement.

"Joey?" Cedric repeated, dumbfounded.

"Oh! Hi, Cedric! Didn't see you there!" Joey waved cheerfully, completely missing the tension in the room.

Fred coughed, trying to rein in Joey's enthusiasm. "Joey, let the headmaster take a look first."

Dumbledore picked up the photo and examined it. "This is Hufflepuff's golden cup," he said thoughtfully.

Joey's eyes widened. "Is it like Ravenclaw's crown? Wow, these are all such valuable items!"

Fred nudged Joey, trying to keep her focused. "Joey, the crown might also be a Horcrux."

"No way! Is Voldemort crazy? How many Horcruxes does he think he can make? Is this some kind of treasure hunt?" Joey complained, her tone dripping with disdain.

Dumbledore chuckled. "What's a treasure hunt?"

The portraits in the room collectively groaned, remembering the last time Joey and Fred had derailed a serious conversation with their antics.

Cedric, however, laughed. He found Joey's ability to lighten the mood both baffling and refreshing. "Joey, do you know that I'm also… reborn?" he said, deciding to share his secret.

Joey's jaw dropped. "Really?!"

Fred raised an eyebrow. "Wait, what?"

Cedric nodded. "Yes. I have memories from a past life."

Joey's mind raced. "So, you're like… the protagonist of a novel? That's so unfair! Why can't I be the protagonist? I'm just a side character!"

Fred patted her shoulder, trying to comfort her, though he had no idea what she was talking about. "Joey, you're the protagonist of my life," he said with a grin.

Joey pouted but quickly turned her attention back to Cedric. "So, were you a champion in your past life too?"

Cedric hesitated. "Yes… but it feels like cheating now."

Joey waved her hand dismissively. "Nonsense! You deserve this! If you've got the advantage, use it! Fred and I are betting on you to win!"

Fred nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah, buddy! We've got ten Galleons riding on you. Don't let us down!"

Cedric laughed, feeling the weight on his shoulders lighten. Joey and Fred had a way of making even the most serious situations feel trivial. "Alright, I'll do my best," he said, smiling.

Dumbledore, sensing the conversation was veering off track, gently ushered them out of his office. "I think you three should continue this discussion elsewhere. I have some important matters to attend to."

As they walked down the corridor, Joey and Fred continued to hype Cedric up, their enthusiasm infectious. "You've got this, Cedric! We're counting on you to make us rich!" Joey said, punching the air.

Fred grinned. "And if you win, we'll take you to Rome with our winnings!"

Cedric shook his head, laughing. "You two are impossible."

But for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of relief. Maybe Joey and Fred were right. He wasn't the same Cedric from his past life, and he didn't have to carry the same burdens. He could live in the present and make the most of it.

As they parted ways, Cedric felt a renewed sense of purpose. He wasn't just a pawn in Dumbledore's plan—he was Cedric Diggory, a Huffelpuff, a champion, and a friend. And that was enough.