Chapter 11: Hufflepuff Is the Destination of Life!

Sometimes, fate delivers fortune in unexpected packages.

Cedric could hardly believe his luck. Just a simple hug from Professor McGonagall had triggered a transformation so powerful, it upgraded one of his magical rewards from SS-level to SSS-level. It felt surreal. And it wasn't just a single reward—his entire potential system had evolved with it.

He was ecstatic, and rightly so.

Originally, Cedric had worried that as he became stronger, some rewards might lose their value. But this recent development eased those concerns entirely. Now, even if he acquired talents of only SS-rank, he could confidently upgrade them to SSS-rank using his template cards. He only needed to avoid leveling them manually to the final stage, as that required three precious talent points. With careful strategy, he could save those points and use the card bonuses instead.

Even more surprising was the introduction of the Legendary Value—a mysterious but immensely powerful new feature.

This legendary value wasn't just a number. It was a force, a symbol of prestige, influence, and raw magical might. The higher the value, the more revered and respected he would become. This wasn't merely about reputation—it was the legendary aura, a momentum that enveloped a true hero.

But what really caught Cedric's attention were its practical benefits.

Legendary values could replace any upgrade conditions. That's right—any.

Whether it was a magic spell at level 1 or a complex, fully-formed spell on the brink of mastery, Cedric could use one legendary point to push it to the next level instantly. The same applied to talents. Even the leap from SS-level to SSS-level only required one legendary point.

It didn't stop there.

Even template card slots—those sacred windows into infinite potential—could be unlocked or enhanced using legendary values. And as a cherry on top, unused legendary points increased all magic power by 10% per point. Ten points would mean double the magical strength!

It was such a comprehensive and potent resource that Cedric decided he wouldn't use it hastily. He needed to think long-term. It was a trump card best saved for dire moments—or crucial opportunities.

"The world really is changing fast," he mused to himself, shaking his head in awe. "All of this, just because of a single hug from Professor McGonagall..."

But deep down, Cedric knew it wasn't just the hug. It was the trust, affection, and connection that McGonagall had shown him. It meant something. A teacher like her didn't embrace just anyone. In her heart, there was already a place reserved for Cedric—not as prominent as Harry Potter's, perhaps, but real and meaningful nonetheless.

He wasn't aiming to surpass Harry out of rivalry, but he believed that one day, he would find his own path and make a difference in his own way. After all, rewards came in many forms—and Cedric was starting to realize that his were far more grounded in love, loyalty, and faith.

Despite McGonagall's warmth, however, Cedric shook his head politely and stepped back from her embrace.

"Professor, I really appreciate it," he began respectfully, "but I don't want to go to Gryffindor."

McGonagall blinked in surprise. For a moment, she had offered him the chance to switch Houses—to join her own, the House of Lions. It was a rare privilege. Most students never got such a choice.

But Cedric had his own ideas—his own path. And he believed McGonagall would understand. She was not the kind of teacher who punished students for following their hearts.

Sure enough, instead of disappointment, a soft smile curved her lips. Her eyes shimmered with emotion.

"Oh... I'm sorry, my dear boy," she said gently. "I should have respected your wishes from the start. Please forgive me. I just admire you so much. I wanted the chance to teach you more closely, to watch you grow. It would've been a wonderful experience for me."

Her sincerity touched Cedric deeply.

He truly believed that Hogwarts was blessed with some of the most dedicated and compassionate professors in the wizarding world. They weren't just powerful—many were also kind, patient, and wise. For Cedric, that made Hogwarts more than just a school. It was a place of transformation in every sense.

"Thank you, Professor," he said, bowing his head slightly. "But the truth is, I really want to go to Hufflepuff."

His decision wasn't born out of blind loyalty or imitation. He had given it careful thought.

"Gryffindor values bravery and encourages its students to become warriors, fearless in the face of danger," Cedric explained calmly. "Slytherin trains the ambitious. It favors those from noble lineages, often pure-blooded. Ravenclaw cultivates scholars—only those with outstanding intelligence and wit are welcomed."

He paused, his expression growing softer.

"But Hufflepuff... Hufflepuff asks only one thing: that you be a good person."

McGonagall was silent, her eyes fixed on him.

"And that's why I prefer Hufflepuff," Cedric continued with quiet conviction. "They care more about the people around them than about taking first place. They help the weak. They don't judge anyone by blood status or background."

"In this world," he added, "bravery, ambition, and intelligence are celebrated—but kindness is often overlooked."

He looked up at her, voice rising with emotion. "The world isn't short of people who want to win. But what we desperately need are people who can lend a hand to a grieving friend. People who bring joy. People who quietly hold the world together without expecting praise."

"Maybe Hufflepuffs don't do anything earth-shattering," he admitted. "But it's their ordinary deeds—the ones that go unnoticed—that keep the wizarding world from falling apart."

"Kindness. Loyalty. Gratitude. These are just as powerful as courage or brilliance."

"I want to be someone who's trusted by everyone. Someone who others can rely on. That's my choice—and I think that's pretty cool."

He grinned suddenly and added playfully, "Also, who made me love cooking so much? The Hufflepuff kitchen is calling!"

A startled laugh escaped McGonagall's lips.

The heartfelt emotion that had built up in her chest melted instantly into warmth and amusement. Cedric's little joke had been deliberate—he didn't want to make her too emotional. Even at a time like this, he was thinking about others.

That was exactly what a true Hufflepuff would do.

McGonagall felt tears sting her eyes. Not of sadness—but of admiration. How rare it was to see a child who understood himself so clearly and could articulate his values so powerfully.

If Cedric had been an adult standing before her, she would've congratulated him for finally finding clarity in life.

But he was just a boy—a child who had seen far too much, endured far too many burdens already. It made her heart ache. The kind of pain Voldemort had unleashed upon the world was meant for monsters—not for children like Cedric.

She reached forward and wrapped her arms around him once more, this time holding him tightly.

"Child," she whispered, "loyalty and kindness are the bravest acts of all. I sincerely wish you the best on your journey."

She pulled back, eyes shining, and smiled.

"And let me congratulate you in advance, Cedric Diggory—for becoming a proud member of the friendliest, most genuine, and toughest House in Hogwarts: Hufflepuff."

Cedric's body trembled slightly in her arms.

He hadn't meant to make her so emotional. He felt a little guilty now, but he knew she understood. She had seen his heart.

Then, remembering something, he looked up again.

"Actually, Professor," he said, "I think I might have some talent in Transfiguration. Would it be alright if I asked you for a bit of guidance?"

McGonagall's expression brightened immediately.

"You most certainly may," she replied, her tone returning to its usual authoritative—but kindly—cadence. "It would be my honor to help you hone your gift."

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