Morning.
Hogwarts Courtyard.
Cedric stood at the front of the growing crowd, feeling somewhat numb. What had started as a modest morning exercise session had snowballed into a school-wide phenomenon. Today, even more students had joined the practice—first-years, second-years, some older students, and even professors. The courtyard buzzed with energy as everyone prepared for the now-routine morning session.
And then, a sudden hush swept through the crowd.
"It's Headmaster Dumbledore!"
A ripple of excitement passed through the young witches and wizards. They instinctively made way for the man known as the greatest white wizard of the age. Tall and thin, with a long silver beard flowing in the morning breeze, Albus Dumbledore stepped into the courtyard with his usual air of quiet gravity and a twinkle in his eyes behind his half-moon spectacles.
"Professor Dumbledore!"
"Good morning, Headmaster!"
Flitwick and Filch quickly greeted him with deference. Even among Hogwarts staff, Dumbledore's presence held a certain awe.
"Mr. Dumbledore!" someone called, only to be quickly hushed by their friends. No one wanted to appear overly eager—but all eyes were on him.
As for Cedric, he had always told himself he didn't want to attract Dumbledore's attention. Yet now, standing directly before the Headmaster, he felt no fear. On the contrary, when their eyes met, Cedric held his gaze steadily.
Behind the crescent-shaped lenses were eyes filled with wisdom, warmth, and immeasurable power. And behind Cedric's calm expression were the qualities that defined him: confidence, self-discipline, and quiet resolve.
Many years later, this very moment would be remembered in wizarding history. Some would call it the meeting of the century—a moment when two paragons of white magic first stood face-to-face.
"Cedric," Dumbledore said, calling his name with a slight smile.
His voice was gentle, yet it carried authority. "You're quite remarkable—guiding new students at King's Cross Station, and now leading training sessions for your peers. May I join you today?"
He asked it casually, but everyone understood it for what it was—a personal observation by the greatest wizard alive.
"Of course, Professor," Cedric replied without hesitation.
And so, under the crisp morning sky, Cedric led the exercises as usual, this time with Dumbledore participating at the back of the group.
The session ended amid stretches and quiet murmurs. Dumbledore stepped forward and gently placed an arm around Cedric's shoulders, his expression both amused and approving.
"My apologies," he said with a chuckle. "But I may need to borrow you for the rest of the morning."
The younger students laughed, easing the weight of the moment. Even the ever-stern Filch cracked a faint smile.
As the crowd dispersed—some Ravenclaws and Slytherins already pulling out their wands to test spell control after exercise—Cedric found himself walking beside Dumbledore toward the castle.
"We're going to register you as an Animagus today," Dumbledore explained. "Don't worry—we'll be back before your flying lesson this afternoon."
"Certainly," Cedric answered, suppressing a grin.
---
[1700 Experience Points Consumed]
[Occlumency: Level 8 → Level 10 (Maxed)]
[Full-Level Bonus: Occlumency Effectiveness +10%, Magic Resistance +5%]
Cedric's steps slowed for a moment.
So that's what happens when a skill hits the maximum level?
He hadn't expected an additional bonus—especially something as valuable as magic resistance. This revelation changed things. Up until now, he had avoided spending experience points on spells he could learn through practice. But now, he saw the potential.
If reaching max level granted unique bonuses, then investing in complex or rare magic might yield powerful rewards.
His mind spun through possibilities:
— Patronus Charm
— Disillusionment Charm
— Fiendfyre Curse
— Undetectable Extension Charm
— Apparition
— Prophecy Magic
— Obliviate
— Exploding Charm
— Edgeless Shadow Hex
What if mastering each of these gave him unique perks?
He was so lost in thought that Dumbledore, ever observant, noticed immediately.
"Is something the matter?" the Headmaster asked gently.
Cedric blinked. "Oh, nothing serious—just thinking through some ideas."
Professor McGonagall, who had joined them halfway through the walk, gave him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. The Animagus registration process is straightforward. I went through it myself, and I'll be with you the whole time."
"Thank you, Professor," Cedric replied, grateful for the support.
Together, the three of them continued their walk up the tower. The Headmaster's office awaited.
---
The spiral staircase wound upward endlessly, ending at a large oaken door adorned with a brass griffon-shaped knocker. Dumbledore stepped forward and uttered the password:
"Peppermint candies."
The door creaked open, revealing the cozy, circular interior of Dumbledore's office.
Warm light glowed from candles and magical devices alike. Curious silver instruments emitted soft clicks and puffs of steam on polished tables. Along the walls hung portraits of former headmasters and headmistresses, many of whom stirred at the visitors' arrival.
Cedric's eyes swept the room in awe.
There, in the corner, sat the Sorting Hat atop its shelf. Behind glass, the Sword of Gryffindor shimmered faintly in the morning light. Nearby, a shallow stone basin—the Pensieve—waited silently.
And then he saw it.
Fox.
The majestic phoenix perched on a golden stand, its feathers glowing like embers.
Without thinking, Cedric stepped closer. Fox didn't recoil. Instead, the magical creature leaned forward, gently brushing Cedric's hand with its beak.
Was it his A-rank pet affinity?
"Ah, it seems he likes you," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling.
---
[Congratulations! You have passed Dumbledore's Preliminary Test.]
[Reward: 2000 Experience Points.]
Cedric kept his expression neutral, but inwardly, he understood what this meant.
Preliminary test.
Dumbledore was famous for his deep insight, his ability to calculate outcomes long before others even noticed a pattern. Gaining his full trust wouldn't be easy.
This was merely the first step.
"Come along now," Dumbledore said, drawing his wand.
He reached out and placed a hand on both Cedric and McGonagall's shoulders. Then he turned toward Fox.
"Would you mind, old friend?"
Fox gave a soft trill and swooped down onto Dumbledore's arm. With a flash of red flame, Cedric's vision swirled.
He barely had time to register the heat before they vanished from the room.
---
The next moment, they arrived in a massive, polished hall.
The white marble floors gleamed beneath their feet. Golden symbols floated above their heads, rearranging themselves midair like a living calendar. Wizards bustled past in elegant robes, and the walls were lined with portraits and moving magical notices.
Cedric blinked, adjusting to the sudden brightness.
This… is the Ministry of Magic.
Before he could admire the hall's grandeur, dozens of bright flashes erupted around him.
Click! Click! Click!
Cameras.
Reporters.
Journalists had gathered in force, apparently tipped off in advance.
Cedric turned instinctively toward Dumbledore, who gave him a subtle, knowing smile.
The youngest Animagus in magical history had arrived—and the world had taken notice.
He wasn't just a rising star at Hogwarts anymore.
He was a name that would be spoken across the wizarding world.
And this was only the
beginning.
-----------------
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