"Okay~"
Cedric nodded confidently.
He was brimming with anticipation for the upcoming test. Over the years, thanks to the presence of the system bound to him, he had made incredible progress. With the wisdom of an adult mind reincarnated into a young body, Cedric had a self-discipline and awareness far beyond his peers.
Among children his age, no one could compare—not in knowledge, not in mental maturity, and certainly not in magical potential.
Before answering the professor's question, Cedric silently opened his system panel and allocated the 100 experience points he had just earned into his magic power. A subtle surge of energy coursed through his body as he confirmed the allocation.
[Cedric's System Panel]
Name: Cedric
Bloodline: Wizard
Magic Power: 32 points (Not yet widespread)
(Note: Before reaching 50 points, each additional point requires 100 experience points.)
Comprehensive Value: 15 points
(Comparison Scale: Third-rate wizards – 80, Second-rate – 85, First-rate – 90, Super – 95, Big Three – 99, God-tier – 100)
Talent List:
SS-Level Talent: Infectious Power
S-Level Talent: Wandless Spellcasting
A-Level Talents: Transfiguration, Charms, Quidditch, Herbology, Potions, Dueling, White Magic (Defense)
B-Level Talents: Occlumency, Black Magic (Offense), Magical Beast Affinity, Languages
C-Level Talent: Prophecy
(Note: Talents can only be improved with talent points or through diligent practice.)
Spells Learned:
Scouring Charm (Scourgify) – Level 3 (28/300 EXP)
Mending Charm (Reparo) – Level 2 (149/200 EXP)
Summoning Charm (Accio) – Level 1 (16/100 EXP)
Available Experience Points: 0
Available Talent Points: 0
Looking at the panel, it was clear that Cedric's foundation was already formidable. He possessed A-level talents in numerous essential subjects taught at Hogwarts. The only aspect dragging down his overall evaluation was the limited number of spells he had learned and the relatively low level of mastery he had in each.
Still, that was temporary.
After all, during the Goblet of Fire events, Cedric had been chosen by the magical artifact itself to represent Hogwarts. That meant, in the eyes of the Goblet, Cedric had been the most capable student in the entire school at the time. And now—he was even stronger.
Years of tireless self-study and hidden practice had paid off.
His magic power had climbed from a humble 10 points to an impressive 32. His Wandless Spellcasting, once just an A-level talent, had ascended to S-level through constant application and testing. The system allowed him to grow by adding points, but real-life practice still played an irreplaceable role.
The reason his progress was relatively slow until now was simply due to isolation—his interactions had been limited to his parents. But all of that would change once he entered Hogwarts. With countless new people, challenges, and opportunities, he would gain experience rapidly. So many paths were waiting to be walked.
"By the way, you just mentioned modifying spells!" Professor McGonagall's sharp voice interrupted Cedric's thoughts.
Her stern gaze narrowed slightly. "Spellwork is a profoundly serious art. It must never be tampered with recklessly!"
She was clearly wary of children who made bold, careless statements about altering foundational magic. Spells were the backbone of magical society. One misstep in modification could result in catastrophe.
Cedric met her eyes calmly. "Of course, Professor. That's a long-term goal of mine, and I understand the risks. I'm not even sure if I'll succeed. But it doesn't stop me from dreaming and working toward it."
He shrugged lightly, offering a faint smile. "After all, isn't a real goal supposed to be challenging?"
There was no arrogance in his tone—only ambition and clarity.
Professor McGonagall blinked in surprise. His response was poised, thoughtful, and mature—remarkably so for a boy his age. His humility, paired with logical reasoning, reminded her of the top students she had taught over the years.
Suppressing a smile, she asked again, now genuinely curious: "So, you like studying spellwork. Can you share your current progress?"
This time, there was a hint of a trap in her question.
She had not forgotten Cedric's earlier claim—that young wizards weren't permitted to use their wands outside of school. So, if he claimed to be proficient in spellcasting, it would raise suspicion. Had he been practicing illegally?
Cedric paused, his smile fading just slightly, replaced with a subtle look of regret. "I'm afraid my progress is limited."
He sighed with a touch of theatricality. "Because I can't use my wand outside of Hogwarts, I've had to focus on non-wand-based magic to pursue my interest in spellcraft."
As he spoke, he raised a hand toward the stairwell. His fingers moved fluidly through the air.
"Accio suitcase!"
With a sharp whoosh of air, the suitcase on the second floor shuddered, lifted, and then glided gracefully through the air like a bird returning to its nest. It navigated the stairs seamlessly and landed gently in Cedric's outstretched hand.
Professor McGonagall's eyes widened, and her usually stern expression cracked into one of genuine amazement.
The Summoning Charm was no trivial spell. Many first-year students didn't learn it until much later. Even among upper years, few could execute it with such precision. Yet Cedric had done it without a wand.
More impressively, she hadn't seen him draw any wand from his clothing. No flick, no movement of a concealed wand—just pure wandless magic.
Her mind reeled.
Wandless magic was not just rare—it was extraordinarily difficult. Many adult wizards, even some Ministry officials, never mastered it in their lifetimes. And here was a boy—who hadn't even started school—performing a Level 1 charm with finesse.
Before she could respond, Cedric raised his hand again.
"Scourgify."
The previously cluttered table near the doorway gleamed as dust vanished instantly.
"Reparo."
A crack in the corner of the banister sealed itself with a gentle shimmer.
Both spells were executed within seconds—flawlessly.
Professor McGonagall blinked again, unable to hide the flicker of pride and astonishment on her face. Her lips curled ever so slightly into a smile.
"Excellent. Truly, excellent," she said softly.
Rarely did she praise a student so directly, especially one not yet officially enrolled. But Cedric had earned it.
This child was a prodigy.
She leaned forward, now genuinely intrigued. "So... besides modifying spells, do you have any other long-term ambitions?"
Mr. and Mrs. Diggory, standing quietly to the side, suddenly looked alarmed. Both leaned toward each other, fingers interlocked tightly as they watched their son with apprehension.
They knew what he was about to say.
Cedric stood up straight, his chest proud, eyes blazing with conviction. "Absolutely."
He took a deep breath. "My greatest goal—the first wish I ever made—is to break the curse on the Dark Lord's name. I want everyone to be able to speak his name freely again. No more fear. No more whispers."
He raised his voice slightly. "To destroy the legacy of the Dark Wizard, we must first destroy the shadow of his name!"
The Diggorys shut their eyes, horror washing over their faces.
Cedric… had said it aloud.
They knew their son's heart. Brave. Kind. Determined. But to openly declare war on the fear surrounding Voldemort? That was dangerously bold.
Professor McGonagall inhaled sharply, standing from her seat with a start.
The room fell silent.