"Hahaha!"
"You did a great job, Cedric! This thing called boxing is really good for exercising, and it looks very exciting!"
Hagrid's hearty laughter echoed around the edge of the Forbidden Forest, mingling with the rustling of the leaves.
"Of course, I've been training for a long time. Boxing can really improve my reaction time!" Cedric grinned, catching his breath after a series of punches.
"A duel between wizards is all about reaction speed!" he continued, swaying his body fluidly from side to side and throwing quick jabs, alternating with sharp hooks.
Every punch hit the target that Hagrid had set up for him — a large, dummy-shaped object — which wobbled as Cedric's fists landed.
"And at the same time, this kind of practice can help me subdue enemies who get too close, especially if I lose my wand!" Cedric added, enthusiasm in his voice as he continued his training.
Meanwhile, in the headmaster's office, Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall were observing the scene through the enchanted crystal ball.
The two professors stood in silence for a while, watching as Cedric continued his boxing training with Hagrid. After a long pause, Dumbledore slowly tilted his head and praised, "What a novel theory!"
He stared intently at Cedric's movements, particularly the rapid and precise punches. The headmaster's eyes, hidden behind his crescent-shaped glasses, narrowed thoughtfully.
"I have to admit, I feel like I wouldn't last long against such a punch."
Professor McGonagall, who had been watching the scene with a mix of admiration and concern, nodded in agreement. "Yes, Cedric always has these special ideas. He doesn't think like most wizards."
She paused, thinking back to the many deep conversations she'd had with Cedric over the past few days. Despite her busy schedule, she had made time to dine with him each evening and listen to his ideas. And she couldn't help but be impressed by the scope of his thinking.
Over the past two days, Cedric had shared some of his more ambitious goals — goals that made her both proud and a little worried. For example, his ideas on reforming the Ministry of Magic, making it an institution that truly serves the wizarding community. Or his vision for establishing values like freedom and equality among witches and wizards.
All in all, Professor McGonagall was both delighted by Cedric's spirit and deeply concerned about the weight of the ideals he was carrying. His ambitions were enormous, and she feared that such lofty goals might eventually crush him if he faced too much disappointment. She knew all too well that when hope is stretched too far, it can lead to radical changes — or even despair.
"Principal, I'm actually worried about him," Professor McGonagall finally confessed, her voice laced with concern.
Dumbledore, who had been deep in thought, finally spoke after a long silence. He placed his hands together on the table and gave a slow, almost wistful sigh.
"Guide the young wizard properly, Minerva. That is exactly what we must do," Dumbledore said, his voice calm but firm. "In just two days, Cedric has won the recognition of many — Filch, Hagrid, Snape, and even you, Minerva."
He paused for a moment, his eyes becoming distant as he seemed to drift back in time. "Such a situation reminds me of a certain friend of mine."
Professor McGonagall, who had been lost in her thoughts, suddenly froze. The color drained from her face as the weight of Dumbledore's words sank in. "You mean... Grindelwald?"
Dumbledore nodded slowly. "Yes, Gellert Grindelwald. He was a man of extraordinary power and charisma. But his influence, coupled with his grand ideas, led to disaster. Grindelwald's ability to speak and persuade was unmatched. He deceived and manipulated many, including the prisoners in America's magical prison. He even convinced enemies to help him escape, like the rebel Oro Abernethy and the creature Antonio."
Professor McGonagall couldn't help but shudder at the mention of Grindelwald's name. He had been a dark figure in wizarding history, far more terrifying than Voldemort, who had come after him. Grindelwald's greatest strength was not his magic but his ability to inspire loyalty and influence others.
"In Père Lachaise Cemetery," Dumbledore continued, his voice distant, "Grindelwald used nothing but words to persuade hundreds of wizards to support his cause, including many who had once hunted him."
McGonagall's eyes widened as she thought of Cedric, who was so full of optimism and charm. "Is this analogy too extreme?" she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief.
"Indeed, this comparison may be a bit extreme," Dumbledore conceded with a soft chuckle. "But in my life, I have seen the rise of dangerous individuals with powerful ideas. And while Cedric is far from Grindelwald's level, his potential for influence is undeniable."
Professor McGonagall remained silent, deep in thought. She had never thought of Cedric in such a light, and yet, Dumbledore's words made her reflect on how quickly things could change in the wizarding world.
"Grindelwald and I were once friends," Dumbledore added quietly, his voice tinged with regret. "But my greatest regret was not seeing the full extent of his ambition earlier. I fear that Cedric's ambitions, if unchecked, could lead him down a similar path."
Professor McGonagall frowned. "But he's different from Grindelwald! He's kind-hearted and sincere."
Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, he is. But we must guide him carefully. We cannot allow him to become another Grindelwald, no matter how noble his intentions may seem."
The office fell into an uneasy silence as both professors pondered the situation. After a few moments, Dumbledore's expression shifted, and he seemed to snap back to the present.
"However, we can observe Cedric from many angles," he said, his voice steady once more. He picked up a quill from his desk and wrote a letter, which he quickly sealed. Then, with a snap of his fingers, Fawkes, the phoenix, fluttered down from his perch and landed gracefully on his shoulder.
"Take this to Mr. Ollivander for me," Dumbledore instructed, handing the letter to Fawkes. "I have a few questions for him about Cedric's wand."
Professor McGonagall understood immediately. Dumbledore was going to consult the famous wandmaker to learn more about Cedric's wand. After all, the wand chooses the wizard, and the type of wand a wizard possesses can often reveal something about their true nature.
"And one more thing," Dumbledore added, turning to McGonagall. "I want you to teach Cedric the Patronus Charm."
"I see," McGonagall replied, nodding. The Patronus Charm was a powerful and difficult spell that could reveal much about a wizard's character. It was said that a Patronus reflected the caster's inner self, and could often provide insight into their heart's true desires.
"Indeed, the Patronus Charm is a useful way to test a wizard's character," Dumbledore explained. "It's not as clear-cut as it may seem. Grindelwald's Patronus, for example, was a phoenix, a symbol of hope and rebirth. But his actions were anything but hopeful."
Professor McGonagall thought of Snape's Patronus, a doe — like Lily Potter's — and later, how it had changed when he began protecting Harry. It was a symbol of his love and loyalty, a reflection of his deepest emotions.
Soon, the reply from Ollivander arrived. McGonagall took the letter from Fawkes and opened it, reading aloud:
"Good day, great Mr. Dumbledore!
I remember the Cedric you asked about very clearly. He was a child with special qualities. His arrival seemed to warm my heart!
As for his wand… it's a very ancient wand!"