Chapter 33: Retiring After Success

In a corner of the Hufflepuff common room, Cedric watched in disbelief as the enthusiastic first-years hung on every word. He couldn't understand what was wrong with them this year. Could they really not tell that Kyle was just spouting nonsense? And yet, they were so cooperative.

This is Hufflepuff, not Ravenclaw, he thought, shaking his head.

Cedric had no idea what anyone else was thinking, but if he ended up in the hospital wing, the last thing he would want would be class notes or—Merlin forbid—homework. Especially not homework.

Goodness, treating homework as a gift... Could any normal wizard even think of such a thing? Even Voldemort wouldn't be that cruel, Cedric mused.

His conscience nagged at him, telling him he should expose Kyle and save the innocent Mikel from this madness. But he couldn't bring himself to do it. Because, in a way, Kyle's ridiculous claims made the Hufflepuff badgers pay more attention in class. And that, Cedric had to admit, was definitely a good thing.

He wrestled with his decision for what felt like forever. In his twelve years, he had never faced such a tough choice. On one hand was his conscience, and on the other was his responsibility as a senior student. He didn't want to give up either, so he found himself caught in a frustrating loop, torn between the two.

Not far from Cedric sat Kanna, equally bewildered but for different reasons. She was the only other freshman who had remained clear-headed through Kyle's absurdity. Unlike Cedric, Kanna's thoughts were much simpler.

Whatever happens, I need to stay away from Kyle! she resolved firmly.

Kanna promised herself that once she got the special rat tonic, she would steer clear of him at all costs. Even if she couldn't transfer to another house, she would make sure to avoid any possible encounters.

And I'll definitely sit as far from Kyle as I can during class.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the room, the little badgers, brimming with a sense of mission, were still deep in discussion, planning their next steps. Kyle, having successfully planted his idea, quietly slipped out of the group. Now that their focus had shifted to what they should do next, he was no longer the center of attention.

He found a sofa away from the crowd and sat down, flipping open The Troubadour in the Wind. It was a book published fifty years ago, chronicling the adventures of a wandering poet and the various troubles he encountered on his travels. The style reminded Kyle of Lockhart's work, but this book focused less on the poet himself and more on the things he saw along the way.

It also contained many Charms unique to different regions, which Kyle found refreshing.

He reluctantly closed the book when Cedric came over to call him to lunch.

"What are you reading?" Cedric asked, curiosity evident in his voice. "I called you a few times, but you didn't respond."

"The Troubadour in the Wind," Kyle replied, handing Cedric the book. "Dumbledore recommended it. It's a really interesting biography."

"The headmaster recommended it?" Cedric's eyes lit up, immediately expressing his desire to read it too.

"No problem," Kyle said, thinking for a moment, "but I've only just started, so you'll have to wait a few days. Or, you could check the library to see if they have another copy."

"No need," Cedric returned the book and shook his head. "Just let me know when you're done, and I'll borrow it then."

From his experience with the school library, Cedric knew they rarely had multiple copies of the same biography. Going to check would likely be a waste of time, and besides, he wasn't in a rush to read it. Waiting a few more days didn't matter to him.

After leaving the Hufflepuff common room, the two quickly made their way to the Great Hall. By now, the morning's big news—about a Hufflepuff blowing up the Charms classroom—had already spread throughout Hogwarts.

In the hall, almost every group of students seemed to be buzzing with excitement, talking about the incident.

"Hey, look who's here!" came a voice as Kyle and Cedric entered.

Before Kyle could react, Fred and George blocked his path, having clearly been waiting for him.

"I knew Hogwarts wouldn't stay peaceful with you around," Fred grinned, grabbing Kyle by the shoulders. "Tell us, how did you manage to blow up the classroom?"

George chimed in, "Yeah, we heard even Professor Flitwick limped out of there."

"Blowing up a professor in your first lesson...," Fred and George exchanged glances before declaring in unison, "Kyle, you're definitely going down in school history!"

Their voices weren't loud, but they still caught the attention of nearby students, who began gathering around, curious about the commotion.

Kyle sighed, feeling a bit helpless. "First of all, the Lighting Charm can't blow up a classroom. That's just common sense. Professor Flitwick hurt his leg because he tripped and fell. Secondly, the wizard who caused all of this is in the hospital wing, and it has nothing to do with me. If you keep spreading this, I'm writing to Mrs. Weasley."

"Not you?" The twins blinked, clearly surprised.

"Of course not. Why would you even think that?" Kyle gestured to Cedric beside him. "If you don't believe me, ask Cedric."

"I can confirm," Cedric nodded firmly. "It really wasn't Kyle."

"There you go," Kyle said, pushing Fred and George aside. "Where did you even hear this? It's completely unreliable."

"We got it from some Ravenclaw first-years," Fred shrugged. "They said you sent your classmates to the hospital wing."

Kyle was exasperated. "I was helping! Dumbledore even gave me twenty extra points. Did they say anything else, or was that it?"

"I don't know," George shrugged back, nonchalantly. "That's all we caught when we walked past."

Kyle shook his head, unable to believe what he was hearing. Unbelievable.

"I'm done with you two," he muttered, taking a deep breath. He'd initially thought Ravenclaw students had a knack for twisting the truth, but Fred and George were on a whole other level.

"When you're asking for information," he said, glaring at them, "at least listen to the end. Who hears just half a story and thinks they've got the whole picture?"

Luckily, Fred and George had come to him directly instead of spreading the half-baked rumor. If they had, his reputation would've been in ruins by now.

Kyle sighed dramatically and clapped them both on the shoulders. "You two are wasting your talents at Hogwarts. Honestly, you should go work for The Daily Prophet. Rita Skeeter would love you."