The Gap Between Wizards

"Although I hate to admit it, that's really the case."

Seeing the three people's astonished expressions, Cedric laughed and said, "He had already learned the sixth-year curriculum in the third-year Transfiguration Club. Everyone, including Professor McGonagall, thought it was incredible."

"That's why she decided to recommend Kyle to <Today's Transfiguration>."

"And the same goes for Potions Class," Kanna added.

Also in her third year, Kyle concocted the Draught of Living Death, a potion only Advanced Potion-Making, during class. This led to Snape giving her intensive tutoring during the Christmas break, which is why she remembers it so vividly.

Harry and Ron's expressions became even more interesting. They exchanged a glance and saw the same thoughts in each other's eyes.

... I need to get back right away; I don't want to stay here for even a minute longer!

Although they had long known there was a gap between them and Kyle, it was still somewhat difficult for them to accept when that gap was laid bare before them.

This is so disheartening. How can the gap between wizards be so vast...? They feel like agreeing to come with Hermione was a mistake.

That's why I said I'm not suited to mentoring others.

Kyle ignored what Harry and Ron thought and continued, "Cedric, on the other hand, has always been first in his grade, with all his subjects being 'O's, and he even got a perfect score in OWL spell application. He has a solid foundation in both practice and theory."

"Moreover, he often teaches younger students in the common room, and if you had to pick a professor from among the students, no one would be more suitable than him."

Despite Kyle's barrage of praise, Cedric felt no joy whatsoever.

"I feel like you're subtly praising yourself," he muttered to himself. "If you can learn it after listening to it once, then I'm obligated to follow your steps exactly."

"Don't worry about the details," Kyle said with a chuckle. "What, you don't want to teach them?"

"No, that's not it," Cedric shook his head and said, "I'd certainly be willing if someone would listen."

"See, it's resolved," Kyle said, then looked at Hermione. "Of course, it's fine if you have other candidates, as long as they can gain the trust of the other students. The more 'student professors' you have, the better."

Hermione seemed lost in thought; she didn't speak, but simply nodded with a complicated expression.

Harry and Ron behind her kept giving her meaningful glances, urging her to leave as soon as possible.

Hermione seemed to want to say something more, but urged by the two, she could only temporarily put aside her doubts and return to the Gryffindor table with them.

After Hermione and the others left, Kyle removed the Muffliato.

Cedric turned to look at him and said, "I sense they're quite disappointed. You really aren't going to teach them?"

"I have other things to do," Kyle said. "Besides, you are definitely more suited to be a professor than I am."

"Don't say that," Cedric shook his head. "I'm not qualified to be a professor right now; I'm just providing them with some help with Defense Against the Dark Arts."

"Is that so?" Kyle suddenly said, "Perhaps Qiu will join too. Don't you want her to call you professor?"

"Puff!"

Cedric was drinking Pumpkin Juice when he couldn't hold it in and sprayed Pumpkin Juice all out of his mouth.

Fortunately, Kyle was prepared. With a gentle tap of his wand, the Pumpkin Juice in mid-air quickly condensed and disappeared with a snap.

After regaining his senses, Justin Finch-Fletchley, sitting opposite Cedric, gave Kyle a grateful look.

"Sorry, Justin Finch-Fletchley," Cedric apologized hastily, then seemed to realize something, his face flushed red, and he glared angrily at Kyle.

"What are you saying? I'm definitely not qualified to be a professor!"

"I didn't say anything else, why are you so agitated?" Kyle shrugged.

"You..." Cedric's face turned even redder, and even the tips of his ears changed color.

"Alright, not Professor, okay?" Kyle ended the conversation at the opportune moment. "What are you planning to teach them, the Stunning Spell, the Disarming Charm, or the Shield Charm?"

"These are all fine, but I think the Shield Charm is the key." Cedric took a few breaths to calm himself down before saying, "I'm planning to organize what Professor Moody taught us before as a template. What do you think?"

"Oh, and Professor Lupin too, his Mist Charm and Speed Charm are very useful."

"Teach them to escape first...that's a really good idea." Kyle nodded. "You're definitely better suited to teach them than I am."

"But..." Cedric glanced back in the Gryffindor direction, "I feel like they'd rather you go to class than me."

"Forget it," Kyle said softly. "Everyone has their own role, just like in a Quidditch Match, besides the players on both teams, the referee's position is equally important..."

Cedric didn't quite understand what this meant, but Kyle didn't explain; he simply talked to him about the venue.

"If it's for teaching, we'll definitely need a classroom. Where are you planning to choose?"

"I don't know," Cedric said.

He was only forced into this situation a few minutes ago, how could he possibly have decided on his class location so quickly?

"How about the sixth floor?"

A moment later Cedric said, "That's where the most empty classrooms are, and it's usually not very crowded, so it's relatively safe."

"This is bad," Kyle said. "Just because few people go doesn't mean there aren't any. They'll find out eventually... Let's go to the Seventh Floor, the Room of Requirement."

"The Room of Requirement?" Cedric's eyes lit up when he thought of the magical room on the Seventh Floor. "That's a great idea! We definitely won't be discovered there."

"That's right." Kyle smiled.

After dinner, they returned to the Hufflepuff Common Room to discuss some other details.

"I'll tell Hermione the location of the Room of Requirement tomorrow," Cedric said. "I just don't know how many people will be willing to come... I mean, it's like taking an extra class, it'll definitely take up their time."

"You don't need to worry about that," Kyle smiled. "Anyone with a clear head will participate."

"Alright, I'll be the first to sign up, Professor Diggory."

"I'll go tell Qiu," Kanna chimed in, joining in the conversation. "I don't think she'll refuse to take another class."

Seemingly remembering something, Cedric's face flushed again, and he said angrily, "I told you not to call me that. I'm not a professor. Besides, this is just a Defense Against the Dark Arts tutoring session. What are you all getting involved in?"

"We need tutoring too," Kyle said matter-of-factly. "Besides, you need to get used to it beforehand. Don't forget, Fred and George don't know about this yet."

Cedric's face immediately fell... Yes, and there's Fred and George too.

"Is it too late for me to take back what I said?" he whispered. "I remember Harry got first place in his year for Defense Against the Dark Arts last year, right? It wouldn't be bad for him to be the 'student professor'."

"It's no use, they should have heard the news from Hermione by now." Kyle patted him on the shoulder. "Besides, you're the Head Boy, you can't go back on your word."

Cedric sighed helplessly; he could already imagine what those two would say when they saw him tomorrow.