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.