Chapter 9: Weasley twins

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"Ah~" Cedric got up and stretched his lazy waist. It was still early, so he couldn't help but feel a bit drowsy. His master always reminded him that self-discipline was crucial for progress.

After his meditation and reading, Cedric prepared to go downstairs for breakfast. But just before he could head down, Barbara opened the door and entered his room...

"Any plans you have today are put aside; your father wants you to meet and get acquainted with two new children, the sons of an acquaintance of his," Barbara said with a somewhat rigid tone.

What Cedric didn't know was that apparently, last night, Barbara had a fight with her husband, Amos, because he insisted that Cedric spent so much time alone studying that it took away all his time to make a friend...

Ced used to go out with other kids to play or do something fun like any other child his age, and that worried Amos Diggory a lot. He cared deeply for his son.

On the other hand, Barbara didn't see any issue with this. In fact, she saw it as a great quality of her son and imagined that he would become extremely talented in the future...

Furthermore, she believed that all this business of making friends, having fun, and playing could be done in the future. For her, there was no need to interrupt her son's studies when he was so focused on them.

But after many disputes, Barbara had to accept her husband's demands that Cedric start making friends and playing more.

Amos Diggory wouldn't let his beloved son's childhood go to waste.

So, Amos ended up seeking out the children of a friend of his at the Ministry of Magic.

While understanding her husband's concerns, Barbara is still quite dissatisfied with this whole matter, especially when she found out who the two children invited by Amos were. Hence, she doesn't have a good expression on her face as she talks to her son about it.

"Come on... they're waiting in the guest room," Barbara said lightly.

"Alright, Mother," Cedric replied calmly, already assuming that, given his mother's somewhat reluctant attitude, it was probably his father who insisted on him making friends and playing more.

Cedric knew that his father was doing all this with good intentions, and he had a great affection for him for it. After all, how much Amos loved him was undeniable.

Amos, unlike Barbara, had always pampered him, perhaps excessively, but still, he was the best father Cedric could ever have wished for, and he wouldn't trade him for anyone else.

...

Soon Barbara and Cedric finally arrived in the guest room.

Amos was already sitting on the sofa, waiting for them, and beside him were two identical red-haired youngsters of approximately the same age as Cedric.

'Twins...' Cedric thought. He only knew that both his father and Arthur, their father, worked at the Ministry of Magic.

But unlike the Diggorys, the Weasleys had a very precarious economy, and their reputation wasn't the best, which is why they were looked down upon by other noble and ancient houses.

After all, wealth, reputation, and power were the most common ways to assess a family in the magical world, although it was also important to emphasize antiquity, nobility, and blood.

The Diggorys held a significant position in the magical world, unlike the Weasleys and many other pure-blood houses.

"Oh, Cedric, my boy, let me introduce you to two of Arthur's sons. I think you'll get along from now on, so you can play more and not spend so much time studying all day. Take the opportunity to have fun with them, alright?" Amos said with a friendly smile.

Seeing how sincere his father was, Cedric couldn't easily refuse. So he simply nodded without saying anything more on the subject.

"Well, this is Fred Weasley," Amos said, pointing to the boy on the left.

"And this is George Weasley," he added, pointing to the boy on the right.

Seeing them, Cedric noticed that the two boys had obviously been severely warned by their parents about how they should behave, which made them mostly silent when they didn't seem at all like the calm type.

Of course, Cedric wasn't really bothered by all this because he had no real need to become friends with them or play, as his father pretended he should.

But since Amos wanted to see him hang out with "friends," Cedric would play along to avoid problems.

"So, Fred and George, I'm Cedric Diggory. I believe we should be able to get along in the future..."

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Moments later, Cedric invited both Weasley twins to the playroom, which made his father very happy. For Amos Diggory, seeing his son finally make two "friends" of his own age was significant progress... enough to bring a smile to the corner of his mouth.

After watching them for a while, Amos went to prepare something for them to eat while they played.

On the other hand, Barbara sighed resignedly at the thought of Cedric hanging out with the two Weasley children and went to her office without dwelling on the matter any further.

...

Time passed, and Cedric perfectly feigned a good relationship with his new "friends" to please his father. Of course, it was a deception, but it didn't harm anyone.

Cedric also noticed something important while spending time with the twins.

They loved pranks...

Yes, once Amos left them alone, they revealed their true colors.

Although Cedric had to admit that the two knew how to have fun. It was amusing to see how enthusiastic they were about all the things in the playroom.

They even asked Cedric for permission to take various items and create what they considered to be good and innovative pranks.

He didn't refuse because he wanted to see what the two red-haired twins were capable of, and it turned out to be better than he expected.

When they started planning pranks on different children and even their siblings, Cedric couldn't help but find it amusing to think that their parents and their victims would have a very tough time.

The Weasley twins also seemed very interested in Quidditch, so they were ecstatic to find out that Cedric had his own broomstick.

They didn't stop talking and trying to convince him to let them fly for a few minutes at least.

...

Time passed quickly, and it was noon in an instant.

The house-elves in the mansion had already prepared lunch.

"Young master, the lunch is ready," called the voice of Nixie, the house elf, from the other side of the playroom door.

"... All right, we'll be right there"

Once Cedric and the twins arrived in the hall where they were to eat, the three were greeted by a small house elf dressed in a very smart black robe.

"Young master! Your most loyal elf, Popper, has all the food ready for you and your friends!" said the elf bowing respectfully.

"Popper, didn't I tell you that you don't need to bow every time you speak to me? Come on, get up!" Ced just sighed and shook his head as he saw how it was almost impossible to make the house elfs listen to him.

"Popper, thank the young master," said the elf getting up and then respectfully placing the three of them in their respective seats.

'I still can't get used to this...', sighed Cedric again.

He wanted Popper to be a free elf, as he did not agree with slavery, he had lived it himself and knew how it felt.

He had even discussed this with his parents for a long time, especially with his mother who couldn't really understand Cedric's point of view.

It was difficult, but Ced managed to convince his mother... or, well, kind of.

She actually only agreed to do what he demanded as long as the house elfs themselves were willing.

For Ced that was a victory at the time..., little did he know that the Diggory house elves were simply stubborn and their mentality simply too strange.

He didn't even get to properly make his point to the house elves because the second he mentioned that he wanted them to be free, they almost beat themselves to death thinking they had done something wrong.

It was bloody hell for Ced to try to reason with them about everything he was trying to tell them. He used every means possible to make them understand that what he was proposing was a good thing and not a bad thing.

But no matter how many explanations Cedric gave the house elves, they just took it as if they had done something wrong. It was like they were completely deaf to what he had to say about the possibility of their freedom, the mere prospect of it seemed terrifying and painful, as if their whole world was coming crashing down on them.

Ced almost came to think they had been brainwashed by some kind of magic...

But he knew better.

So once Ced got tired of trying to force his point across to the house elves, unsuccessfully, he stopped trying to impose something on them that they clearly didn't want.

Thus he stopped insisting upon them being free elves as long as they wanted to stay that way..., yet still to this day he tries to gradually get them to change some of their more excessive and harmful behaviours.

'Yet it is an extremely difficult task...,' Severus thought as he shook his head, aware that it was evident that his words were not reaching the house elves.

….

After eating, Fred and George wouldn't stay much longer in the mansion...

Just a few minutes after lunch, their parents arrived and took them home after exchanging a few words with Amos.

Barbara wasn't present because she was dealing with more important family matters, although Ced suspected that his mother didn't particularly like the Weasleys.

Finally, the Weasleys said their goodbyes and left, and Cedric took advantage of the peace to return to his room and resume his practice with his master.

...

...

-Diggory Manor, November 20, 1985

Days passed quickly, and Cedric was now 8 years old...

It had been almost a year since he started hanging out with the Weasley twins, and it went much better than he expected. They even played pranks on each other now.

Cedric also began to socialize more, his mother took him to various gatherings, and his father usually dropped him off at the Weasleys', where he would often talk with Arthur Weasley about the Muggle world and occasionally go out with the twins to meet other children.

Cedric found it easy to get along with most people; he was polite, kind, and fun, so many children wanted to be around him.

In addition to all this, during this time, Cedric continued meditating, practicing with his master, and studying to accumulate knowledge about magic.

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Chapter 10: Muggle education

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Now at the age of 8, Cedric was becoming increasingly interested in Muggle education alongside his magical studies. Barbara Diggory blamed Arthur Weasley for this, as she knew he was the one who talked to her son about the Muggle world and its technology.

Nevertheless, Barbara agreed to her son's request for a Muggle education to learn more about this world. Despite her lack of interest and knowledge about the Muggle world, she spared no effort in ensuring that Cedric received the best possible education.

She hired the best Muggle or half-blood wizards to tutor her son in various subjects taught in Muggle schools.

However, only a few months into his tutoring, Cedric had already covered all the primary level studies. Cedric's tutors were amazed. It was evident to them that this child possessed a rare intellectual gift.

So, the tutors agreed that he should be placed in an environment that would foster his growth. They recommended to Barbara that she contact Muggle educational authorities to arrange a personalized study plan for Cedric, allowing him to skip primary school and directly enter Muggle secondary school studies.

Cedric's parents hesitated to do this, but given their son's enthusiasm and insistence on following the tutors' advice, they eventually agreed. After all, Amos loved Cedric and only wanted his son to do what made him happy. Barbara, despite her lack of interest in the Muggle world and education for non-magical humans, recognized her son's keen interest not only in magic but also in Muggle technology. So, albeit reluctantly, she agreed. As long as Cedric didn't lose focus and interest in his magical studies, she wouldn't oppose him obtaining an additional education, even though she considered such knowledge entirely unnecessary for a wizard like her son.

Thus, Barbara once again took charge of the situation and consulted not only these tutors but also contacted other acquaintances to arrange a meeting with an important Muggle educational authority named Jacob Cooper, who evaluated Cedric's exceptional abilities.

During the meeting, Mr. Cooper listened attentively to Barbara and reviewed the evaluation reports from various tutors. He was impressed by Cedric's potential and agreed to work on a personalized study plan for him.

This marked the beginning of Cedric's extraordinary education with Mr. Cooper, who designed a curriculum to constantly challenge the young prodigy.

Naturally, it wasn't much of a challenge for Cedric, but in his daily life, he already had many activities, from his private training with his master to his reading time about magic. So, he dedicated only a few hours a day to this personalized study plan with Mr. Cooper, who served as his private tutor.

In most subjects, covering mathematics, sciences, and more, Cedric was simply at a level that most children his age or even teenagers couldn't even imagine.

In fact, if it weren't for Qui-Gon Jinn restraining Cedric from displaying all his knowledge like Anakin, Mr. Cooper probably would have fainted upon learning about the boy's advanced knowledge and abilities in engineering, computing, mechanics, technology, and more.

Anyway, apart from Cedric's new Muggle studies, not much else of interest happened during this time. His daily life continued much as it always had...

However, the calm was soon shattered.

...

In the afternoon, sunlight streamed into the study through the gap in the window, casting dappled light and shadow on the wooden table.

In his room, Cedric was immersed in a sea of books. Lately, he had been devoting much of his time to learning various spells and advancing in other subjects from the first and second years of magical schools.

"It's a pity I still don't have my wand," Cedric sighed as he closed the book where he had been reading some second-year spells.

After a while, the familiar voice of a middle-aged woman suddenly sounded outside the door.

"Are you sure it's not a bother, Barbara?" the woman asked Cedric's mother.

"Don't worry; Cedric won't mind. Besides, he's been studying all day, so some free time will do him good," Barbara replied casually, and as soon as her voice fell, they knocked on Cedric's door.

Cedric calmly got up from his chair, walked to the door, and opened it.

"Oh, Cedric, we meet again, and this time I might need to ask you a favor if it's not too much trouble," Mrs. Johnson said politely, and seeing her standing there next to Barbara, Cedric remembered why her voice was so familiar. It had been a while since Priscilla Johnson and her daughter visited, but he still remembered that day.

Before Cedric could respond, a small figure emerged from behind Priscilla, and to his surprise, Cedric saw that it was none other than Angelina Johnson.

"Nice to see you again, Bookworm," Angelina said, looking gently at Cedric. Unlike the last time when she was dressed all in black, today she had replaced her attire with something more colorful, soft, and cheerful, as if she had transitioned from a somber Thestral to a vibrant Phoenix.

"Welcome, Miss Johnson, and it's good to see you again, Mrs. Johnson," Cedric greeted politely, as he always did.

"It is... too bad the occasion isn't the best. Ah, all because of those cursed..." Priscilla suddenly let out some of her anger, but Barbara quickly placed a hand on her shoulder, calming her down.

"Come on, don't worry about that. We'll take care of those vile opportunists today. Right, Barbara?" Barbara said calmly, and anyone could notice that mother and son behaved similarly in front of guests.

"I know, first the Malfoys and now this... I won't lose any more money, but I have a bad feeling about this situation. If this progresses, it could be very troublesome for the business," Priscilla sighed, unfortunately finding several issues with her main business today.

A business that also involved the Diggorys because Barbara had made a significant stake and investment in this business.

Therefore, today, they needed to go out to resolve this, or it could become very problematic.

While Priscilla and Barbara were now friends, things weren't quite that simple. Their friendship primarily remained active because both shared a similar social status, where they exchanged interests and benefits between both parties.

In the magical world and among noble and ancient houses, there were always many interests and businesses at play.

"Alright, Priscilla, don't say these things in front of the youngsters. We'll take care of this matter," Barbara told Mrs. Johnson, then she turned to Cedric.

"You heard her, son. Priscilla and I are going out for some business, and it's not convenient for Angelina to come with us, so she'll stay here with you. We'll be back in the evening," Barbara informed her son, looking him in the eyes and making it clear that it wasn't a question but something he had to do.

"Sorry for the inconvenience, Cedric. She insisted on coming with me, and now I can only trouble you to keep her company for a while. Your mother and I can't afford to delay any longer when the situation is so urgent," Mrs. Johnson said.

"Angelina, remember to behave. Don't be like the last time. And don't get into trouble," Priscilla added, giving her daughter a small warning before they left.

"All right, you can count on me," Angelina huffed, her face flushed. She seemed embarrassed, likely recalling the last time she came to Diggory Manor.

Cedric sighed internally but knew it was best not to argue with his mother. She wasn't like his father, whom he could easily convince.

"You can rest assured; I'll make sure everything is fine," Cedric assured his mother and Mrs. Johnson.

"Good to hear that. Come on, Priscilla, it seems they've forgotten your past reputation for too long, and maybe it's time for them to experience it again today," Barbara smiled confidently now that she knew Barbara would handle the matter personally.

Then, the figures of the two gradually became transparent and finally reduced to nothingness.

Apparently, they had used Apparition.

"They seemed really in a hurry," Cedric muttered to himself as he felt and saw how quickly both of them had left.

'Now I have to deal with a little problem...' Cedric thought as he looked at Angelina's face, which, once their mothers were gone, no longer showed any trace of the timid expression she had previously displayed.