Chapter 11: Secondary Education Muggle
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The shyness in Angelina's gaze had vanished in an instant, replaced by cold and bored eyes.
"Is there anything you want to do?" Cedric asked her without paying much attention to the radical change in her facial expression.
"Unfortunately, it's boring to be with you. You'd better read your books, bookworm," she replied dryly.
Seeing that she wasn't going to cooperate to make his day more peaceful, Cedric simply nodded and chose a book to read.
Observing Cedric's calm expression, as always, while he started reading as if nothing had happened, she suddenly became more infuriated.
Angelina didn't know what she expected him to do, but she certainly didn't expect him to be so cold. No, the idea was that she should be the one acting this way.
Originally, she wanted to tease and embarrass Cedric as revenge, but now she was just in a bad mood because of how he was acting. She stomped the floor in frustration, walked to the desk, found a chair, and sat down, pursing her lips, not knowing what to think or do in this situation.
Cedric, who had observed all her behavior, instantly knew that the girl had been offended for some reason. He couldn't help but think that if he left things like this, she would only get angrier, and things would become more difficult for him. So, he decided to make one last attempt to talk to her.
"By the way, there's a short and quite interesting book on ancient myths on the shelf. It talks about the time when dragons used to fly freely in the sky. If you're feeling bored, you can take a look," Cedric suggested casually as he watched her reaction to what he said.
"Huh? Why would I want to read a silly book? I'm not like you!"
"Oh... well, you'd be surprised at how interesting that book is. I lent it to two restless boys who hate reading, and they loved it," Cedric said, remembering that day with the Weasley twins.
"Humph, I don't believe a word you're saying."
"Um... why don't you read a bit and then decide if what I'm saying is true or not?"
"Fine," Angelina said dryly as she turned around, staring at him without speaking.
Cedric sighed and closed the book he was reading. He then got up to search the shelf for the book he had mentioned to her. After finding it, he handed the book to her, and she took it in silence.
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A few moments later...
'Hmm... it's actually quite interesting,' Angelina thought as she read the book attentively.
She gradually became more interested in the story and was curious about what would happen next at times. If the proud, cold, and dry Angelina had disappeared, now there was only a curious and animated girl left.
"Wow... it's really incredible," Angelina murmured.
"Thinking that things were like that is amazing and fascinating. Although I find it hard to believe that dragons ruled over all other species," she added aloud without realizing it.
"It's a myth... we don't know if it was really like that, but many believe it was," Cedric commented calmly, although he had to restrain himself from smiling or laughing when he saw how excited Angelina was about the story.
"I see... but... is this how it ends?" Angelina asked disinterestedly after finishing reading the book.
"Yes, it's not the best ending, but that's how myths are."
She simply nodded without saying anything else, creating an awkward silence between the two for a few moments.
"Well, even though you're still a bookworm to me, I have to admit the story was interesting," Angelina said, although it was more than just interesting.
In several parts of the reading, she even laughed a bit at various things.
"But I suppose, having read so many books, it's normal that you finally found something interesting," she added.
Cedric simply shook his head amused and didn't bother to respond to her unnecessary comment.
"Although it was really interesting. As a reward, from now on, I'll let you recommend other stories like this," Angelina said confidently, as if she had already won something.
'Yeah... she just wants to annoy me,' Cedric concluded, but if resolving his issue with this girl required only that, he would do it. After all, it was more beneficial for him.
"So... any other books you'd recommend?" she asked while looking at Cedric with bright, anticipatory eyes.
"Sure…" he nodded without hesitation as he searched for another book, this time about Quidditch.
And that's how Angelina and Cedric started talking more often and without as many fights.
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"Oh, have you read that book already? It's one of the few that everyone I know has read," Angelina suddenly commented, pointing to one of the books on the shelf.
'The Chronicles of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and the Potter-Who-Lived,' Cedric read the title of the book she was pointing at.
"Um, yeah, I guess we all know the Potter story..." Cedric said boredly.
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A few hours later, Barbara and Priscila returned to the Diggory Manor much earlier than expected, as it seemed that the problem had been resolved without much trouble, so everything had gone well for the two of them.
"Um... Oh, it looks like you two get along very well now. Did my daughter bother you?" Mrs. Johnson asked with a smile.
"Mom! I would never cause trouble or bother anyone," Angelina huffed, offended.
"Mrs. Johnson, you can be sure it was a fairly calm day, and it's always good to have some company," Cedric replied politely, which made Priscila nod in satisfaction.
"It's getting late, so why don't you both stay for dinner and then head back?" Barbara offered.
"I appreciate the invitation, but it's not too late yet, and I still have some matters to deal with... I'll visit you again another time," Mrs. Johnson said sincerely, as even though the matter had been resolved satisfactorily, there were still some things waiting for her attention. Therefore, she preferred to politely decline the invitation.
Barbara understood the situation instantly and didn't press further. After some more pleasantries, she and Cedric bid farewell to Mrs. Johnson and Angelina.
Of course, before leaving, Angelina gave Cedric one last look... and her gaze clearly told Cedric that she would be back next time.
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A year passed, and Cedric continued to show exceptional progress in his Muggle studies.
Mr. Cooper closely monitored his progress, making sure he remained challenged and intellectually stimulated. He conducted various regular assessments to evaluate Cedric's development and adjust his curriculum as needed.
Having demonstrated his intellectual ability for a year, Mr. Cooper was now convinced that with Cedric's exceptional talent, additional challenges were necessary for his progress. So, he began discussing with Barbara Diggory the possibility of a formal transition to secondary school at an early age to advance to a higher level of education.
But Barbara had no interest or intention of sending her son to a Muggle school, so she firmly refused. However, Mr. Cooper offered another option: Cedric could start a formal secondary education at the age of nine through homeschooling, with him serving as the private tutor. He would ensure that Cedric followed a customized curriculum subject to certain regulations and requirements set by Muggle educational authorities and laws.
Barbara and Amos Diggory discussed this, and since Cedric seemed to want to continue with this, they again accepted the proposal and completed all the necessary paperwork to formalize the arrangement with Mr. Cooper.
And so, Cedric began a new curriculum with advanced subjects in mathematics, science, and other fields. While most of it was still remarkably easy for Cedric, he had to focus on subjects and topics he had no prior knowledge of, much like Anakin. Many of these were so boring and senseless to him that it was hard to concentrate on studying them because he had no interest. However, Mr. Cooper managed to convince him to study these subjects to progress to the things he was interested in.
Yes, the man knew how to deal with people of all ages, which is why he was a recognized and important educational authority in Great Britain.
Naturally, not everything went as Cedric wanted, as his mother, Barbara Diggory, made him agree to accompany her to more meetings with other prominent families in the magical community.
Well, it's not like he had a choice; it was either accept his mother's conditions or forget about continuing his Muggle studies.
As time passed, Cedric began to get to know other noble and ancient magical families. As expected, he didn't like most of these families.
Ced even wondered why his mother kept associating with these kinds of people, but he supposed she must have her reasons. After all, she was the one in charge of the family's business and finances.
But it wasn't all bad. Most of the adults in the noble and ancient magical families were pompous idiots who idolized the idea of being superior to others.
However, there were some young people of similar ages to Cedric who weren't as biased as their parents or relatives. They simply repeated what their parents said or did, but nothing more.
Among them was a young girl with whom Cedric got along quite well. She was part of the Dunne family, a family that despised Muggles and, at first glance, was just as unpleasant as the Malfoys.
But the daughter of Mrs. and Mr. Dunne, Agatha Dunne, was certainly different.
The first time Ced visited the Dunne family mansion and met Agatha, he couldn't help but admit that her hyperactive attitude was very contagious as she guided him through the mansion where she lived.
The girl talked non-stop, and her hands moved animatedly to match the flow of her words. Her enthusiasm was palpable, and while Ced and she walked, his initial caution and prejudices due to her family faded away, replaced by a growing sense of fun in Agatha's company.
She was different from her parents; she radiated joy and enthusiasm, something that helped Cedric have a good time despite being with an elitist magical family.
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Chapter 12:The Force and the sword
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- Manor Diggory, Ottery St. Catchpole, Devon, Inglaterra
- 14 de Diciembre de 1988
-Pov Cedric
The night was starry, and I was training in the beautiful and impressive garden of my house. Large trees surrounded the area, creating an atmosphere of serenity.
At my side, Qui-Gon Jinn, like a luminous figure, watched my training carefully, as usual.
"Cedric, remember that your surroundings are an extension of the Force, and you must learn to flow with it," he said.
Understanding most of what my master intended to say, I nodded, closed my eyes, and began to use the Force while enveloping myself in it. At the same time, I swung my sword in the silence of the night.
"Feel the Force, let it flow around you, and allow it to guide you in your movements through this place," Qui-Gon continued.
With my eyes closed, I followed everything my master told me to do to the letter while perfectly balancing my sword in different basic Jedi styles...
Once I began to feel more comfortable with my sword as an extension of myself and could feel the Force guiding me in each of my movements, I became more aggressive and started using Form V, also known by its two primary disciplines of Shien and Djem So.
The fifth form of lightsaber combat used by members of the Jedi Order, which was the one I trained with the most, as I felt it was the perfect style for me.
However, I must note that initially, I focused more on Form IV: Ataru, the one in which my master was a notable user. And although I had great talent for the Ataru style, after a few years, I finally decided that the fifth form was better for me...
Once I finished training, I opened my eyes and finally relaxed my body.
"You have progressed immensely in your skills with the Force and the sword, nevertheless, you must not neglect the domain of your emotions in combat," Qui-Gon said with his characteristic Jedi calmness.
"I understand, Master. But so far, I have only trained alone. How can I practice combat without a partner?"
"The Force always provides a solution, young Padawan," Qui-Gon responded. "Today, I will teach you how to face an imaginary enemy. Close your eyes again and concentrate…"
Interested and a little eager at the prospect, I quickly obeyed and closed my eyes.
As my mind delved into the Force, I listened and followed everything Qui-Gon told me to do step by step...
Until finally, a dark figure materialized in front of me. It was a combat droid, a B1 from the Trade Federation. My eyes opened, and I quickly raised my training sword.
"You will face multiple combat droids," Qui-Gon said. "You must anticipate their movements and act with precision. Remember, the Force will guide you"
The battle began, and I moved with surprising agility and speed; I doubted there was any wizard capable of doing something similar.
My sword moves were fluid and aggressive, and my concentration was absolute. Each cut and parry I made was a dance choreographed by the Force.
The combat droids approached, but I defeated them one after another with ease. My face was focused and serene, and both my connection with the Force and its use gave me a supernatural advantage.
'Very well, Cedric,' praised Qui-Gon. 'Your connection with the Force makes you truly formidable. But do not let arrogance overtake you. Humility is one of the virtues of a Jedi.'
I nodded to my master and continued practicing enthusiastically; the combat felt so real that it didn't leave room for distractions. It was a unique feeling.
As I progressed in my training, my sword technique improved by leaps and bounds, as if fighting were a natural talent. With each cut and step, I felt that I was perfecting so many things that I hadn't even considered before.
Finally, when the last wave of combat droids was defeated, I opened my eyes and turned to Qui-Gon, who was looking at me with a proud smile.
"Well, how about a one-on-one duel now? Are you interested…?" he asked with amusement, knowing very well what my answer would be.
Smiling and raising my sword with a determined look was all my master needed to understand my response.
Closing my eyes and letting Qui-Gon's words guide me once again, I quickly let my mind sink into the Force until the figure of my master with his own sword materialized in front of me.
And with a confirming look from both of us, the battle began, and I moved gracefully through the garden, facing the figure of Qui-Gon.
Of course, for anyone who saw me at this moment, they would only see me and my sword making strange movements in the air, occasionally cutting the grass and the flowers.
Each of my movements was in harmony with the Force, and my sword felt like a natural extension of my hand. Of course, my master's moves stood out even more than mine.
"You must learn to anticipate your opponent's moves," Qui-Gon advised me while calmly engaging in a sword duel. "The Force will show you the way."
I exerted myself to feel even more of the Force around me, letting myself be completely enveloped by an invisible current that connected me to everything. Gradually, my movements, like those of my master, became more precise, and my confidence grew.
The battle continued under the starry sky, and the garden turned into a stage of skill and grace as Qui-Gon and I danced with our swords.
… It was a pity that such a sight was only visible to Qui-Gon Jinn and me.
Finally, when the duel reached its climax, I made a bold move and disarmed my master. Qui-Gon's sword fell to the ground, and I opened my eyes once more to find Qui-Gon in his translucent form, without a sword.
It was an incredible outcome, but a part of me knew that my master was holding back. He never went on the offensive and always allowed me to have control of the fight. His only purpose was to guide and correct me in each move, as if he expected me to see all my mistakes and gave me enough time to correct them in the duel.
"You've grown stronger, Cedric, making great strides, I would say" Qui-Gon said with a smile. "But remember, the true purpose of sword mastery is defense, not attack. A Jedi must use their skill with wisdom and compassion."
I nodded, knowing these things, but I couldn't help but feel frustrated by the fact that he didn't give his all in the fight.
"Don't worry, when I deem it necessary, I will give my all in our upcoming duels," he told me, perfectly understanding my mood. After all, we shared a deep bond that transcended words. "Until then, you must keep training; the path of a Jedi is a continuous journey…"
"I know, Master, thank you," I said, looking at my master with gratitude. I knew our relationship was unique, transcending even physical death.
Qui-Gon smiled: "Your determination and willingness to learn are your deepest appreciation, my young padawan."
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Once the training was over, I returned to the mansion and took a refreshing shower. Upon emerging, I looked into the mirror. At the age of 11, I appeared very healthy, thanks to continuous training with Qui-Gon Jinn. I had high cheekbones, gray eyes, and long light brown hair.
At 4 feet 14 inches, I was taller than almost all young people my age. In fact, many used to think when they saw me that I was at least 2 years older than I really was.
As I grew up within the Diggory family, a Noble and Ancient pure-blood wizarding house of Irish origin, I began to better understand my new life as just Cedric Diggory on Earth.
Although it took me quite a long time to adapt to using only the name Cedric, eventually, I became completely comfortable with my dual identity as Anakin and Cedric. I accepted the fact that my former existence as Anakin Skywalker had been left behind in a galaxy far, far away.
It was challenging to come to terms with the fact that my physical body as Anakin had perished in the explosion of the Droid Control Ship on Naboo, and that my master Qui-Gon had given me another chance at life, merged with my other self as Cedric.
My new home was with the Diggory family in England, on Earth, in a galaxy known as the Milky Way... in a reality completely different from the one I lived as Anakin.
The Diggorys were a noble house of pure-blood wizards who followed most traditions, although luckily, Barbara and Amos, my parents, were not as closed-minded and did not seek blood purity as much as some other Noble families. It's worth noting that, to this day, records indicate that the Diggorys only married other pure-blood or perhaps half-blood witches and wizards.
Still, I understood that my parents, unlike our neighbors the Weasleys, were not sympathizers of Muggles, a term wizards used to refer to non-magical humans.
To be exact, one could say that my family was more neutral on this subject since they did not engage in conflicts with any party when it came to the Muggle or Muggle-born society.