"Although I don't really want to admit it, it's indeed true."
Looking at the three people's dumbfounded expressions, Cedric smiled and said, "He learned the sixth-grade course in the third year Transfiguration Club. At the time, everyone, including Professor McGonagall, thought it was incredible."
"That's why she decided to recommend Kael to Today's Transfiguration."
"And the Potion Class is the same." Conna added.
Also in the third year, Kael brewed the Draught of Living Death, which was taught only in Advanced Potion Making, leading Snape to give her intensive tutoring during the Christmas holidays, something she remembered clearly.
Harry and Ron's expressions became even more exciting. They exchanged a glance and saw the same thoughts reflected in each other's eyes.
...Quickly go back, not wanting to stay here another minute!
Although they had long known the gap between themselves and Kael, facing it laid bare before them made it hard for them to accept.
It's so discouraging; how can the gap between wizards be so large... Coming along with Hermione seemed like such a mistake.
"That's why I said I'm not suitable to guide others."
Kael continued speaking, oblivious to Harry and Ron's thoughts. "And Cedric is the opposite. He's been the top of his grade all along, with all his subjects scored 'O'. His O.W.Ls are full marks, solid in both practice and theory."
"He frequently teaches lower-year students in the Common Room. If we have to pick a student professor, no one is better suited than him."
Despite Kael's string of compliments, Cedric wasn't happy at all.
"I feel like you're indirectly praising yourself," he muttered softly. "You learn in one go, while I have to come step by step."
"Don't sweat the details." Kael said with a chuckle, "Why, are you unwilling to teach them?"
"Not at all." Cedric shook his head, saying, "If someone is willing to listen, of course I'll teach."
"See, problem solved." Kael said, then turned to Hermione. "Naturally, if you have other candidates, it's fine. As long as the other students trust them, the more 'student professors', the better."
Hermione seemed lost in thought, nodding with a complex expression without speaking.
Behind her, Harry and Ron kept giving her looks, hoping to leave sooner.
Hermione seemed to have more to say, but under their urging, she temporarily set aside her confusion and returned to the Gryffindor table with them.
After Hermione and the others left, Kael lifted the Muffliato spell.
Cedric turned to him and asked, "They seem pretty disappointed. Are you really not going to teach them?"
"I have other things to do," Kael replied. "Besides, you're indeed 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 now, just giving a little help on Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Is that so?" Kael suddenly said, "Maybe Cho will join in too; don't you want her to call you professor?"
"Pfft!"
Cedric was drinking pumpkin juice and couldn't hold back, spraying it everywhere.
Luckily, Kael was prepared. His wand made a light movement, causing the airborne pumpkin juice to gather and disappear with a pop.
Justin Finch-Fletchley, sitting opposite Cedric, came back to his senses and gave Kael a grateful look.
"Sorry, Justin." Cedric quickly apologized, then seemed to remember something, his face flushing red with embarrassment, looking angrily at Kael.
"What are you saying, I'm definitely not qualified to be a professor!"
"I didn't say anything else, why so worked up?" Kael shrugged.
"You..." Cedric's face turned even redder, with even his ear tips changing color.
"Alright, not a professor, how about that." Kael timely ended the topic. "What do you plan to teach them? Stunning Spell, Disarming Spell, or Iron Armor Spell?"
"They all can be taught. But I think the Iron Armor Spell is key." Cedric took a few breaths to calm himself before saying, "I plan to compile previously taught by Professor Moody as a template; what do you think?"
"Oh, and Professor Lupin, his Mist Spell and Speedy Charm are also very useful."
"Starting with escape... that's a good idea." Kael nodded. "You're indeed more suited to guide them."
"But..." Cedric glanced back towards Gryffindor, "I feel they'd prefer you teaching the class rather than me."
"Forget it." Kael said softly, "Everyone has their suitable position. Just like a Quidditch match, besides the players, the referee's role is equally important..."
Cedric didn't fully grasp the meaning, but Kael didn't explain further, instead discussing the venue with him.
"For classes, a room is necessary. Which place are you thinking of choosing?"
"I don't know." Cedric answered.
Being forced into this just minutes ago, there's no way he could decide on a location so quickly.
"How about the sixth floor?"
Sometime later, Cedric said, "There's the most empty classrooms there, plus not many people go there usually; it's quite safe."
"Not good." Kael said, "Fewer visitors doesn't mean none; eventually, it'll be discovered... Go to the eighth floor, the Room of Requirement."
"Room of Requirement?" Cedric recalled that magical room on the eighth floor, eyes lighting up with delight, "That's a great idea; there, you won't be discovered."
"Exactly." Kael smiled.
Then, once dinner was over, they returned to the Hufflepuff Common Room to discuss other details.
"Tomorrow I'll inform Hermione about the Room of Requirement location." Cedric said, "I'm just unsure how many will come... What I mean is, it's equivalent to an additional class, which surely takes up their time."
"You don't need to worry about that." Kael smiled, "Anyone with a clear mind will participate.
"Here's the deal, I'll be the first to register, Professor Digory."
"I'll go tell Cho." Conna chimed in, joining the fun. "I think she won't refuse an extra class."
Seemingly recalling something, Cedric's face flushed again, angrily saying, "I told you not to call me that, I'm not a professor. Also, this is just a Defense Against the Dark Arts tutoring, why join in the fun."
"We need tutoring too," Kael stated matter-of-factly. "Plus, you need to adapt in advance. Don't forget, Fred and George don't know about this yet."
Cedric's face fell... Yeah, there's Fred and George too.
"Can I take back what I said earlier?" he whispered, "I remember Harry got top marks in Defense Against the Dark Arts last year; he'd make a great 'student professor' too."
"No use. They likely heard about this from Hermione by now." Kael patted his shoulder. "Besides, you are the Head Boy; reneging isn't acceptable."
Cedric sighed helplessly, already picturing what those two would say when they see him tomorrow.