Hogwarts doesn't need a savior

Fire and lightning spread in the fierce fight, and the huge battlefield was divided into two distinct ends. The focus was the championship gold cup located in the deepest part of the maze.

The boulder on which the trophy was placed has long been destroyed, but the trophy, made of unknown material, remains intact.

At this moment, it is bathed in the raging fire that is gradually gaining the upper hand. The golden light becomes brighter and brighter, while also reflecting a hint of obscure pink.

Gone in a flash.

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Cedric considered himself a cautious person. He could remain calm no matter he was at a disadvantage or had the upper hand. Such an important occasion as today was certainly no exception.

Therefore, even though he had just revealed the powerful trump card he had mastered, he did not rush into it, but was prepared to advance in a steady and cautious manner until he won.

This is the safest method and there will be no mistakes - at least under normal circumstances.

But accident itself is also the most common word.

He discovered Furong's plan and was prepared for it, but he never expected that the invincible Purple Shirt Rune had also lost its magic.

In the face of this unheard-of Veela magic, not only the phantom of the World Tree, but even the protective puppet he specially prepared using Transfiguration failed to function and was easily penetrated.

The word "penetration" doesn't seem appropriate either, because they are like being in two completely different dimensions and eventually pass each other by.

It was not until the indescribable chaos and heaviness in his heart began to corrode his limbs and bones that he suddenly realized that this pink light itself was just an illusion, and real magic had no specific form at all.

The strength and weakness are like water, there are no fixed rules.

In an instant, the flame that was just one step away from victory began to tremble and collapse, and it seemed that it was being resisted or even countered.

"Right now... Nito! Issa!"

Furong shouted loudly, and chain-like magic power wrapped around the rising ice cones, which fell like a rain of arrows, covering the sky and the sun.

This was a winning blow that she had made with all her might, hitting her opponent at his most vulnerable moment and soft spot.

But Cedric did not panic. Even though his breathing rhythm began to become unstable and his magic was no longer as easy and smooth as before, he remained calm.

Rather, the imminent crisis made him feel unprecedented joy.

"It's amazing magic." He said softly, his eyes revealing curiosity and appreciation without any utilitarian purpose.

Through the flames and thunder, in his dim vision, he seemed to see Furong's focused eyes.

A faint white light lit up from his body, and two long-dormant rune symbols slowly condensed behind him.

【Gift from Luan Keifer】

【Joyful Rune Wujiu】

The earnest instructions when he first came into contact with these two rune magics were still ringing in his ears. He had never been able to understand the deep meaning of these two rune magics, but now he suddenly understood.

What Freya favors is not a specific thing, but the most rare purity in the world, that diamond-like innocent heart, which is also the source of Freyaet's power.

The hesitancy in my heart was swept away, and the road ahead in my eyes suddenly became clear under the interweaving of night and firelight.

"Uruzi! Ensozi!"

The slender magic wand was raised again, and the golden-red color symbolizing power and the silver-blue color symbolizing wisdom merged into one in front of him and merged into the World Tree that was already crumbling under the bombardment.

The popping sound stopped abruptly.

The overwhelming ice cones melted quickly like frost in the summer sun, and the countless runes attached to the purple-shirted shadow also disappeared in an instant.

Along with it, the entangled flames and thunder also dissipated - in just a moment, the purgatory-like battlefield fell silent.

Furong stood there in a daze, looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar rune magic, her mind going blank.

Like her, every spectator in the stands outside the stadium was shocked, as well as the professors who were ready to interrupt the duel and avoid casualties.

Such a sudden change was beyond everyone's expectations.

But the scene that shocked them was not over yet.

Even Fleur, who felt it all personally, didn't have time to react. Redo's symbol flashed by, and Cedric approached at lightning speed.

"Kennaz."

The dull voice just came along with the image, and it was followed by another round of blazing flames, covering everything, and then covering the huge duel arena and even the entire maze.

A human figure could be vaguely seen in the flames rising into the sky.

A goddess with flaxen hair and a beautiful face.

Her hands held a spear and a shield respectively, but she cast the light of love equally on every inch of land.

Including Harry, who was stumbling forward, not knowing what was happening ahead.

When the warm fire of life heals trauma and fatigue, the taut spiritual strings loosen, sending consciousness into the dark yet warm embrace.

His battle and "expedition" were over.

In other words, everything that belongs to everyone is over.

-----------------

When the ubiquitous flames slowly died down, the fighting spirit and desire in Furong's eyes also died out.

"You win, Cedric." She half-knelt on the ground, holding the wand tightly in her hand, and spoke word by word, as if she had used all her strength to say this.

Admitting her failure was an extremely difficult thing for a proud young person like her.

"Victory and honor are important, but they will never be the most important things." Cedric said, and then extended his hand to her. "Your magic is wonderful, full of mysterious beauty that I cannot understand. Being able to see it with my own eyes is one of my greatest gains today."

"Your victory declaration is really unique."

Furong stubbornly avoided him and stood up by supporting herself on the still hot ground, her face tense.

Just as Doris expected, even if she failed, she still would not give in and was just thinking about how to catch up in the future.

Cedric was also aware of this and didn't think there was anything wrong with it.

"I don't think this is a declaration of victory. It should be a sincere statement between friends." He smiled and said, "I have a little understanding of the professor's letter."

"…What do you mean?"

Furong frowned slightly.

"Over the years, we have been given so much, and the process has been so easy, that it is difficult to discover the bright spots in others, let alone appreciate them from the bottom of our hearts. I hope to change this."

Cedric turned around and looked at the trophy lying quietly by the hedge in the distance. Bathed in the fire of life, it looked even more golden and shining, carrying honors not seen in hundreds of years.

“I don’t deny that I yearn for honor and victory, but I also value fair competition among us, and I value previous cooperation more—everyone’s power is limited, but we can move forward together, just like teaching them.”

"Are you serious?" Furong narrowed her eyes and slowly loosened her arms that were folded across her chest.

"Without a doubt, and not just you and me, but also Doris and the others, as well as -" Cedric pointed to another dark path not far away, "including people like Harry who still have some shortcomings and deficiencies, but still do everything they can. We have done the same, haven't we? As students of Professor Eric, we should also have this mindset."

Furong looked at him deeply for a long while.

The night air was hot but quiet, and they could hear faint noises coming from the path - it must be the professors trying to help the unconscious Harry, just as they had done with Kaleya before.

When the last sound completely dissipated as the magic signal rose, a smile broke out on her face.

"Although I don't know if this is what the professor thinks, I cannot deny that your logic has convinced me. We will of course continue to compete, but I will seriously consider your words."

The proud witch lowered her head slightly and took a few steps back.

Immediately afterwards, a purple-red flare rose into the air.

Chapter 659: Championship Night

When Cedric's hands touched the golden cup symbolizing the honor of the champion for the first time, the huge magic maze began to tremble.

Soon, the intricate paths and towering hedges and walls receded to both sides, revealing a straight road leading to the center of the Quidditch field.

The bright moonlight sprinkled on the ground, and the cheers and shouts that had been blocked by magic for who knows how long finally reached our ears again.

Furong quietly retreated to an inconspicuous corner, skillfully concealing her envy and sadness, and watched Cedric walk towards the enthusiastic crowd holding the trophy.

After all, it's only temporary, she can still let it go.

But it is still difficult to avoid feeling a little sad.

Through the narrow gap, she saw the Hogwarts teachers and students rushing into the venue, and also saw Madame Maxime's figure that was far superior to that of an ordinary person.

Although she couldn't see her expression clearly, she knew that this lady who was determined to make Beauxbatons the best school in Europe must be feeling unwilling at the moment, but she could only force a smile.

For all those who aspire to win, second place is always the biggest loser.

-----------------

Cedric had just spoken sincerely.

Of course he would be happy about his victory, after all, he won fairly, without any tricks or calculations.

But what made him happier was his open-mindedness.

There was cooperation and competition, confrontation and appreciation. After experiencing everything tonight, he realized what he once lacked compared to mature wizards.

A truly successful wizard must not only have magic and skills that surpass others, but also have a mind broad enough to accommodate opponents and friends.

Using force to subdue others is a pathetic and insufficient method, and it cannot truly bring about like-minded partners. What determines whether people can get along with each other is the heart.

This is the true meaning of Freyaet.

Until this moment, he was truly worthy of the title "Son of Freya".

After walking out of the maze with the heavy trophy in his arms, he was not in a hurry to show it to his supporters or celebrate the victory with his family and friends. Instead, he turned his eyes to the rest area set up on the sidelines.

There sat the four warriors who were led out of the arena.

Krum sat in the shadows with a depressed look on his face.

Although they appeared calm on the surface, Hert and Kaliya could not hide their frustration at all.

There was also Harry, who was wrapped like a dumpling and almost unrecognizable at first glance, but still raised his arms to celebrate for him.

After nodding to them one by one, Cedric turned his gaze to the stands and met his relatives, especially his parents who were dancing with joy.

Mr. and Mrs. Diggory, who regarded their son as their lifelong pride, were so excited that they could not express it in words. This good-natured couple who had lived in obscurity for most of their lives would undoubtedly remember this day forever.

Also cheering were Pavla and her Hufflepuff friends who had escorted her the entire way as she was the first one to rush down from the stands - led by Boyce, of course, even leaving the chubby Professor Sprout behind.

For Hogwarts, there have been many such honors in history, but for Hufflepuff, which has never been known for its outstanding student talents, this is a unique achievement.

Everyone has every reason to celebrate.

Dumbledore on the podium also stood up, applauded and congratulated him, with a smile on his old face.

But what made Cedric a little disappointed was that even though he searched the stands and the court with his keen eyes, he couldn't find the figure of hope among the cheering crowd.

Not only that, he also didn't see Doris - she was supposed to be with Pavla and Boyce, but she disappeared from everyone's sight at some point.

It seems that she went to see the professor...

As he thought this, Cedric showed a barely perceptible envy on his face.

But this small flaw was soon completely overwhelmed by the surging crowd.

He didn't have time to think about these things.

Tonight is destined to be a carnival for the entire Hogwarts, and even for the British wizarding world.

His name would surely echo over the castle all night long and leave a mark in the history of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

A bold stroke.

-----------------

Cedric was right. Doris had quietly left the stadium and used the school's Floo network to rush to London.

Everyone else had left one after another, and apart from a few fairies and wizards on patrol, only Lynn and Euphemia were left in the huge Violet Tower.

The celebration at school hadn't started yet, but she had already sat smoothly in Lynn's office, concisely explaining everything she had observed on the field.

"Ced has impressed me this time. He must have understood what you mean. And Harry, the kid's performance has far exceeded my expectations. He is a genuine Gryffindor. No wonder Dumbledore favors him so much." In front of Lynn, she did not hesitate to praise him.

Lynn smiled and nodded, and said softly, "Harry is an interesting young man. Although he is a little reckless, he is still cute. You can pay more attention to him in the future, but you don't need to be too deliberate. Dumbledore and Kingsley obviously have their own plans for his future - let them be."

"I understand. Don't worry."

"Perhaps Ced is a little depressed right now?" Euphemia asked with interest, "And of course there's Fleur, she's a little girl who never admits defeat."

"Fleur, I'm not sure, but Ced... he must have noticed that you're not here." Doris looked at her with a smile, "But he probably won't have the chance to think about it. After all, there will be a grand carnival at Hogwarts tonight."