Tonight had been full of twists and tension.
Thankfully, it was finally over.
"Let us go, Cedric."
Aiden slung an arm around Cedric Diggory's shoulder and pulled him away.
Watching Cedric chatting animatedly with Cho Chang moments earlier had made Aiden want to roll his eyes.
Had he really dragged him away from the Hufflepuff crowd just to witness public displays of affection?
Earlier, Aiden's focus had been entirely on maintaining the question-and-answer space. He had not had time to worry about anything else.
Now, however, things were different.
"Slow down, slow down, Aiden."
Cedric stumbled slightly as he was dragged along, drawing curious glances from nearby young witches and wizards.
But when they realized it was Cedric and Aiden, they quickly looked away.
While walking, Aiden quietly opened his system interface.
Compared to the participants who had received flashy rewards during the live Quiz, what Aiden received was less dramatic—but far more practical.
[Live Broadcast Q&A System]
[Host: Aiden Ramirez]
[Talent: Magic Absorption (Minor): Magic recovery speed slightly exceeds the average wizard]
[Skill: Petrificus Totalus (1)…]
[Equipment: Wand (twelve inches, alder wood, unicorn hair) Compatibility 80%]
[Knowledge Theory: Charms (2), Potions (1), Transfiguration (1), Defense Against the Dark Arts (0)]
[Claimable Items: ×3]
[System Update: Upgradeable]
Seeing that his wand compatibility was only eighty percent did not surprise him.
After regaining memories from his past life, subtle shifts in personality had occurred. Those changes would inevitably affect his magical alignment.
Only those close to him might notice.
In a few days, others would simply grow accustomed to the "new" Aiden.
After all, regaining memories did not mean losing the old ones.
"System, are these claimable items my rewards?"
[Yes. Please claim them as soon as possible, Host. The system will begin upgrading at midnight. During the upgrade, you will only be able to view the system panel.]
"It can upgrade too. That is impressive."
This was his first time encountering something like that.
"I want to claim my rewards."
[As the first round of the Quiz has ended, you will receive a unique wand, a unique talent, and a practical spell.]
By now, they were approaching the Hufflepuff common room.
Mrs. Norris had been attacked on the second floor. The Hufflepuff entrance was hidden behind a still-life painting near a stack of wooden barrels.
After tapping the correct rhythm on the proper barrel, one could enter.
On the way, Aiden grew unusually quiet.
He was reviewing his rewards.
First, he felt the weight of a wand appear in his pocket.
The equipment section updated immediately.
[Equipment: Wand ×2]
• Twelve inches, alder wood, unicorn hair — Compatibility 80%
• Thirteen and a half inches, aspen wood, Thunderbird tail feather — Compatibility 100%
Seeing the new wand's perfect compatibility made Aiden itch to take it out.
But Cedric was still beside him.
He restrained himself.
There would be a better opportunity later.
Next, he examined his talents.
[Talent: Photographic Memory (Unique): Exceptional learning and knowledge absorption ability]
[Magic Absorption (Minor): Magic recovery speed slightly exceeds the average wizard]
Then he checked the spells.
[Occlumency (3)]
The number made him thoughtful.
Perhaps it represented his mastery level.
He was familiar with such ranking systems.
The moment Occlumency integrated into his mind, a strange clarity washed over him.
Then came stillness.
His thoughts felt enclosed.
His emotions seemed sealed away inside a box.
Previously, his mind had been defenseless—any skilled Legilimens could have invaded it.
Now, it was as though a reinforced door had been installed.
A solid, chained, anti-theft door.
"So this is Occlumency," He murmured softly.
No one heard him.
Though he could not feel his emotions as vividly, he could simulate them.
He could construct false memories and layer them above his true thoughts.
The genuine emotions were buried at the bottom.
The fabricated ones sat above, unlocked and seemingly natural.
To any outside observer, his mind would appear unguarded.
Outwardly, Aiden's expression briefly went blank.
Cold.
Detached.
Then, slowly, a familiar smile returned to his face.
To others, he looked perfectly normal—perhaps even cheerful.
But if someone looked closely into his eyes, they might notice something slightly out of place.
As though he did not entirely belong in this world.
"Alright."
The Hufflepuff prefect clapped his hands lightly.
"If anyone wants a midnight snack, remember you can always tap the barrel that leads to the kitchens. I doubt Filch will be checking tonight. He is rather busy."
A few students chuckled.
As Hufflepuffs, sneaking out rarely meant rule-breaking adventures.
They were not Gryffindors.
Most nighttime excursions led directly to the Hogwarts kitchens for snacks.
Still, even that happened only occasionally.
Tonight had been far too exhausting for mischief.
Everyone simply wanted to rest.
...
📢 Author's Note
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