Guardian Cedric stood at the center of the ancient chamber, his presence calm yet commanding, a gentle smile resting on his weathered face as his sharp eyes moved from one young wizard to another, as though he was not merely looking at them but reading the very layers of their souls, their fears, their courage, and their unspoken truths.
Scorpius broke the silence first, turning toward James with a seriousness that was rare for him, his voice slightly strained as memories rushed back into his mind.
"I went back to Hogwarts," Scorpius said slowly, "and it wasn't the Hogwarts we remember, James. Dementors were everywhere. Their presence was suffocating. Every corridor felt like a grave of forgotten screams. I faced them alone, one after another, and I killed every single dementor by myself."
He paused, swallowing hard, his eyes darkening.
"It was terrifying. It dragged me back to all our past fights against evil, all the moments where we almost lost ourselves."
Albus stepped forward, Frank and Bobby beside him, their expressions still carrying the weight of what they had survived.
"We entered the same world," Albus said, glancing briefly at Thorn Claw and Dim, who stood like living shadows beside them. "A dark army awaited us there. If not for Thorn Claw and Dim, I don't think we would have survived."
Frank clenched his fist unconsciously as Albus continued.
"We fought bravely, but I thought we lost Frank when he was wounded while saving us. For a moment, fear completely consumed me. But somehow, together, we stood our ground and won. Even now… it feels terrifying."
Frank let out a shaky breath and admitted quietly, "I was scared. Truly scared. But unity gave us power. Something stronger than magic."
Rose stepped forward next, her expression conflicted, her voice steady yet carrying a hidden tremor.
"I faced two incidents during my test," she said. "One… I already told you about."
James immediately looked at her, concern flashing across his face.
"And the other?" he asked softly.
Rose fell silent. Her gaze drifted somewhere far away, lost in memories she did not wish to relive. After a long pause, she shook her head.
"It's better if I never tell you that."
The room grew quiet. Scorpius and James exchanged a glance but chose not to press her further, respecting the silence she demanded.
Suddenly, Albus noticed something and stepped closer to Kael, his brows knitting together.
"What happened to your forehead?" Albus asked, pointing at the visible wound.
Kael straightened immediately, pride flooding his voice as he replied, "You know, I fought a dragon… and I won. During the fight, I got this wound, but in the end, I made the dragon submit to me as its master."
He lifted his chin proudly. James and Scorpius stared at him in disbelief.
Without wasting a moment, Albus turned toward Dagger.
"What about your test, Dagger? And yours, Miss Mirael?"
Miss Mirael stepped forward, her voice calm yet thoughtful.
"I was sent into my past," she revealed. "I tried to solve a puzzle that had been lost for years. I couldn't fully crack the mystery, but I believe it holds the key to guiding all of you toward the powerful gemstones."
Dagger nodded with respect.
"If you need my help, Miss Mirael, you only have to ask."
She smiled warmly.
"Absolutely. After all, we are a team."
Dagger then spoke of his own trial.
"I didn't revisit my past," he said. "Instead, I faced my past enemies. I knew it was Guardian Cedric's test. Somehow, I defeated them all and protected the secret I've guarded for years. I won't lie—it frightened me too."
Albus smiled genuinely.
"You're incredible, Dagger. Always have been. We're lucky to have you as our mentor."
Rose stepped forward and hugged Dagger tightly.
"Thank you," she said with emotion, "for being our strongest support in the hardest times. For leading us. We want to learn from you… and we want you to be our master at Hogwarts."
Scorpius nodded eagerly.
"I agree one hundred percent. You'd be a role model for every student."
James added firmly, "Hogwarts will always welcome you—for your sacrifices, for honoring Dumbledore's trust, and for your mastery of magic."
Dagger smiled faintly.
"I hope so, James. I truly hope so."
Guardian Cedric watched them all with a knowing smile.
Kael suddenly stepped forward again, eager to reclaim attention.
"I don't know about the others," he said loudly, "but I fought a dragon more dangerous than Thorn Claw."
Thorn Claw let out a furious roar, the sound shaking the chamber. James quickly placed his hand on the beast, calming it.
Kael continued arrogantly, "I used my magic, ran faster than a rabbit, and killed the dragon with an ancient sword. It begged me for forgiveness."
Bobby and Frank stared at him, stunned.
Without warning, Guardian Cedric's wooden staff lifted into the air and began striking Kael mercilessly.
"Ouch! Stop! Please—ah! No!" Kael screamed as the blows continued.
Rose gasped.
"What's happening to Kael?"
James, Scorpius, and Dagger remained silent, their expressions serious. Frank, Albus, Bobby, and even Miss Mirael couldn't help but laugh. Thorn Claw and Dim stood motionless beside their masters.
Finally, the staff stopped. Kael collapsed, breathing heavily.
Guardian Cedric spoke calmly.
"This place is pure. Lies and evil cannot exist here. Those who deceive will be punished."
Turning to Kael, Cedric said, "If you speak honestly, the pain will fade."
Under the weight of everyone's gaze, Kael sighed.
"Fine. The dragon never attacked me. I tried to control it, my magic backfired, I fell into a river, and that's how I got this wound."
Frank nodded.
"Now it makes sense."
Albus gently intervened.
"Don't tease Kael every time."
Cedric smiled at Albus.
"You spoke wisely. I'm impressed by your maturity—and by all of you."
His tone grew serious.
"You have shown bravery, intelligence, and honesty. You have all won my heart. But two among you… together… are destined to reach the Gemstone Box and face the dragon. They must also solve my puzzle to earn the key."
Miss Mirael frowned slightly.
"But we already passed the tests."
Cedric replied, "The tests were never about victory. They were about your hearts."
Miss Mirael studied him and said knowingly, "You had already chosen who would go to Hufflepuff Fort, even before the tests."
Cedric smiled.
"Yes. I can read your minds, your hearts, and your pasts. A legend is rising, and the Dark King stirs. Be careful."
He then announced loudly,
"James Sirius Potter and Rose."
Gasps filled the chamber. Dagger, Albus, Frank, Scorpius, and Bobby smiled with pride. Kael's face twisted with jealousy.
James and Rose looked at each other, surprised.
James suddenly spoke, "Guardian Cedric… can I go alone?"
Rose immediately hit his shoulder.
"Why alone?"
"I don't want to take a problem with me," James muttered.
"A problem? Me?" Rose snapped.
They argued fiercely until Dagger intervened.
Cedric raised his hand.
"My decision stands."
Finally, James and Rose exchanged a look, then slowly held hands, accepting their fate together.
Guardian Cedric looked at them intently—at two hearts bound by destiny, ready to face trials greater than magic itself.