"Horace Slughorn?"
Cedric's eyes lit up with recognition the moment Professor Flitwick mentioned the name. How could he forget that particular character?
In the original timeline of Harry Potter, Slughorn didn't appear until much later. He rejoined the Hogwarts staff only in Harry's sixth year. However, despite his rather late introduction, Slughorn played a crucial role—perhaps one of the most significant behind-the-scenes figures in the wizarding world.
After all, he was the very professor who had, whether knowingly or not, confirmed Voldemort's knowledge of Horcruxes.
Some claimed that Slughorn directly taught Tom Riddle how to create one, while others believed Voldemort had already pieced it all together and had simply wanted Slughorn to validate his theories. Either way, his influence was undeniable.
"Yes, that's the one," Professor Flitwick confirmed, a twinkle in his eye. "He has a vast network and a knack for befriending the talented and the influential. He's especially fond of students who show great potential—or carry recognizable surnames."
Cedric immediately understood.
He, the youngest registered Animagus in history and a dueling prodigy, ticked every box that would catch Slughorn's eye.
Flitwick gave him a knowing look. "He'll be pleased to meet you."
Cedric nodded without hesitation. "Let's go find him."
After all, the benefits were clear.
In the books, Slughorn founded the Slug Club—a social group composed entirely of students he personally hand-picked for their talent, fame, or family connections. To many outsiders, it was seen as elitist and self-serving, but to those inside, it opened doors. Connections. Opportunities.
Though he was warm and jovial, Slughorn could also be oblivious to those who didn't fit his narrow criteria—like poor Ronald Weasley, who barely made an impression on him.
Still, Cedric had little reason to worry.
Slughorn also happened to be an excellent Potioneer, and rumors swirled that he had dabbled in the creation of magical artifacts. While Horcruxes were certainly off-limits, Cedric had his sights on more noble endeavors. Properly crafted magical items could provide vital support and protection. And now that he was delving deeper into spellcraft and magical theory, having a master like Slughorn on his side would be invaluable.
Three days later, the opportunity arrived.
Professor Flitwick took Cedric to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade, where the retired professor had agreed to meet.
As soon as they entered, a booming voice greeted them.
"Aha! You must be Cedric Diggory!"
The rotund man who greeted them looked exactly as Cedric remembered from the books. He had a balding head, a walrus-like mustache, and a round belly that testified to years of comfortable living. Despite his appearance, there was an undeniable charm in his presence—polished, genial, and just a touch self-important.
"Mr. Slughorn, it's an honor," Cedric replied politely. "I've heard so much about your accomplishments in potioneering. I hope I'll be able to learn a great deal from you."
Slughorn beamed at the flattery.
"Oh, such manners! Such promise! Filius, you weren't exaggerating one bit. This young man has the makings of someone truly exceptional!"
Cedric observed him quietly.
It was all there—the well-practiced smile, the easy tone of conversation, the casual way he dropped the names of famous witches and wizards he had taught in the past. But Cedric also noted something else. Slughorn's enthusiasm was... more than expected. Overeager, even.
And then it clicked.
The old professor had been out of the loop for years. The wizarding world had moved on. The stars he had once nurtured were now adults, many no longer under his influence.
Meeting Cedric—a rising star recognized by Flitwick himself—must have felt like being handed a second chance at relevance.
"You're publishing a book?" Slughorn asked with excitement, setting down his mug of mead. "Wonderful! Absolutely marvelous! I could help with the publication, of course. Editing, printing, even hosting a book signing party! I know several publishers, and they'd fall over themselves for the chance to work with someone like you."
Cedric smiled graciously. "That would be greatly appreciated, sir. I hope my work can live up to your expectations."
"Live up to? Nonsense!" Slughorn roared with laughter. "You're a phenomenon! An Animagus at your age? And a dueling champion? My dear boy, if you weren't already famous, I'd drag you into the spotlight myself!"
As they continued to talk, Cedric felt a sudden mental nudge—the familiar ping of the system activating:
> [Congratulations on passing Slughorn's test. You gain 1,000 experience points.]
> [Ding! You have moved Horace Slughorn successfully.]
> [Reward: +1 Talent Point, Slughorn Character Template Card unlocked.]
Cedric quickly checked the new card:
---
Template Card: Horace Slughorn
Talents: Potions, General Spellwork (Upgradeable to S-level)
Passive Bonus: +5 Magic Power (Upper Limit: 80)
Special Skill – Insightful Eye:
Spend 100+ experience points to scan a person's hidden talents or weaknesses.
Success Rate: 50%
10% chance of error, 10% chance of incomplete data
Life Wish List:
Discover Future Stars – Rewarded with experience and talent points based on the subject's fame.
Fame and Fortune – Receiving meaningful gifts increases experience and talent.
Redemption – Voldemort's defeat or a meaningful atonement must be witnessed by Harry or Dumbledore. Completing this goal removes card slot usage.
---
Cedric's eyes gleamed.
This was a treasure trove of potential.
Though many of Slughorn's passive talents overlapped with those he had gained from Snape's card, the "Insightful Eye" was a game-changer. The ability to assess people's potential—hidden strengths, magical affinities, even fatal flaws—could prove invaluable in both alliances and rivalries.
And then there was the life wish list.
Giving him gifts for talent points? Slughorn was practically asking to be farmed for resources.
"I've arranged everything!" Slughorn declared cheerfully. "First-rate printing, a signed foreword, and a few personal contacts to help generate buzz. You'll be the talk of the wizarding world before Christmas!"
"Thank you, sir," Cedric said earnestly. "If there's ever a chance I might be nominated for something like... say, the Order of Merlin, I'd be honored if you'd be part of that process."
Slughorn burst into delighted laughter.
"Absolutely! I'd be thrilled to put in a good word. You have the makings of a legend!"
Cedric knew exactly what he was doing—and he didn't feel bad about it.
In many ways, building these networks was as much a part of magical life as learning spells. Slughorn, for all his flaws, was loyal to those he favored and genuinely wanted to see them succeed. That sincerity, paired with his vanity, made him easy to please—and easier to use.
As the meeting drew to a close, Slughorn gave Cedric a hearty handshake and clapped him on the shoulder.
"I'm glad I didn't miss this one, Filius," he said, looking at Flitwick. "This boy is something special."
"You won't regret it," Flitwick replied with a grin.
After Slughorn left, Cedric felt energized.
Another alliance formed. Another mentor gained. And now, another avenue of magical knowledge opened before him.
Potions, magical tools, and—thanks to that "Insightful Eye"—a new way to guide his own allies to greater strength.
The book would take time to publish, but the benefits of this meeting had already paid off tenfold.
Cedric smiled to himself as he and Flitwick stepped back into the Hogsmeade air.
The wizardin
g world wouldn't know what hit it.
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