After Charms class, Flitwick approaches him privately, observing the way he had been testing the limits of his control.
"Mr. Alden, I've seen your efforts recently. You're improving—perhaps more than most would expect." Flitwick's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Care to put that progress to the test?"
Charlie swallowed. "What kind of test?"
Flitwick led him to a dueling mannequin, enchanted to react like an opponent. "Three successive spells—offense, defense, and control. I want to see your adaptability."
Charlie's Attempts:
First Spell: He casts Expelliarmus—his control is not as sharp as he hoped, but it successfully knocks the mannequin's wand away.
Second Spell: The mannequin fires a stunning spell, forcing Charlie to react. He barely manages a Protego, but it holds.
Final Spell: He attempts Silencio silently. It partially succeeds, proving his silent casting is developing but still unreliable.
Flitwick nods. "You're learning, Mr. Alden. Not quite there yet—but if you continue on this path, you may surprise yourself."
[New System Reward: +2 Spellcasting, New Passive Skill: Beginner Silent Casting]
The courtyard was alive with the hum of student chatter, the crisp evening air carrying the sounds of spell practice and friendly duels. Charlie had been sparring with Cedric's training group for a while now, steadily improving, but tonight would be different. Tonight, he would face his first real test.
Terry Boot, a sharp-eyed Ravenclaw with a natural talent for spellwork, had been watching Charlie's progress. "You've improved a lot, Alden," he remarked, twirling his wand between his fingers. "How about we see how much?"
Charlie hesitated only a second before nodding. "Alright. Let's do it."
A circle quickly formed as students gathered, eager to watch the duel. Cedric clapped Charlie on the shoulder. "Remember what you've been practicing. Stay focused."
The two duelists took their positions, wands raised. The tension in the air was thick.
Terry moved first, flicking his wand in a smooth arc. Expelliarmus! Charlie barely sidestepped, his own counterattack faltering under the pressure. He could feel the eyes on him, judging every move.
Terry fired a quick Stupefy, forcing Charlie to roll to the side. He wasn't used to such fast-paced combat, but he recalled Selena's training—feints, counterattacks, no hesitation.
Instead of reacting late, Charlie made an aggressive move. Expelliarmus! His spell was weaker than Terry's but well-aimed. The Ravenclaw had to duck, giving Charlie an opening.
Terry launched Petrificus Totalus, a precise and well-practiced spell. Charlie, fueled by instinct, finally cast Protego for the first time in real combat. The shield held for just a moment, enough to let him sidestep and fire back. Expelliarmus!This time, it connected.
Terry's wand flew from his grasp, landing with a clatter. The courtyard erupted into cheers.
Cedric grinned. "That was solid, Charlie. You're learning fast."
Terry, rather than looking frustrated, nodded approvingly. "You fight differently now. Less hesitant."
Students murmured among themselves. Charlie wasn't just a background duelist anymore.
[New System Reward: +2 Dueling, New Spell Unlocked: Protego]
Charlie breathed heavily, the thrill of the fight still buzzing in his veins. He had won—but he knew this was just the beginning.
After the duel with Terry Boot, Selena wasted no time making her opinion known. As the crowd dispersed, she leaned against a stone pillar, arms crossed, watching Charlie catch his breath.
"Pathetic," she remarked, tilting her head. "You barely won."
Charlie glared at her, still exhausted. "Winning is winning."
Selena scoffed, stepping closer. "Not in a real fight. If you think Voldemort's followers will duel you fairly, you're dumber than I thought."
Charlie straightened, brushing dust off his robes. "I don't see you volunteering to train me better."
She smirked. "Oh, but I am."
That night, Charlie met Selena in an abandoned classroom, one she had clearly used for training before. The desks were pushed to the walls, scorch marks littered the floor, and practice dummies had seen better days. The moment he stepped inside, she launched a hex at him.
He barely dodged, raising his wand instinctively. "What the hell?"
Selena rolled her eyes. "You need to learn to react faster. No one is going to announce an attack before they throw it at you."
Selena's Training Regimen:
Precision Under Pressure: She fired nonverbal jinxes at him at random intervals, forcing him to react without overthinking.
Counterattack Drills: If he blocked successfully, he had to immediately retaliate within a second—any hesitation, and she hit him again.
Mental Distraction Training: She insulted him constantly, mocking his footwork, his spellcasting speed, and even his breathing, pushing him to cast without breaking focus.
Multi-Spell Defense: She made him block two spells at once, switching between offense and defense seamlessly.
"Again!" she barked after he barely deflected a Stupefy. "You hesitate every time I feint. You need to predict your opponent's movements, not just react to them."
Charlie gritted his teeth, frustration bubbling. But instead of lashing out, he focused. Selena was testing him, not just physically, but mentally.
After an hour of relentless sparring, Charlie finally managed to dodge, counter, and fire back in perfect rhythm.
Selena lowered her wand, studying him. For the first time, there was a flicker of approval in her eyes.
[New System Quest Completed: Reflexive Combat Training]
Task: Block or counter six attacks in succession—Completed
Reward: +2 Dueling, +1 Magical Control
Bonus Achieved: Basic Legilimency Resistance Unlocked
Selena smirked, stepping past him. "Not completely useless anymore."
Charlie wiped the sweat from his brow, exhaling heavily. He wasn't sure whether to feel accomplished or completely exhausted. Probably both.
"Same time tomorrow," she called over her shoulder. It wasn't a question.
Charlie let out a tired laugh. "Looking forward to it."
Charlie's sudden rise in skill did not go unnoticed, and while some were impressed, others were suspicious—Draco Malfoy chief among them.
The first confrontation came subtly, as most things with Malfoy did. It was in the corridor outside the Charms classroom, where Malfoy and his usual entourage of Crabbe and Goyle were lounging, watching students pass with their usual brand of aristocratic arrogance.
Malfoy's cold grey eyes locked onto Charlie, his expression unreadable at first, but as Charlie approached, the Slytherin's lips curled into a smirk.
"You're pretending to be something you're not, Alden."
Charlie raised an eyebrow, slowing his pace but not stopping. "And what exactly am I supposed to be?"
Malfoy stepped forward, blocking his path slightly. Crabbe and Goyle flanked him, but neither looked particularly threatening—just big, dumb, and ready to follow orders.
"Insignificant," Malfoy said smoothly, adjusting his expensive robes as if the mere conversation was beneath him. "Hufflepuffs don't suddenly start dueling like professionals. They don't suddenly become interesting."
Charlie could feel the challenge behind the words. Malfoy was wary. He had spent years knowing exactly who the key players at Hogwarts were, and suddenly, Charlie was breaking the pattern.
Charlie shrugged, refusing to give Malfoy the reaction he wanted. "Maybe you just weren't paying attention before."
Malfoy's smirk faltered just slightly before he recovered. "Funny. But I'll be watching, Alden. You'd do well to remember where you belong."
Charlie let a slow smile spread across his face. "That's the thing, Malfoy—I don't think anyone gets to decide that for me."
Malfoy's expression darkened, but he didn't push the issue further. Instead, he turned sharply on his heel and walked away, Crabbe and Goyle following closely behind.
But Charlie knew what had just happened. Malfoy had taken notice. And knowing Draco, this was only the beginning.
Professors had also begun keeping an eye on him, and though none had openly acknowledged it, he could feel the shift in their perception. He was no longer just another background student.
Professor McGonagall: During Transfiguration class, McGonagall took longer than usual reviewing his work. Instead of the usual neutral remark, she tapped the edge of his desk thoughtfully.
"Your work is finally reflecting your effort, Mr. Alden. The spellcraft is not yet perfect, but the improvement is undeniable."
There was no grand praise, but her words carried weight—she saw potential. And McGonagall didn't waste time on students without promise.
Professor Flitwick: Always perceptive, Flitwick had clearly taken note of Charlie's sharpening spellwork. After class, he pulled Charlie aside and handed him an additional book on advanced charm techniques.
"I see someone finally understanding the depth of magic. If you're serious about your growth, Mr. Alden, study these. Consider it… additional practice."
Flitwick's tone was casual, but Charlie knew what it meant—this was an unspoken test. One that could open new doors if he passed it.
Professor Snape: The Potions Master did not offer words of encouragement, but his actions spoke volumes. Normally dismissive of underperforming students, Snape no longer sneered as much when Charlie brewed his potions. He watched with cold, calculating eyes, waiting for mistakes, yet had not taken points from him in weeks.
"Adequate."
A single word, delivered with all the enthusiasm of a death sentence, but for Snape, that was a compliment in itself.
Professor Sprout: As Head of Hufflepuff House, Professor Sprout had the keenest eye on him. She had always known Charlie to be a diligent student, but now he was stepping outside the comfort zone expected of Hufflepuffs.
"Charlie, dear, I see you've been keeping yourself busy," she said one afternoon. "It's good to challenge yourself, but remember—strength isn't just in spells, it's in the way we support others, too."
Her words were a gentle reminder—Hufflepuff's values were not just about personal growth, but about uplifting those around them.
Dumbledore: The Headmaster said nothing, as was often the case with him, but Charlie felt his gaze linger a little longer during the Great Hall meals. A subtle nod, a twinkle in his blue eyes—it was enough to suggest that Dumbledore had begun watching his progress with curiosity.
Charlie was officially on the professors' radar, and whether that was an advantage or another test, he wasn't sure yet. But one thing was certain—he wasn't invisible anymore.
6. Hufflepuff's Legacy – The Chamber Reveals Itself
That night, Charlie returns to the Hufflepuff Common Room.
He places his hand against the ancient carvings near the fireplace—this time, the markings fully react.
A stone doorway appears, leading downward.
The System reacts too:
[Secret Quest Updated: The Forgotten Strength of Hufflepuff]
"You have unlocked the entrance. Now, prove your worth."
Charlie takes a deep breath and steps inside.
Inside the Chamber:
The room is filled with enchanted training devices, books, and magical relics—a lost chamber designed to make any wizard great, regardless of their background.
A magical portrait of Helga Hufflepuff appears, her presence warm yet powerful.
Her words echo as she regards him:
"Hufflepuff accepts all kinds of students without discrimination because I can train anyone to be great."
Charlie stares in awe. This is more than just a training room—it's a legacy.
And now, it's his.