*Morpheus pov*
The last flicker of color lit the platform as a student crumbled to the floor, stunned. The students watching clapped respectfully at the duelists atop the stage.
I nodded in satisfaction, the dueling club is moving along nicely. This was the first meeting since the duel between Durmstrang and I can already tell the game plan has changed.
Yowie and Abara are focusing on what we lacked, offensive spell combinations, predictiveness, and pattern recognition. I can already tell the students will be prepared for their next match and the other students not on the team are learning more as well.
Seeing there was nothing else to view I left the dueling club area and headed toward the kitchens, I was too focused on writing letters I forgot to head to supper. I had to reply to the Black family on when we can next convene and Nicolas.
The letter I received from him just the other day told me I had a meeting with the king and one of the counts. It saddens me that I cannot tell if this is a good thing or a bad thing to be meeting both at the same time, after all, I usually just met with one or the other except if it was a higher-level meeting.
Walking through the castle I was nearing the kitchens when I spotted a cat walking with agile steps, it seemed to be more intelligent than the average feline.
Chuckling I said, "Minerva, how are you this fine evening?" before my eyes the cat turned into the stern Transfiguration professor
Her thick Scottish accent cut through the silent corridors, "Morpheus," she nodded, "I'm patrolling, I find it more efficient to do it in my animagus form,"
I smiled in understanding, "I see, most students are in the dueling club right now though I think they are finishing up," I said leaning against the wall
She chuckled, "Most indeed, though there are always those students who find this time the best to sneak away and get into all kinds of mischief," she had a small smirk on her face
Ah, she must have caught a few already.
I laughed, "Luckily those troublemakers of yours are in the club else this time would be the best for them to start their pranks,"
She frowned, "Don't remind me, I thank Abara and Yowie every day for keeping them off of my hands during club hours," she sounded tired yet proud of them
"Have you thought about joining them, Minerva? Taking a shot at the dueling platform yourself, truly showcasing the power of Transfiguration?" I asked curiously
She mulled over my question, "Perhaps, I haven't decided if I want to take the stage yet these old bones haven't seen action for a while," she rolled her eyes
I laughed, "You're hardly old for a witch Minerva, let the muscle memory guide you eh?"
"Maybe I will Morpheus, anyway where are you headed at this hour? I thought you liked to watch the duels," she asked with a small smile
I shook my head, "Unfortunately I missed supper as you may have noticed so I decided to take a trip to the kitchens," I replied guesting down the hall
"Ah the kitchens, I still don't know how you have gotten the elves to like you so much you must share with us the secret," she laughed
I chuckled, "Don't they like everyone?"
She looked at me like I was crazy, "Yes they like all of the professors but, it's different with you it's as if you are old friends,"
"Ah! Well, you might be able to join that friends list care to join me for drinks and dinner?" I asked knowing she would decline
"I will have to decline your offer sadly as I have to finish my rounds perhaps in the future," She said with a small smile
"Of course, I wish you luck on your rounds," I said with a small nod
"Thank you, enjoy your dinner Morpheus," she said before turning into a cat and disappearing into the shadows
I made my way down the hall and then took a turn to the right, then left, then down the stairs, and finally, I made it to the kitchens.
Opening the portrait door I walked in with a giant smile, "Who was on wine duty Let's eat!"
The cheers and calls of 'me me me' enlarged my smile, this is why I love the elves they sure know how to have fun.
Well, the older elves do some of these newer ones I'm meeting are just odd.
After drinking and eating my fill I made my way from the kitchens after thanking the elves for my meal. Instead of heading up to my room, I made my way to Albus's office.
"Morpheus, I was actually on my way to head toward you good timing," he said as I entered the room
I saw him sitting down comfortably eating candy, he wasn't going to find me.
"Really?" I mused, "What for?" I asked sitting in front of him
He leaned forward, "heard or seen anything new since the duel?" he asked
I shook my head, "Not yet, seems like Tom is taking his time to decide his next move although I heard he has been making allies like we already know but, some are not of the human nature. The vampires have been approached," I said taking a piece of candy for myself
He frowned, "The vampires?" he asked almost to himself, "That doesn't bode well my friend,"
I nodded, "I know which is why I have scheduled a meeting with a vampire count that is relatively peaceful to see what the situation is,"
"A count? I didn't know you had a vampire friend," he joked but I saw the trepidation in his eyes
I laughed, "A friend? Hardly, as you know the school I attended had all types of people attending I made some acquaintances and decided to call in a favor," I replied easily
He nodded taking my word as the truth, "I see, when will this meeting be do you need assistance?" he asked
I shook my head, "No need for assistance I have a few ways to get away if trouble arises, the meeting is taking place when I have no classes to teach but I wanted to inform you," I said with a small smile
"I see, I wish you luck do inform me of how the meeting goes," he said with a grandfatherly smile, so fake
Not that I can criticize that.
"Of course, we are allies after all," I replied
*Narrator pov*
Nestled atop a rugged mountain peak in the magical landscape of Romania, an imposing castle looms against the canvas of the night sky. Its silhouette, adorned with spires that reach towards the heavens, creates a stark and mysterious contrast against the starlit expanse.
The castle's stone walls, aged by centuries of secrets, stand resilient against the elements. Dim moonlight reveals intricate carvings that tell tales of vampiric history and nocturnal mystique, etched into the weathered facade. Enigmatic shadows dance along the edges.
As the enchanted moonlight bathes the castle in a pale glow, the architecture exudes an eerie beauty. Turrets pierce the heavens, while darkened windows remain silent sentinels, concealing the secrets within. The grand entrance, guarded by stoic stone gargoyles, their eyes seemed to glow in the moonlight.
The landscape surrounding the castle is veiled in an eternal night, creating an otherworldly aura. The craggy mountainside descends into shadowy forests, where the whispers of magical creatures haunted the night. The castle's perch allows it to command a breathtaking view, both guardian and sovereign of the enigmatic Romanian terrain.
A lone figure appeared at the entrance of the castle, his pale skin seemed to fit right into the ambiance.
A small ready smile quirking at his lips.
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A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324