*Narrator pov*
The Gryffindor table was as rowdy as ever as the children shared stories of their respective schools.
James and the Mauraders though were focused on something entirely different than school experiences, "So you can turn into a jackal?" James asked with practical stars in his eyes
Ekon the boy that was sitting with them smiled widely, "I can, everyone at Uagadou is an animagus it is a part of the requirements to graduate,"
The marauders glanced at each other seemingly communicating with their eyes debating on which member should ask the question they all wanted to know.
Sirius nodded shortly before bursting into laughter, "That's wicked mate! How do I learn how to become one got any tips?"
Ekon preened under the praise and smiled smugly, "Of course, I have tips I will have you know I was one of the first in my class to get the magic down,"
Stiles chuckled, "Mind sharing mate I wonder if I can turn into a hawk,"
Ekon smiled taking a bite of his food, "Hm, I don't think it will be an issue, I even have my journal with me with all of my notes. Tell you what let's make a bet, if I win my duel you teach me something, and if I lose I give you guys the pages with my notes,"
A large smile bloomed on James' face, "What do you want to learn from us, mate?"
A contemplative look crossed Ekon's face as he looked around the table, "How about teaching me some ice element spells I heard your good at them, Stiles,"
Stiles's eyes widened briefly in surprise upon hearing their foreign tablemate knew of him, "Sure, I can write some down for you if you win the bet," he replied
Ekon's smile grew, "Then it's a deal!"
James grinned, "Goodluck mate you will need it,"
*Morpheus pov*
Everyone ate and discussed mundane things to keep the conversation civil and going but, we all knew everyone really wanted to talk about who will win.
"I heard your students haven't been using their animagus forms during the duels," Albus said with a curious smile
Davu nodded a grin forming on his lips, "Aye, no point for a lot of the students they will just turn into bigger targets. Their transformations aren't fast or smooth enough to accomplish anything meaningful,"
"The surprise factor of the magic might be the most advantageous part of having it," Yowie chipped in with a thoughtful look most likely thinking of ways to use being an animagus to your advantage while in duels
Before Davu could reply one of the other professors joined in, "You would be surprised how often that line of thinking backfires. It all depends on the animal I suppose, after all a bigger animal just makes a bigger target",
Yowie hummed in thought, "What decides the animal?" he asked the group
Davu scoffed, "Some will tell you the animal you become is based off of your spiritual connection to the beast, others will say it is the animal you most represent. What determines your animal is not so simple as those answers, it isn't a single answer but multiple. Magic, personality traits, physical build, and more. And before you ask no it is impossible to choose your animal,"
Jabari who was listening in silently had a small frown on his face as he asked the table, "Why is Britain so ignorant of the animagus spell, I understand not learning the magic in school but shouldn't something be covered?"
Before anyone could say anything a chuckle escaped my lips and suddenly I was the center of attention, "Rituals, some consider the process of becoming an animagus too ritualistic and nature so the spell isn't banned but not openly discussed either. Silly little thing prejudice can cause huh?"
Jabari frowned, "I see I forgot rituals were banned in Europe even though the animagus spell has nothing to do with rituals,"
I snorted, "You're right of course but, another reason is that the animagus spell is easier to learn when young but at the same time dangerous. Britain doesn't like to expand it seems,"
Davu chuckled, "For a professor in Britain you seem rather against the system,"
I shook my head, "No, I can make the same argument for everywhere no one way is perfect."
"I agree, it is not common in Britain to know the animagus school because of our differences. If I remember correctly the first headmaster of Uagadou was an animagus who made it mandatory for every professor to learn and it branched to the students from that. This is why we hold events like this to learn from others," Albus said lightly while sipping his tea
Everyone nodded at his words even me, he was correct after all. I didn't meet the first headmaster of Uagadou but I heard he was an interesting man, some said he was truly one with nature it makes sense for his favorite spell to be the animagus transformation.
"I agree, I can't wait to see how your student's duel Albus," Davu replied
Albus smiled, "Then let's not wait any longer! Minerva, Filius, please let in the guests,"
As the guest professors and our professors started to manage the students I slipped away; unfortunately, I will not be able to enjoy the duels this time around I must first deal with the snakes and rats making their way inside the castle.
*Narrator pov*
Outside of the castle gates stood a small crowd of people waiting to be let in, some were looking rather impatient as they waited.
"To be disrespected like this," a man in expensive looking robes seethed in anger
His wife looked over at him and sighed, "I know just bear with it,"
"Lord, Lady Lestrange I didn't expect to see you here," the two looked over and smiled, "Lord Malfoy, what a pleasant surprise," Lady Lestrange said while gently fanning her face
"Lot of mud bloods here," Lord Malfoy pointed out in disdain
"Indeed, let us not make a scene though. If the Lord's plan succeeds this will be a joyous victory,"
Suddenly the gates creaked open and the crowd turned, "Welcome, please follow us to where the duels will be taking place," Minerva announced
Curiously instead of walking into the castle, they headed toward the Quidditch fields.
"Are the duels happening outside of the castle?" Lord Bones asked his wife next to him
Filius shook his head, "Nope, the weather was nice so we decided to make use of the Quidditch stands today,"
No one noticed Lord Lestrange's eyes narrow in thought as he silently made a single. Several other guests nodded their heads slightly.
A section was prepared for them in the stands away from the students allowing them plenty of room to sit.
Taking their seats the guests watched as the duelists walked out led by their instructors a stone platform made in the center.
It was finally time.
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