*Narrator pov*
A tipping point, that was what the victory of Stefan Krum was, it was like the duelists after that passionate duel were different.
The cream of the crop showed up afterward, and the inexperienced Hogwarts students could hardly fight back.
Ivan, the headmaster of Durmstrang held a smug smile as if this feat was showing Durmstrang was better than Hogwarts.
Strangely, the Hogwarts professors along with Albus didn't seem to be sad or angry, in fact, they seemed happy.
Which only made the defeat of the Hogwarts third-year students feel pointless in a way for Ivan.
The Judge sounded once more, "BEFORE MORE DUELS BEGIN WE WILL TAKE A BRIEF INTERMISSION!" which left the students and viewers happy
They needed to stretch their legs, find some food, and visit the lavatories. These dueling competitions take a full day, and the starting matches for instance this one usually only have the students and a few parents in attendance.
When the competition heats up and schools start heading to the elimination brackets that's when the truly massive crowds will form.
As the students filed out of the dueling area the professors followed suit, it was time for a little food to fill their stomachs. Abara and Yowie peeled away from the group intending to find the students and raise their morale.
The professors might have been fine with losing but, the students definitely weren't. As the two dueling club professors approached the students you could almost feel the bitterness in the air, it hung heavily like a weighted blanket.
Abara clapped his hands loudly startling the students, "Stop being so hard on yourselves, you all look as if we lost the championship!" he joked causing Yowie to chuckle slightly shaking his head
Evan Rosier was not in the joking mood, "But we lost! No, I should say THEY lost!" he bit out with a sneer
James scoffed, "Piss off you got the easiest opponent," his quick retort left the two professors no time to intervene
Evan shook his head, "Easiest opponent? Mine was more skilled than yours," he stepped toward James
James stepped forward, "You bloody Slytherins think you're so muc-"
"STOP! You two are getting out of hand you are teammates I don't care what House you are from," Abara said angrily finally able to break into the argument
His head swiveled from James to Evan, "And you Evan, just because you won doesn't make you better than anyone on the team. You win and lose as a unit these petty arguments do nothing but hurt your team's further," Yowie nodded in agreement off to the side
The professor of defense chuckled, "Despite Professor Abara's words we are glad you are angry, disappointed, and frustrated. Your feelings are valid, if you didn't feel bad we would be concerned. Now you know what you are up against, remember these losses and train to overcome them. Do you know why Professor Morpheus, Professor Abara, Headmaster Dumbledore, and I aren't up upset? Because we know you all can overcome this and win the next time around, we believe that you all have what It takes to beat anyone these schools throw at you, so believe in yourselves," as he finished Yowie looked around and saw many of the students a little less sullen
He chuckled, "Good, now lets get some food,"
The two professors led the group of students to Durmstrang's dining hall, akin to Hogwarts' Great Hall, exudes an imposing aura with its high ceiling adorned with intricately carved dark wood. Massive, ancient tapestries line the walls, depicting scenes of magical prowess. The long, polished tables are set with silverware and enchanted candles that cast a steady, dim light. Students at Durmstrang gather here for meals, surrounded by an atmosphere of stoic tradition.
Off to the right, a table was left empty for the Hogwarts students, taking a seat food appeared before them. Food that probably wasn't going to last long.
*Morpheus pov*
I watched the students devour their food, the third-years trying to recover their stamina feeling exhausted from the prior activities. The older years because they saw how tiering the earlier duels were and knew they needed to be prepared.
I could see them faintly discussing plans between bites, collaborating on strategies to win.
I sat in the professor's section, the layout was very similar to Hogwarts's great hall. As I carefully ate my food I scanned my eyes over the Durmstrang professors.
What an interesting bunch.
Ivan the headmaster laughed joyfully along with his professors, "Albus my friend, the results weren't as you thought no?" his grin seemed to stretch miles
I wonder about their backstory, it seems Ivan here has a one-sided rivalry with Albus. Albus was calmly eating his food showing no reaction to Ivan's goading.
He smiled while looking over, "Just about what I expected to be honest Ivan. However, I must say this group of students you assembled is rather impressive. Silent casting at that age is simply unheard of," his praise seemed to extinguish Ivan's joyful demeanor once more
Ivan nodded seriously, "Yes, these students at the cream of the crop. They have been training for a long time Albus, Stefan in particular you know how the Krum family is," his gaze fixing on the boy
Oh yes, the Krum family, they are rather outstanding I must say but that's mainly from the fact is they HAVE to be outstanding. The pressure each child is saddled with must be excruciating.
A family of perfectionists where it doesn't matter what field you go into you must be the best.
"I do," Albus nodded, "How is old Dimitar?" he asked while finishing his food
Ivan laughed, "Bah! He's still kicking I'm sure he is who taught Stefan so much," both headmasters laughed
It seemed they weren't as antagonistic as I thought.
Noticing Elena was gone a smirk lit my face, excusing myself I said, "Where is the nearest Lavatory?" I sent a smile in Ivan's direction
Ivan looked over at me frowning, "Exit the hall and turn right, it's the third door down," and then went back to talking with Albus
I calmly walked out of the hall and went to the lavatory, entering the room I casted a quick alarm spell incase someone entered, and then Homenum Revelio.
Seeing I was good I walked over to the mirror and tapped on it with my wand muttering incantations.
The mirror rippled like water and soon I was seeing through Elena's eyes.
*Elena (Durmstrang professor) pov*
I walked through the corridors and entered my room, walking over to the fireplace I threw some floo powder in whispering my Lord's residence.
The face of my Lord showed and I got to one knee, "Report," his voice sounded
I breathed deeply hoping my report wouldn't disappoint, "Between the Hogwarts third years and Durmstrang Third years Durmstrang won," I said a happy proud smile lighting my face
"Continue, who from the Hogwarts team was exceptional?" He asked
"Severus Snape, Evan Rosier, James Potter, Sirius Black, Lily Evans," I replied
"Severus Snape seemed to have invented a spell that stops one from speaking, Evan Rosier is a rare talent in dueling with some training he can be formidable, James Potter was creative, Sirius Black favored high-pressure attacks, Lily Evans is truly gifted in charms from what I have seen," I replied honestly
"Good, keep watching,"
And then he was gone.
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A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324