*Narrator pov*
As the carriages approached Hogwarts the students still felt the sting of defeat, it hurt knowing they lost and now had to go back to class.
What would their friends say?
Would the people who didn't get picked be mad, Would they try to do something?
Did they perform so badly that they were going to be kicked from the team?
So many questions ran through their heads, the heaviness of true loss would not vanish and would not lighten.
In one carriage Sirius, James, Stiles, and Lily sat along with the rest of the third years, "We didn't do that bad in reality," Lily said trying to lighten the mood
Evan Rosier scoffed, "Yeah WE didn't do so bad the other people in here did," his words cut deep to those who lost, especially James
Stiles sighed, "Shut up Evan, any one of us could have lost up there don't think you're better just because you won a single duel," he spoke before James could say something he later regretted
Before Evan could speak a voice cut through the building argument, "It was our first time dueling like that, next time we will just win simple as that," Sirius said oddly serious for once
James nodded, "Yeah, next time we beat those wankers," he laughed patting Sirius on the back
Lily giggled, "We just need more practice that's all," she said fiddling with her wand
Evan sighed, "We better win next time I don't want to be dragged down again," this time everyone ignored him
Under the cover of the early night, the flying carriages descended upon Hogwarts, their dark silhouettes contrasting against the indigo sky. The moon cast a gentle glow over the castle's turrets and towers, revealing the majestic structure as the carriages approached.
The crunch of brush beneath the carriages' wheels echoed through the stillness of the Hogwarts grounds. The professors' carriage, led by Albus Dumbledore, touched down first, its wheels softly settling onto the snowy landscape. The large doors opened, and the professors disembarked, their robes billowing in the brisk night breeze.
One by one, the smaller carriages glided down, landing gracefully. The students emerged, wrapped in warm cloaks, their breath visible in the cold air. The castle stood like a silent guardian, welcoming them back after a peerless battle.
As the last carriage touched down, Albus Dumbledore, with his long white beard, surveyed the scene with a twinkle in his eye. The students, filled with a mix of exhaustion, trepidation, and determination, made their way towards the castle entrance, leaving behind the enchanted carriages that had brought them safely to Hogwarts once again. The night air seemed to hold a sense of anticipation as if the very grounds celebrated the return of its magical duelists.
The students and professors made their way to the great hall, it was nearing the end of dinner so they should be able to meet up with their friends and have some food before heading to bed.
Entering the great hall the chatter turned to silence awaiting the results of the exchange, "The matches were well fought, exciting, and suspenseful but, alas we were unable to pull out the win with such little practice. Fear not, from what we saw today the professors and I know next time the results will be very different, today marked Hogwart's first step into the world of dueling and we will continue this journey together! Please welcome back your brave representatives who gave it their all during their matches," Albus said with a kind grandfatherly smile
The duelists awaited the pitied looks and crestfallen expressions as if ones Quidditch team just lost, but instead were welcomed with cheers.
As the students joined their tables they were met with words of encouragement, "Better luck next time, Merlin knows you barely had time to practice,"
"Bloody gits are probably so prideful over there at Durmstrang being able to beat us just once, really it was a pity win," one student joked to James and Sirius
Suddenly the weight didn't feel so heavy.
*Morpheus pov*
After retiring to my room after the students left the hall Negary flew in with a letter in beak, taking the letter gently I instantly knew the contents were important. The parchment used wasn't like the current parchment no this was fine parchment was only used for letters containing the most important words.
The seal of Gringotts was placed on the letter a magical vibration seemed to emit from the seal gently, I performed my usual safety checks and saw the only curses were for those who opened the letter and weren't myself.
Opening the letter I unfurled the parchment gently, my eyes began to devour the words inside.
'Dear Morpheus,
I trust this letter finds you well. It is with a sense of camaraderie that I extend an invitation from the Goblin Kingdom.
A gathering of minds is in the offing, and your presence is earnestly sought. The council, comprised of old friends and allies, eagerly awaits the displeasure of your company. We seek this meeting out for no reason but old alliances, hearing your side once more will determine the path of our kingdom. Come as soon as this letter has reached your eyes.
I hope to share the battlefield with you once more,
Grommash Ironcrown
King of the Goblin Nation '
It seems I have to show up to a meeting, one that might determine the future of my plans. I thought they would wait longer but it seems things aren't as unified as I once thought.
'Old allies and friends' he said. That is not something Grommash would usually say, which means one annoying thing. Some goblins on the council remember me and do not like the idea of allying with me.
This meeting isn't to convince Grommash but the council.
Chuckling I decided to head out right now, the goblins would not be sleeping at this hour. Ah, it might be poor form of course but, even when I need to convince someone of something I never was one to act in the right form.
The key to getting the goblins to agree to anything is simple, prove that your side has more value even if they hate the idea of working with you.
I left the castle after changing my robes, I now wore a silver ring on my finger. It looked like a normal ring, it was just a silver band if you would like one would wear after they are married.
I walked into Gringotts at a leisurely pace, there was still a small number of Goblins working while some wizards handled nightly business. The bank never closed for the goblins, they see it as potentially losing out on money.
Spotting me the same Goblin as before led me to the carts, there was no Smalltalk, no his or hellos just silence.
The goblin eyed my ring with curiosity as if he had seen it before but couldn't quite place the origins.
The cart sped up bringing us to the entrance of the kingdom swiftly. Walking into the kingdom being led by the goblin guards I could see the goblins were still very much so awake and active.
I swear they never sleep.
Entering the castle I was led into a room with a circular table in the center, in front of the table were high chairs that exceeded the height of it by far.
The council sat in these chairs, Grommash sitting in the tallest one, "Oh how I didn't miss this room," I said with a faint chuckle
This room is a carbon copy of several others I've visited while negotiating with goblins.
"Making jokes already Morpheus?" One of the goblins sneered
"Blix Snaggletooth, why hasn't anyone killed you yet?" I laughed
This old goblin will be a major problem.
I might have killed his son.
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A/N: Patre on : patreon.com/Boogie324