"Gringotts," Albus muttered stroking his beard, "Yes, it's an option but the goblins are rather pricy for some of my allies,"
I shook my head at the man's stinginess, "Pay some of it for them, Albus, we both know you have the money,"
Albus huffed in amusement, "Believe it or not being the headmaster of Hogwarts doesn't pay the best,"
I rolled my eyes, "Albus let's not act like your vaults aren't lined with galleons. Pay some of the fee it isn't the end of the world you know? Your allies would surely appreciate it,"
Albus this time had the decency to not lie, "gah," he waved his hand in amusement, "it is a strange habit of mine to not spend my money. I think I will follow through with your suggestion,"
I laughed at his absurdity, "That wasn't so hard was it?"
He rolled his eyes in amusement, "Perhaps," he took a sip of his tea before adding, "Next week we go to America, are you hopeful about our victory?" he asked curiously
I hummed in thought propping my chin on my hand, "I think we have a decent shot at victory, it all depends on the student's ability to fend off Transfiguration attacks "
Albus nodded, "I agree, being a master of Transfiguration myself I can't help but worry the Americans are rather good at the art,"
"Yes their dueling style is efficient, to say the least. Their style excels in fast-past spellwork in addition to their home-field advantage the platform will be familiar to them making it easier to manipulate," I mused
Before he could reply I continued, "So why did you agree to let them host?" my question didn't seem to surprise him at all
Albus took a long sip of his tea before setting it down and popping yet another mundane candy, "Experience," he declared, "It is no secret to us war is on the horizon perhaps it will start this summer? And before that I want the students to experience the world and create fond memories they can cherish." I could see the sadness in his eyes
Finding myself nodding in agreement I chuckled but my laugh did not contain any humor, "It is sad to think about how soon these children will find themselves lost in the trumpets of war,"
***
A week passed smoothly since the meeting I had with Albus. Nothing much happened classes were the same as usual I focused on the herbal scrying trying to solidify the basic principles of the technique.
The dueling club met every day focusing on spatial awareness and Transfiguration counters. Minerva surprisingly offered her assistance more than once and I could tell her insights were aiding the students greatly.
Currently, it was the dead of night. The moon hung overhead illuminating the courtyard and carriages lying in wait.
The Hogwarts duelists tiredly entered the carriages ready to begin their journey and most likely sleep through the trip to America.
By the time we arrive in America, it will be the afternoon for them. This way the students will still get plenty of rest and be able to get back to Hogwarts on schedule.
After a quick headcount, the professors including me entered the bigger carriage and set off.
Soon everyone fell asleep leaving only me awake looking out of the window at the stars. They seemed to wink at me in the sky signaling a safe travel.
*Narrator pov*
the wind whipped fiercely around the carriages, tugging at the edges of the students' cloaks and tousling their hair. Rain lashed against the windows, creating a rhythmic patter that echoed throughout the carriages.
Inside, the atmosphere was tranquil, with most students lulled into sleep by the gentle rocking motion of the carriages. Some were curled up under blankets, their faces serene in slumber, while others snuggled into the soft cushions, seeking comfort from the chilly night air.
Occasionally, a student would groggily open their eyes to stare out of the window and take in the natural beauty of flight.
Time seemed to pass fast as soon the sun began to peak from the clouds and even sooner they approached America.
As the Hogwarts students neared Mount Greylock, the imposing silhouette of the mountain emerged from the mist, its peak disappearing into the clouds. Surrounding the mountain was a dense forest, its trees cloaked in shadows
Massachusetts was the home of the Ilvermorny School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Atop the mysterious Mount Greylock stood the bountiful school.
The carriages continued to ascend the mountain heading toward the peak. the students caught glimpses of magical beasts darting among the trees, their forms fleeting and ethereal. Some of the braver students leaned out of the windows, trying to catch a better view of the mysterious creatures, their hearts pounding with excitement and anticipation.
"We have arrived," muttered Morpheus while his eyes scanned the forest below
"Yawww," Abara yawned stretching in his seat, "Peaceful journey," he muttered with a content smile
The students and professors disembarked and marveled at the sight before them, it was surprisingly warm with a slight breeze brushing through the air perfect for dueling.
The students were surprised at the size of the school, the grey mountain peak-esque spires that shot into the sky were obviously a part of the building.
"Albus!" A young woman said with a bright smile as she approached the aged headmaster
"Emily, a pleasure as always," Albus said with a large smile as they hugged
"I am so glad you decided to come to us, they say Ilvermorny is a must-see for every young witch and wizard. I just hope I don't poach too many of your students," she joked causing Albus to break into an easy chuckle
"Of course keep the poaching to a minimum," he replied a twinkle of amusement bleeding through his eyes
"Allow me to introduce you all to Emily Reed, the headmistress of Ilvermorny," Albus spoke to the Hogwarts party
"A pleasure," Abara said shaking her hand followed by Yowie
Morpheus smiled taking her hand last, "Wonderful to meet you, Emily,"
"Come come let me show you all around," she said gesturing for everyone to follow her
Before walking into the main school building she stopped pointing up at the spires, "As you can see we have Quidditch goals built into our spires, it makes for interesting games," she said smirking at the jealous faces of some of the students
Namely the Gryffindors.
Walking into the main building the room seemed to open up revealing several paths, "Left classes, middle main hall, and right dorms," she said helpfully
"Now if you somehow break from the group and get lost remember any crossroads you see like this will be the same no matter where you are,"
They walked down the middle path ready to meet their opponents and begin another duel.