During Alaric's weekend Dark Arts Defense practice sessions with the three girls, due to several weeks of continuous learning, the girls became increasingly proficient in casting Patronus charms.
However, Alaric would occasionally remind them that they were summoning Patronuses in a well-lit room and facing only Boggarts disguised as Dementors, and the difficulty might be much greater when facing real Dementors.
"Oh, you've said that so many times already," remarked Cho Chang cheerfully during the first lesson in October.
She watched her silvery swan-shaped Patronus gracefully flying around the Room of Requirement. "It's so beautiful!"
"Yes, indeed," Alaric replied casually, "And usually, the form of your Patronus represents what your Animagus form would be.
But once I figure out how to transform into dragons, your Patronuses will probably turn into dragons too."
"Oh, a dragon Patronus! That's something to look forward to," Cho Chang said as she used her swan to chase away the Boggart Dementor again.
"What would it look like? Would it be as beautiful as your Animagus?"
"There are many types of dragons," Alaric cast a spell on the Boggart Dementor to prevent it from feeling too disheartened after being driven away too many times.
Then he explained, "You would likely transform into a dragon that resembles you the most.
In fact, there are many handsome creatures among dragons, such as silver dragons, emerald dragons, sapphire dragons, rainbow dragons, and so on."
Next up was Penelope; her wand tip produced a beautiful silvery-white eagle, once again driving the Boggart Dementor to flee.
"Oh, it's hard to imagine that I can summon a corporeal Patronus," she exclaimed excitedly.
"My friends envy me because summoning a corporeal Patronus is so difficult.
I've heard that wizards who can summon corporeal Patronuses are often elected as high-ranking officials in the Wizengamot and the Ministry of Magic.
I guess if I can summon this beautiful little fellow in the N.E.W.T. exam next year, they'll definitely give me extra points or something."
"Oh, I envy you, Penelope," Hermione said with a smile. "Your Patronus is a symbol of Ravenclaw. You're a true Ravenclaw."
Her Patronus was a sparkling silver otter, frolicking around her happily.
"But my Patronus is quite beautiful too, isn't it?"
Hermione looked at it with joy, although her expression showed signs of exhaustion, evidently worn out recently.
After successfully summoning corporeal Patronuses, the girls unanimously agreed that Alaric's teaching was effective.
They attributed their current level to Alaric's guidance, feeling that this weekend class could take on more tasks, and Alaric could teach them more advanced spells.
Indeed, Alaric was somewhat intrigued by this proposal himself.
The current magical world posed no challenge for him; even if Voldemort were to return, in his transformed state as a dragon Animagus, he would be more than capable of facing him.
Alaric suddenly had an idea.
In the original book, Dumbledore had trained the trio of saviors and defeated Voldemort.
Why couldn't he, like Dumbledore, train these three girls to do the same?
It seemed like a good challenge, and given their recent efforts and progress, they could definitely do it.
However, in this case, he needed to enhance their combat capabilities.
Although their level was unmatched among their peers, they still lacked a bit when compared to Death Eater elites like Antonin Delis and Bellatrix Lestrange.
Especially Hermione, who was very talented in combat.
Alaric even believed that among the young wizards in the original book, apart from the overpowered Harry, Hermione was the most powerful.
But her level still needed to be improved. Alaric had already planned to push her hard every weekend, exhausting her.
Then, when she used the Time-Turner, she would eventually collapse from exhaustion.
At that time, she would realize the reality and give up the unreliable magical tool – it would kill two birds with one stone.
As for how to motivate them, there was already a ready-made lure: the International Wizarding Dueling Tournament next July.
By then, Alaric should have completed his research on time-space magic and be able to open spatial doors.
Also, the experiment on transforming into dragon Animagus should be nearing completion.
According to his theory of time and chaos, the timelines between different worlds are independent, meaning that whenever he travels through, he'll return at the same time.
He would have enough time to conduct research.
By then, Alaric's taught dueling skills, combined with the buff of becoming dragon Animagus, might help Hermione win the championship in the duel competition.
This was also to train future assistants.
After planning everything, Alaric mentioned his idea to the girls, immediately sparking their interest.
"Aren't you participating?" Hermione pointed out this point in confusion.
"If you're willing to participate in the duel competition, the championship should be yours, right?
I still remember your duel with Professor Snape last year; it was quite spectacular."
"Although it's not very modest to say so, yes," Alaric raised an eyebrow and said lightly.
"The gap between me and ordinary wizards is too big. I can easily overpower them with my magic alone.
But the problem isn't here. I've already earned enough honors, and I don't like being in the limelight. But you're different."
Alaric looked seriously at the girls. "Don't you want to be the center of attention in the crowd?
Don't you want everyone to envy and be jealous of you?
Listen, girls, from the performance of these past few weeks, you have such talents. Why not give it a try and shock everyone!"
"But..." Cho Chang hesitated and asked with some lack of confidence.
"What if we mess up...? After all, there are so many powerful wizards in the duel competition."
"So what?" Alaric asked loudly, "Even if you mess up, so what? We're still young, aren't we?
When we're young, we should take risks and see what we can achieve.
When else can we be crazy if not now? Besides, I'll be there to help you."
"That's right!" Hermione got excited and said seriously.
"I've made up my mind. I'm going to participate in this duel competition! The championship will definitely be mine!"
Looking at the spirited Hermione in front of him, Cho Chang hesitated for a moment before raising her hand and saying loudly.
"I... I'll participate too, and I'll work hard."
Penelope looked at her two classmates and shook her head with a smile.
"I'll pass on this one. I need to spend time preparing for the N.E.W.T. exam this semester.
But you can teach me more advanced alchemy. Didn't you want to open an alchemical prop shop in Diagon Alley and sell your experimental failures?
How about leaving that to me after I graduate?"
Seeing that the girls had set their goals, Alaric nodded in satisfaction.
They were all hardworking individuals, and that was the most important thing.
After all, in the future, he would be traveling between worlds, and only those who were outstanding or diligent enough could accompany him further, right?
As for whether the three girls wanted to accompany him or not, Alaric completely ignored this point.
However, considering the current situation, his confidence in doing so was not unreasonable.
.
.
.
Guys, do leave some power stones and reviews.
✌patreon.com/bobthewriter✌
If you guys enjoy this story, you can support me on Patreon and get access to 30 Advance Chapters, it really helps me to work on new chapters.