****
What do people associate the word "surprise" with? With something sudden? With something you don't expect? Or with something else? I'm sure everyone will have an answer.
Well, I had a certain situation that happened to me quite recently, with which I will associate this word all my life.
A walk from the Help Room to the faculty living room after a productive day - what could be more familiar? The evening training was more than a success, because today I completely (as far as possible at the moment with my capabilities) conquered teleportation (or blink).
At the last training session, I was finally able to conquer this ability. Now I don't vomit after every use (how unpleasant it is to realize that metamorphism is not an assistant in this matter), I don't need rune circles to prevent me from being split, no, now I can move freely in any direction. True, there is one small nuance: my limit is five movements, and the range is not important (relatively, because it is one thing to move within sight and quite another to move to another continent). Of course, this is much more than at the beginning. After all, at the "starting point" I could only "jump" once, then three, now five. Progress is obvious.
From the "problems" that have appeared, only one conclusion suggests itself - there is no such thing as too much training. Reserve is important, control is especially important, and it's not even worth talking about energy density. And all this takes time. Eh, where can I get it from? And so I sleep for four and a half hours.
So I would have gone on, destroying and reconstructing my plans, training, goals, creating something completely different, if not for one thing. In one of the corridors, with the help of my magical sense, a barely perceptible flash, I "felt" something. It was barely noticeable, literally for a split second, but that was enough for me.
Without stopping, I activated my magical vision and began to look around. Hmm, nothing. No traces. It's strange, I couldn't imagine it. I clearly felt a magical disturbance, which at the same moment disappeared from all radars. If only…
A sharp blow from behind came as a complete surprise to me. His force was enough to knock me to the ground. And the strangest thing was that there was no magic, naked physics.
Having rolled head over heels with an unknown guest, I suddenly exploded and jumped to the side, staring at the crash site. Everything was as usual, except for one detail... I saw how it was as if two halves of something whole (two parts of a theater curtain) separated, showing a completely different picture than it should really be.
A red glow emanating from some kind of amulet clutched in the hand, a human figure quickly rising from the floor, and a so familiar aura emerging from the resulting crevice. Everything fell into place.
Realizing that the hems of the invisibility cloak (and it was she) had separated, the named guest (in our case, the guest) brought them together again with a wave of her hand, disappearing from magical perception. Everything is the same as a couple of seconds ago.
So, okay, then I'll deal with this adventurer. Turning around on the spot, I rushed out of this corridor as fast as I could. Let's wander a little through the labyrinths of the castle, let's see how she can keep up with me... Look, she'll lag behind.
After half an hour of running around and doing all possible checks (mainly the creation of a strong wind, which, in theory, should have, if not torn off, then at least "shaken the mirror" of the mantle), I entered the faculty living room with relief. It is quite possible that I could not completely hide from Harriet, but I could not do anything else that would not harm the Heroine of Light and, frankly speaking, I did not want to. Although he didn't take off his visa until the very end and entered his room under it.
The door closed, flashing the script of runes. Well, if someone is behind it, then an unpleasant surprise will await him when he tries to break into it.
But I still wonder - was it a coincidence or a deliberate attempt to track me down? Something tells me it's the latter. Well, it's not that simple with Potter, it doesn't happen.
*****
Twenty-second December. Morning before breakfast. Corridors of Hogwarts Castle.
"And why do we need to go to the Great Hall so early?" — Astoria and Neville, walking next to me, asked in one voice, trying not to yawn (they were aristocrats). They looked slightly wrinkled, but quite cheerfully.
"It wasn't me who asked someone to help me with my studies," I began, stroking the yawning Luna's head. Like a kitten, by God. And not worry at all (in moderation) about aristocratic troubles - And it wasn't me who agreed to the condition of early classes. So there's no point in howling.
"Well, couldn't you, say, gather us at ten o'clock?" I think this time is the best time to gather our interest group, but not eight o'clock," the snake pouted slightly. Oddly enough, Nev supported her with a silent nod.
- Why are you indignant? I should have gotten used to much earlier rises.
"But I still want to sleep," Neville muttered, looking away.
- All clear with you.
After the peak of "rage" had passed, all the children were faced with a very serious question: what should they, locked within the castle walls, do during the holidays? Surprisingly, most of them decided to settle in the library (you have to do your homework), the smaller part - in the living room or somewhere within the walls of this stronghold.
As you might guess, Astoria and Neville were asked to help them with their studies. I don't know who exactly initiated the idea, but I agreed to help them. Luna... she doesn't need much help (she's the best in her stream, although Astoria is not far behind her), but where I go, she goes too. There were no questions here.
However, due to the activity of the Heir, I decided to move around the crowded parts of the castle: the Great Hall, the Library, the movable stairs. At least when my charges are next to me. I myself, if anything, can escape (albeit by squeezing all the juices out of myself), but they... I doubt it.
"Oh, look," Nev exclaimed in surprise, nodding towards the notice board (located next to the entrance to the Great Hall). - Why are they gathered there?
And indeed, right now an impressive crowd of students of different ages and faculties has gathered at the notice board. They were all talking together, arguing and discussing something.
- Why guess? Let's go have a look," Astoria said with a grin and was the first to go towards the crowd. A little later Nev trudged after her.
- Do you want to go with them, Luna? - I asked the girl who didn't want to leave my side.
"With Kol," she said confidently, grabbing my hand.
"Well, let's go," I shrugged. Indeed, why not?
Easier said than done. There was a very large crowd. Slightly pushing aside people in the crowd, we were still able to make our way to the board to find Astoria and Nev carefully reading a piece of parchment.
Come on...
*****
Announcement!
Dear students. Due to the difficult situation within the walls of Hogwarts, as well as the dangers that may await you outside the walls, I, Gilderoy Lockhart, together with Filius Flitwick, are pleased to inform you of the admission to dueling practice for junior students.
The first trial lesson will take place on December 22 at three o'clock in the afternoon. Venue: Great Hall.
G. Lockhart
*****
HM interesting. This means dueling classes will be held for junior students. But initially, it was possible to choose duels, like many other "subjects," only in the third year. And this rule was mandatory for everyone. Apparently, since they decided to ignore these rules, the professors are seriously concerned about the safety of their students.
- How can this be? — the senior badger student was indignant. "I had to wait two years to start dueling." And now freshmen can also attend classes," with every second his voice became louder and louder, and his emotions began to rage: anger, frustration, rage.
"Oh, shut up," another senior student interrupted his speech, but this time from the house of lions. "Your screams won't change anything." And they won't study with us; there will be separate lessons for the younger ones.
- But…
- Since you are so indignant, maybe you yourself can protect them from the attacks of the heir? — a girl from Ravenclaw suddenly intervened in their squabble. Her name was Alice. A typical appearance for an Englishwoman, except that she couldn't boast of height.
- What can they do? All of them haven't even really learned how to cast magic yet, much less go into battle against the heir—a pretty smart idea. Still, junior students are no match for the heir.
We did not listen to further skirmishes between "knowledgeable" people. Having once again made our way through the now denser crowd, our entire friendly company headed for breakfast.
- Well, who's coming? - Astoria asked us, almost jumping up as she walked.
"I'll go," Nev nodded slightly. — I want to test my abilities against my peers.
- Why am I not your age? — I didn't quite understand his argument (or rather, I played such a reaction. I understood everything perfectly).
-Are you serious now? - he answered indignantly. - Yes, not a single fellow student can stand against you!
"Oh, I'm already interested," Astoria drawled, narrowing her eyes like a snake.
"He's exaggerating," he waved off their words.
- Yes? But what about last year's pile being small? - Nev said.
I have to admit, this really interested Astoria. However, when she asked to tell her in more detail, he only remained silent. Apparently this is how he "takes revenge" for all her jokes.
- Well, okay. I didn't really want to," Astoria was slightly offended. - Kol, will you go?
- Yes.
"Great," she almost clapped her hands. "Then we'll see what you are like there."
"I seriously doubt that in the first lesson we will be allowed to conduct training duels," he sat down at his place at the table and expressed his opinion.
"But it's true," Astoria hung her head. - They will talk about rules and so on. Boredom...
"There will be duels," Luna said suddenly.
- How do you know? "Astoria asked, turning in her direction.
"The Brainsnatchers told me," she shrugged.
At this point the conversation died down. After breakfast we headed to the library. Since they wanted to work with me, it means they need to make every effort.
*****
Twenty-second December. After lunch. Hogwarts Castle. Big hall.
The giant doors leading to the Great Hall were thrown open. A friendly crowd of children from the first and second years (as well as a few senior students, whose choice of additional subjects was not related to a direct confrontation with the "enemy") trickled into the hall.
Once you cross the threshold of the room, you immediately find yourself in a completely unfamiliar room. Tables, benches, etc. disappeared. Several platforms took its place.
Three platforms for duels. They were about five meters wide and twenty meters long. Each of them depicted various magical bodies, which at the moment did not carry any special meaning. A little further from these platforms there were three smaller platforms, literally one meter by one meter. Apparently they are intended for judges. When I activated my magical vision, I saw that they were connected by a magical connection with the three main ones. The main platforms were surrounded by runic circles. Upon closer inspection, I could only understand two of them. One is the creation of a dome, the second is the extinguishing of spells that have fallen into the dome.
There were also many mannequins near one of the walls. On the contrary, there were sort of platforms. Apparently, this is where young magicians should send spells to mannequins from there.
"Attention everyone," Gilderoy's magically enhanced voice echoed throughout the large hall. - Come closer.
Obeying his command, everyone began to converge on one of the dueling platforms.
Gilderoy himself looked different from his usual self. The robe disappeared, and in its place came a mercenary suit, exactly the one I saw in the summer. Non-restrictive clothing made from magical materials. High boots, gloves, a belt (with some kind of hooks for potions). Only the same bright smile shone on his face.
There were two people standing next to him: Severus Snape and Filius Flitwick.
- Can everyone see me? Can everyone hear me? - As soon as everyone approached, he drawled sweetly. "I'm so glad that all of you have gathered here today to...
"Hmm," the half-goblin coughed slightly. It seems that he didn't want to listen to our writer's speech at all.
- Oh yes. Today I, together with my assistants, - oh, how. Hearing these words, Snape clenched his teeth so hard that their creak could be heard throughout the hall. - Hmm, yes. So, what am I talking about? I, together with the professors, will conduct an introductory dueling lesson today.
The children made noise. Of course, three teachers will teach them the art of dueling. This is wonderful.
"We'll start, perhaps, with a demonstration battle," Lokhar said, smiling from ear to ear. "Mr. Snape, would you be willing to help me with this matter?"
"With great pleasure, colleague," slowly, an ominous smile appeared on his lips. I have a feeling it will be interesting.
Seeing his smile, Gilderoy's expression suddenly went out.
"Listen, Kol," Nev said in a barely audible whisper. "Will Lockhart survive this demonstration?"
- Who knows, Nev. Who knows.
*****