John suddenly realized why Zuo had been so determined to approach the dragon; he truly possessed a unique skill. After their encounter, John also discovered their location: Scandinavia, not far from Durmstrang School.
"Edgar, can you guide us out of here?" John inquired. Heinrich, observing John, had a soft expression on his face, reminiscent of Malfoy with his pale cheeks. To John's surprise, Heinrich complimented him, "You are very strong."
"Uh... thank you," John replied modestly, though Heinrich's intentions seemed deeper as he fixed his gaze on John. Removing a glove from his right hand, Heinrich threw it at John's feet, issuing a challenge, "I challenge you to a duel."
A duel? John was taken aback, and Fleur, indignant, exclaimed, "We saved you!"
"I am aware. You possess the abilities of a Dragon Whisperer, akin to Merlin himself," Heinrich stated, each word heavy with meaning. "Defeat me, and I shall reveal the path back."
Fleur leaned in, whispering to John, "He seems fixated on you." Though John couldn't shake off the feeling that Fleur's words carried a hint of schadenfreude, her smile suggested she had settled some personal score. Nonetheless, she had faith in John's abilities, having witnessed his prowess against the Fire Dragon.
Understanding the peril of being targeted by Edgar, who was known for his extreme measures, John realized refusal wasn't an option. Accepting the duel was the only way to ensure their swift return.
He reminisced about Professor Flitwick, the champion duelist and diminutive professor, as he and Heinrich positioned themselves back to back, wands at the ready. They paced apart, counting to ten before launching simultaneous attacks.
John's agility gave him the upper hand, his spell casting swift and powerful. Heinrich, however, was quick to defend with an Iron Armor Curse, countering immediately. Their exchange was intense, resembling a duel between seasoned fencers rather than students, their wands flashing like sabers.
John narrowly avoided a curse, retaliating with his most potent spell. Heinrich matched his attack, and their spells collided, erupting into a fiery blaze. John's superior Level 4 Fire Curse enveloped Heinrich, but at the last moment, he reduced his spell's power, sparing Heinrich from severe harm.
"You are defeated," John declared, ceasing his attack, his posture relaxed yet dignified.
Heinrich, acknowledging his defeat with grace, stood and collected his wand. "Indeed, you possess great strength. I concede."
With the duel concluded, Heinrich offered guidance to Durmstrang, where a Floo network could facilitate their return. John, wary of Durmstrang's reputation for hostility towards Muggle-borns, pondered the risks but decided to proceed, trusting Heinrich's word.
Led by Heinrich, John and Fleur navigated their way out of the treacherous valley, contrasting John's earlier misadventure. Upon exiting, they were met by a carriage, its arrival orchestrated for Heinrich.
"Master Heinrich, who might these two be?" inquired the white-haired butler, eyeing John and Fleur with suspicion.
"There's no need for concern, Rick," Heinrich dismissed, sparing them further interrogation. The butler, named Rick, reluctantly held his tongue.
John was intrigued by the presence of a human butler instead of a house-elf, noting the rarity among pure-blood wizard families who typically favored the cost-effective labor of house-elves.
As they journeyed towards Durmstrang, the challenges they faced seemed to echo the trials of the famed school, blending the lines between legend and reality. In the Malfoy residence, after boarding the carriage, it set off towards Durmstrang. Throughout the journey, John couldn't shake off the feeling that Heinrich's gaze was constantly fixed on him. No matter how subtly John shifted his position, Heinrich's piercing eyes seemed to follow every move. "Fleur, what's he staring at?" John inquired, trying to mask his discomfort. Fleur, barely containing her laughter, replied, "Edgar, the deputy of the strong man." John's head spun with confusion. So, Edgar wasn't relying on him after all. What sort of strong man was he dealing with? Sighing, John lamented the loss of his holiday to continuous schooling. Instead of a relaxing game, he found himself thrown into the Valley of Never Rest, fleeing from a fire dragon. It felt like his first-year holidays were squandered.
Upon arrival, Durmstrang Castle loomed before them. It lacked the grandeur of Beauxbatons and the rich heritage of Hogwarts, presenting itself as a modest four-story structure amidst a breathtaking expanse of land. Behind the castle lay a mountain lake where some students indulged in a refreshing swim, a secret haven protected by enchantments.
Fleur harbored no fondness for Heinrich, whose rudeness overshadowed his handsome features. Inside the school, they encountered a similar sentiment among the Durmstrang students, who displayed open disdain and avoidance towards Heinrich, treating the visitors with equal disregard. This shared experience slightly softened Fleur's aversion towards him.
Approaching a fireplace, Heinrich directed, "John, you can reach the Corner Hat Square through here." Grateful for the guidance, John responded warmly, "Thank you, Heinrich. You must visit Hogwarts sometime; I'll ensure you have a great time." The prospect of returning home lifted John's spirits. Heinrich's enthusiastic nod and hoarse affirmation, "I will go," seemed overly eager, leaving John puzzled but hopeful for a future meeting. After a handshake and farewell, John and Fleur stepped into the fireplace, disappearing in a burst of green flames.
Navigating from Durmstrang to Corner Hat Square in search of a Portkey proved challenging, but John and Fleur eventually made their way back to Beauxbatons. The ordeal, though exhausting, brought them closer. In the days that followed, John devoted himself to alchemy, with Fleur occasionally bringing him biscuits that seemed to have a magical touch, lifting his spirits.
Emerging from the alchemy room one day, John stretched, feeling the toll of his endeavors. "At this rate, I'll break before the sword is forged," he joked to himself, planning to recuperate with sleep after a morning run. Returning to his dormitory, he discovered a letter from Dumbledore. "Dear John, I hope you're enjoying your holiday. Apologies for the intrusion, but I have a small favor to ask of you." Intrigued, John noted the request to visit Rue Montmorency, marking his next destination.
After resting, John used the Floo Network to travel to Paris. Rue Montmorency, one of the city's oldest streets, held an air of mystery. As he walked, an unsettling feeling of being watched crept over him. Utilizing the reflection from a window, John spotted a man trailing him, seemingly underestimating the young wizard. With a smirk, John quickened his pace, leading the follower towards a secluded corner. The man, caught off guard by John's sudden disappearance, rounded the corner only to find... The man had vanished from sight, but before he could comprehend what was happening, a spell struck him squarely in the chest. "Stupefy!" The incantation echoed through the air just moments before the impact.
John, having lifted the Disillusionment Charm, now stood revealed in the dim light, his gaze fixed on the man now slumped unconscious on the ground. With a swift motion and a focused expression, he cast the Levitation Charm, causing the man's body to rise gently off the ground. John then proceeded to drag him away with the spell, maneuvering through the shadows with a purposeful stride.
The night air was thick with tension, the only sounds being the soft rustling of leaves and the distant hoot of an owl. John's actions were precise, his determination clear in the set of his jaw and the sharpness of his movements. He knew the importance of what he was doing, the weight of the responsibility he carried. This was not just about the man he had just subdued; it was about something much larger, a plan that required careful and discreet execution.
As he moved through the darkness, John couldn't help but feel the gravity of the situation. He was aware of the risks, the potential consequences of his actions. Yet, there was a resolve in him, a resolve that had been forged in the fires of adversity and honed by the challenges he had faced. This was a moment that called for courage, for the kind of bravery that comes not from the absence of fear, but from the determination to act despite it.
The night would hold many more challenges, of that John was certain. But for now, he focused on the task at hand, the first step in a journey that would test him in ways he could scarcely imagine.
_________
If you are tired of reading I also have this converted to an audio novel on my youtube
https://www.youtube.com/@NovelAudioForge/featured
Direct Link to playlist
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_Hg-qsW4rM&list=PLKskshYG-OcPTR4-Nw7IWFEBZm07D8pBV&ab_channel=NovelAudioForge