Солнечный свет струился сквозь свободные шторы, играя на пыльных книжных полках и отражаясь в зеркале, стоящем в углу комнаты. Итачи стоял перед ним, одетый в простую спортивную одежду, и его лицо было сосредоточенным и серьезным. Однако, в отличие от его обычного выражения лица, в его глазах было незнакомое напряжение.Он делал глубокие вдохи и выдохи, пытаясь расслабить мышцы лица. Он поочередно приподнимал уголки губ, чтобы сформировать легкую улыбку, а затем снова сделал свое лицо нейтральным. Затем он попытался нахмуриться, а после этого снова вернулся к нейтральному выражению лица. Он делал это снова и снова, как будто разучивая сложную хореографию.Итачи никогда не обращал внимания на его эмоции, а тем более на его внешнее проявление. Его лицо всегда было маской спокойствия, маской, которая защищала его от внешнего мира. Но обещание, данное Теодору, заставило его выйти из зоны комфорта. Он посмотрел на свое отражение в зеркале, и ему было странно видеть, как он пытается контролировать свою мимику. Он осознал, насколько он оторван от своих собственных чувств.Он попытался искренне улыбнуться, но попытка показалась ему неуклюжей, искусственной. Он посмотрел на свое отражение, и его губы снова растянулись в натянутой улыбке, больше похожей на гримасу. «Нужно больше практики», — пробормотал он про себя, и в его голосе промелькнула легкая нотка самоиронии.Итачи продолжал практиковаться перед зеркалом, повторяя одно и то же движение снова и снова, пока, наконец, оно не показалось ему немного более естественным. Он знал, что это глупо, что это бессмысленно, но он был готов на все, лишь бы сдержать обещание, данное Теодору.И была какая-то странная, трогательная деталь в этом его упрямстве, в его решимости. Итачи, который всегда был таким сдержанным и замкнутым, теперь, ради своего друга, был готов на глупости.Время ускользало сквозь его пальцы, как песок, и Итачи, полностью погруженный в свое странное времяпрепровождение, совершенно потерял его из виду. Он был настолько сосредоточен на своем отражении, на собственной мимике, что не замечал ничего вокруг. Он внимательно следил за каждым движением своих губ, за каждым изменением в выражении глаз, стараясь добиться некоторого подобия нормального человеческого выражения.Он растянул губы в легкой улыбке, он сдвинул брови, пытаясь изобразить задумчивость, он приподнял уголки рта, пытаясь изобразить что-то похожее на смех. Он повторял это снова и снова, совершенствуя каждое движение, как будто от этого зависела судьба мира.В комнате воцарилась тишина, нарушаемая только его тихим дыханием и легким скрипом половиц, когда он делал шаг вперед или назад, чтобы получше рассмотреть свое отражение.Он был настолько поглощен своим делом, что не заметил, как дверь комнаты тихо открылась и в ней появился Теодор.Теодор стоял в дверях, глядя на друга, и на его лице играла слабая улыбка. Он прислонился к дверному косяку, скрестив руки на груди, и просто ждал, когда Итачи заметит его присутствие. Он наблюдал, какИтачи усердно и сосредоточенно тренировался, пытаясь изобразить эмоции на своем лице.Теодор понял, что для Итачи это было нечто гораздо большее, чем просто выполнение обещания. Это была попытка преодолеть себя, попытка открыться миру, и это не могло не быть уважительным. Он не стал перебивать Итачи, решив дать ему закончить урок, и просто ждал, наблюдая за ним со стороны с тихой улыбкой на лице. И он знал, что это зрелище запомнится ему надолгоКазалось, прошла вечность. Итачи продолжал практиковаться перед зеркалом, с каждым разом все более уверенно воспроизводя задуманную эмоцию. Он почти перестал думать ни о чем другом, полностью погрузившись в этот странный ритуал. Его взгляд был прикован к собственному отражению, и он почти не чувствовал, как бежит время.Наконец, по крайней мере через десять минут, он сделал глубокий вдох и отвел взгляд от зеркала. Его глаза немного устали от пристального взгляда, и он решил, что пора отдохнуть. Он медленно опустил руки, пытаясь придать своему лицу знакомое выражение спокойствия.И тогда, как раз в этот момент, он заметил Теодора.Его взгляд остановился на фигуре, прислонившейся к дверному косяку, и он почувствовал, как легкий румянец покрыл его щеки. Итачи чувствовал себя неловко, как будто его поймали за чем-то неловким.Он выпрямился, стараясь скрыть смущение, и посмотрел на Теодора с легким недоумением. — Теодор, — сказал он, и голос его звучал чуть тише, чем обычно. — Как долго ты здесь стоишь?There was a slight confusion in his voice, and he tried not to look Theodore in the eye. He didn't know how Theodore would react to seeing him at such a strange activity, and that uncertainty made him slightly uneasy."I just... I... " - he stammered, trying to find the right words, but nothing came to mind.Theodore, watching Itachi's confusion, couldn't hold back a smile. He pushed himself off the doorjamb and, slowly approaching his friend, said with deliberate seriousness:"Well, to be honest, I came to see a miracle. They say there's a mime in this room.I thought I'd see if it was true."He paused for a moment, looking intently at Itachi, and without waiting for an answer, he continued with deliberate theatricality, "And I must say, I'm not disappointed! Your performance was truly breathtaking. I especially liked your interpretation of sadness. It was... original, shall we say."Theodore winked at Itachi, trying to contain his laughter. "So, feel free to continue your training. I'd love to be your personal spectator. I can even give advice if you want. For example, right now, I think you're lacking a little more drama. Try portraying brooding again, but add a little suffering in there, you know, like in the old movies."He couldn't help but make a joke. It was his way of defusing the tense atmosphere, and at the same time letting Itachi know that he didn't see anything wrong with his occupation. Theodore knew that this was very important to Itachi, and he wanted to show him that his efforts would not go unnoticed. And if he could also have a little fun while doing so, that was even better.After a light but pleasant altercation caused by Theodore's joke, the atmosphere in the room lightened. Itachi, trying to hide his embarrassment, changed the topic of conversation by suggesting a walk around the castle. Today was a day off, and the corridors were not crowded as usual."All right," Theodore replied, readily accepting the offer. "But I warn you, if we run into a ghost again telling me about his unfinished business, I'll just run away."Itachi grinned. "Don't worry. I'll take care of it." He promised Theodore to show him one unusual place, but he didn't specify which one.They left the room and headed towards the corridors, but Itachi led Theodore down a very different path than usual. He looped through narrow passageways, down staircases, and then up again, as if he were trying to obfuscate any possible trail. He was careful to make sure that none of the paintings were left behind them, and that none of the ghosts got in their wayAs Itachi led Theodore through the complex labyrinth of Hogwarts corridors, they were attracting unusual attention without noticing it. Itachi, in particular, was getting strange, often surprised looks.Theodore, at first, didn't pay any attention to this, busy studying the route Itachi was taking and trying to keep up. But after a while, he began to notice how passing students, mostly girls, reacted to Itachi.They would freeze for a moment as they passed by, staring at Itachi with wide-eyed stares.Theodore, watching the strange reactions of those around him, quickly realized what was wrong. He saw their gazes linger on Itachi as they blushed, whispered and, in some cases, even fainted. And the reason for all of this was plain as day - Itachi.He, usually so reserved and scowling, had clearly changed something about his appearance today. He wasn't walking around with his usual grim face, and his face, albeit with a little effort, was expressing some semblance of normal emotion. And, as it turned out, that was enough to create quite a sensation among the female half of Hogwarts.Theodore couldn't hold back a chuckle. As it turned out, his efforts were not in vain. They weren't just noticeable, they literally knocked them dead.But, most interestingly, Itachi himself seemed to notice absolutely nothing. He kept walking forward, focused on his goal, as if nothing was happening. And that was what amused Theodore the most.He could have explained to Itachi that his 'normal' face was causing such a violent reaction from those around him. But he chose to remain silent. He enjoyed watching him misunderstand.It was a kind of punishment for his former aloofness and perpetual scowl.And, to be honest, Theodore liked seeing Itachi like this. He was more lively, more open, and oddly enough, more attractive. He was still reserved and serious, but now there was a humanity to his face that pleased Theodore.So he decided not to ruin this amusing picture. He simply walked beside Itachi, enjoying his incomprehension, and occasionally holding back a laugh as he looked at the next girl who fainted at the sight of his friend. He knew that in due time he would be sure to tell Itachi what had happened, but for now he was enjoying the moment.Theodore followed Itachi, watching his actions with curiosity. He realized that Itachi was trying to keep them safe from prying eyes, and this only confirmed that he was indeed being watched."Are you sure we're not lost?" - Theodore asked as they rounded the corner once again. "Or are you just pretending to know the way?"Itachi, without stopping, turned around and grinned. "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. We just have to be careful."After a while, they finally reached the right place, one of the side corridors located at the far end of the castle. Itachi stopped in front of an unremarkable wall and, casting a puzzled look at Theodore, said:"Here lies something interesting. This place is not marked on any map of Hogwarts, and few know of its existence." He reached out his hand to the wall and, touching it, he uttered: "I need a room... a room to take refuge in."And at the same moment, the wall shuddered and began to slowly shift, revealing a passage to nowhere.The wall, which had previously seemed completely unremarkable, shifted with a quiet hum and shudder, revealing a passage into a dark, almost mystical corridor. Theodore stared breathlessly at the transformation, his eyes seeming to pop out of their orbits in amazement."What... what is it?" - He whispered, his voice shaking with shock. He turned to Itachi, who was standing next to him, looking as if opening passageways to nowhere was a common thing. "Is... is this... is this a room?"He blinked a few times, trying to make sure he wasn't dreaming. But the wall had indeed disappeared, and in its place was now a gaping passage leading into the unknown. Theodore couldn't believe his eyes.Theodore stepped carefully over the threshold, finding himself in a corridor that seemed to lead to infinity. He looked around, trying to figure out what this place was and how it worked. The room he expected to see was not here. There was only a long, narrow hallway, shrouded in semi-darkness."This... this is incredible," he exhaled, finally coming to his senses. He turned to Itachi, and genuine admiration read in his eyes. "How did you do it? How did you find this place?"He walked a few more steps forward, not taking his eyes off the walls that seemed to breathe and the ceiling that seemed to disappear into darkness. Theodore felt his heart beating fast, overwhelmed with curiosity and admiration.Itachi, watching Theodore's reaction, a barely noticeable but quite sincere smile appeared on his lips. It pleased him to see such surprise and admiration in his friend's eyes.He walked down the hallway and stopped next to Theodore, looking at him with what seemed to be slight embarrassment."Well, actually, it's... not really a merit," he began, trying to choose his words. He didn't want to lie to Theodore, but he wasn't ready to reveal the truth about his Sharingan to him either."I... I just stumbled upon this place by accident," he continued, trying to make his voice more confident. "When I first came to Hogwarts, I loved walking around the castle, exploring it. I walked all the corridors, all the staircases, and then... one day, I happened to be near this wall. And somehow it just happened to open on its own."Itachi was silent for a moment, looking at Theodore, and trying to read his reaction on his face. He tried to speak as casually as possible, but he knew it sounded a bit implausible. How does one 'accidentally' find a room that only shows up when they need it?"I don't know how it works," he finally admitted. "I just... asked for it, and it showed up. I don't think it's some kind of magic, more like... something else. Something I don't understand yet."Itachi looked at Theodore again, and a slight hopefulness was read in his eyes. He knew that Theodore was a very intelligent and observant man, and he hoped that he wouldn't ask too many questions. He didn't want to lie, but he wasn't ready to tell him the truth about his special power yet. He knew it was too complicated for him to understand."I just... I just wanted to show you this place," he added, trying to end the subject as soon as possible. "I thought you might be interested." He smiled slightly, trying to defuse the tension that hung in the air. He hoped that Theodore would believe him, and that they could move on to something else.Itachi, noticing Theodore still studying the corridor of the Vyruchai Room with curiosity, decided to continue the conversation, trying to distract him from asking unnecessary questions about how exactly he had discovered the place. He didn't want Theodore to suspect anything amiss, so he decided to share with him exactly how he used the space."Actually," he began, taking a step deeper into the hallway"I spend quite a bit of time in here. Mostly when I need to be alone." He paused, turning slightly toward Theodore."Sometimes I train here, practicing combat spells. And sometimes, I just rest from the noise of the castle."He looked around, as if assessing the space, and added:"It's like this place changes every time I come here. Sometimes it's just a corridor like this, and sometimes a whole room appears here. It always adjusts to what I need at any given moment."Itachi stopped and looked at Theodore. "When you said you wanted to help me, I thought it would be nice if this place became our... our common space," he said, trying to make his words sound casual. "It's where we could discuss our plans, train if we need to, and just... well, be together, out of sight."There was a slight hopefulness in his voice. He wanted this place to be not only his secret hiding place, but their space together, where they could feel comfortable and safe. He could see that Theodore was smitten with this place, and he wanted it to become for them what it had been for him - a place to be themselves."What do you think, Theodore?" - He asked, looking intently at his friend. "Do you want to make this place ours?" He smiled slightly, trying to show that his offer came from the bottom of his heart, and that he really wanted to share this space with Theodore.Theodore listened to Itachi, and his head was buzzing with an overabundance of information. A room that appears on demand? Training in a secret location? Taking a break from the noise of the castle? It all sounded like something out of a fantasy book, but he knew Itachi wasn't kidding. And this was unbelievable.He looked around the hallway they were standing in, and it seemed to him as if the walls were breathing and the floor beneath his feet was subtly vibrating. He knew there was something going on here that he didn't understand, but it didn't scare him, instead it fueled his curiosity.When Itachi suggested to him to make this place theirs to share.Itachi wants to share this place with me? The thought was so unexpected that he was just silent for a few seconds, trying to digest it.He watched Itachi, his slight smile, his hopeful gaze, and realized that this offer was more than just an invitation to a secret hideout. It was a confession, it was trust. Itachi trusted him enough to be willing to share this amazing place he had found.Theodore felt his heart fill with warmth. He had always valued his friendship with Itachi. He knew Itachi wasn't the type to open up to others easily, and this offer was a very important step for him.I agree. This place... this place is perfect for us." He smiled, feeling the excitement and joy overwhelm him. He couldn't wait to see how this place would change once they were here together."I think," Theodore added, looking at Itachi, "that we'll be able to discuss and learn a lot here." There was confidence in his voice, and he knew that their adventures together were just beginning.After Theodore and Itachi agreed to make the Ransom Room their shared space, the atmosphere in the hallway became more relaxed. They could feel their bond growing stronger, and it gave them confidence. Now they could discuss their plan of action more openly and calmly.Itachi leaned against the hallway wall and began to explain, "Okay, let's go over the plan one more time to make sure we didn't miss anything." He looked at Theodore, waiting for his nod. "Our main goal is to expose Quirrell and find out what he's up to. And we'll try to do that without drawing too much attention to ourselves."Theodore nodded, listening intently. He knew their plan had been thought out in detail, but he knew it was best to double-check everything again."The first thing," Itachi continued, raising a finger, "is surveillance. We need to keep watching Quirrell, being careful not to arouse suspicion. We need to find out who he's meeting with, what places he visits, and what exactly he does in his spare time. Theodore, you'll keep an eye on his daily movements, and I'll try to find something in his personal belongings if I can get close to them."Theodore nodded, agreeing. "Good. I have a couple ideas on how to do this discreetly. I know a few hidden passageways, and I should have no trouble staying undetected."Itachi continued: "The second is Dumbledore. We don't know what side he's on, and that makes him dangerous. We will be watching him, trying to understand his motives and his role in everything that is going on. Theodore, you'll pay attention to his behavior and who he communicates with, and I'll try to find any information about him in the castle archives."Theodore nodded again, agreeing. "I've got it. And I think we should also pay attention to his reactions to Quirrell's actions. That could tell us a lot."Itachi looked at Theodore. "This is our plan. It is simple, but at the same time complex enough to not arouse suspicion. We will proceed cautiously, and we will be prepared for any surprises."He paused, giving Theodore a chance to ask questions. "Is there anything you would like to add?"Theodore, in turn, nodded and said: "Yes, I think we should be prepared for the possibility that we might be discovered. So, we need to think of escape routes and create a plan in case things don't go as we planned."Itachi thought for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. We'll factor that into our plan. It seems to make sense now, even to the most idiotic person." He grinned, looking at Theodore. "I hope so."After a long and tense discussion.Now that they had a clear plan of action and an understanding of how to handle various situations, he decided it was time to turn his attention to the practical side of their training. He realized that Theodore, despite his analytical mind, lacked practical skills in protective magic."Theodore," Itachi said, turning to his friend, "now that we've discussed all of our plans, I think we should get some practice. I want to teach you a couple of the more advanced spells that are learned in second and third year. It'll help you defend yourself better if you ever need to."Theodore, a little surprised, raised his eyebrows. "Oh, really? You think I need it?"Itachi nodded. "Absolutely. You're good at analytics and strategy, but practical skills in defense are also important. Especially in our case." He grinned. "I don't want you to be left defenseless when I'm busy doing something else."Theodore thought for a moment, then smiled. "Good. I've always wanted to learn something more. But be warned, I'm not very good at practical magic.""Don't worry," Itachi replied. "I'll be patient. We'll start simple at first, and then we'll move on to more complex spells." He looked around as if assessing the place. "There's plenty of room to practice. We won't be interrupted by anyone."Itachi walked to the center of the corridor and extended his hand, causing a light glow to appear in it. "So, let's start with the Petrificus Totalus spell." He cast the spell and a small stone statue appeared out of thin air and froze in front of them. "This is a spell of complete paralysis. It can be very useful if you need to immobilize an opponent."Theodore watched Itachi's actions carefully, trying to memorize his every move. He nodded.Theodore took his wand and, concentrating, tried to repeat the spell. But instead of a stone statue, a small jet of smoke appeared out of thin air. He sighed. "I guess I'm not very good at this."Itachi smiled. "Don't feel bad about it. Not many people get it right the first time. Try again, focus on your intentions. Magic isn't just about words and movements, it's also about intention."Itachi, watching Theodore's first attempts at mastering spells, realized that just knowing the name and swinging a wand wasn't enough. Magic wasn't just mechanical repetition, but a complex process that required control, concentration, and an understanding of many nuances that weren't talked about in class."Theodore," Itachi said when another experiment with Petrificus Totalus resulted in a strange stone frog, "you're making progress, but you need to realize that there's more to magic than just words and movements. It's not just mechanical repetition. Magic is energy work, and you have to know how to control it."Theodore, slightly disappointed but not discouraged, furrowed his eyebrows. "What do you mean? I mean, I do everything just like you show me."Itachi stepped closer to him to better explain his point. "You see, when you cast a spell, you're not just saying the words. You're kind of channeling your magical energy through your wand. And if you don't know how to do that, the spell won't turn out the way it needs to."He waved his wand, and a small stone statue appeared out of thin air and was flawlessly shaped. "See, when I use magic, I can feel the energy flow through me, through the wand, and it obeys my intentions. I can control the power of the spell, its accuracy, and even its form."Itachi continued: "You have to learn to control your magical energy. It's like working your muscles. You have to feel the energy flowing through you, how it reacts to your thoughts and feelings. You have to learn to control it as if it were a part of your body."Theodore listened intentlyItachi shook his head. "No, it's much more complicated than that. Magic is about working with your own energy. Each wizard has it unique, and each must find their own way to control it. Even your emotional state is taken into account. If you are angry or upset, the spell may not work the way you intended. Not only that, but each spell uses a certain amount of your energy. If you don't control that process, you can quickly run out of energy.""I understand," Theodore replied. "It's like working with a flow of energy. And I have to learn how to control it to get the results I want.""That's right," Itachi said. "It takes practice, patience, and self-control. But I'm sure you'll succeed.He smiled. "Magic doesn't tolerate the lazy."After Itachi explained to Theodore the intricacies of controlling magical energy, they continued practicing. Itachi patiently showed him how to concentrate properly, how to feel his wand, and how to channel energy. Theodore, for his part, did his best, listening carefully to Itachi's advice and practicing over and over again.At first, he wasn't very good at it. His spells didn't work as well as they should, and sometimes they didn't work at all. But gradually, he began to feel the energy flowing through him, how it obeyed his will. He began to realize that magic was not just words and gestures, but a complex process that required attention and concentration.The hours flew by unnoticed, and the training took over completely. Itachi showed Theodore the more complex spells, explaining every nuance and every aspect of their use. He taught him how to use the Reducto spell for destruction, how to use Protego for defense, and how to use Expelliarmus to disarm an opponent.They were so engrossed in the process that they didn't notice how time flew by. It wasn't until a piercing sound erupted from Theodore's abdomen that brought them back to reality."Oh," Theodore muttered, putting a hand to his stomach. "I think we're a little late." His stomach made another loud rumbling noise.Itachi grinned upon hearing that sound. His own stomach wasn't left out either, making similar noises. He glanced at the clock hanging on the wall of the Ransom Room. "You're right. We missed breakfast, and by the looks of it, it's about time we had something to eat.""I think we should go back to the castle and get something to eat. And then we can continue our classes."They walked out of the Ransom Room, once again following the confusing path Itachi had devised, and headed towards the Great Hall.As they walked, Theodore couldn't help but ask the question that had been plaguing him since the beginning of training."Itachi," he began, looking at his friend with slight suspicion, "you know so many advanced spells. How do you know them? We're only in our first year, and you already know spells that are taught in second and third year, or even older. And yet you explain it in a way that even I can understand."He watched Itachi's reaction carefully, waiting for his response. "It's... it's kind of weird, to be honest."Itachi, hearing Theodore's question, froze for a moment. He had been expecting this question, but he still didn't know how to answer it. He couldn't tell Theodore about his past, about the other world where he was born and raised. He couldn't tell him about his clan and his special abilities. It was too difficult to understand.He thought for a second, choosing his words carefully, and finally spoke:"Well, it's... it's a long story, Theodore. To be honest, I got most of these spells from... my parents." He paused, trying to speak as casually as possible. "They were both very powerful wizards, and they taught me a lot."He didn't go into detail, trying to hide his confusion. He knew it wasn't entirely true, but it was better than trying to explain to Theodore that he came from another world where magic worked differently.He continued: "Some of the spells I developed on my own. Most were the result of experimentation and long hours of practice. And some I simply learned from books. I've always loved to read, and I've had a lot of time to study magical treatises."Itachi tried to make his voice calm and confident so Theodore wouldn't notice his embarrassment. He added: "I've always loved magic, and I've tried to study it as deeply as possible. I've always had a great hunger for knowledge, and I wasn't afraid to experiment."He looked at Theodore, trying to catch his reaction. He realized that this explanation wasn't entirely true, but it was all he could say at the moment. He hoped that Theodore would believe him, and that he wouldn't ask too many questions."So your parents were just as talented, too?" - Theodore asked, a sense of curiosity in his voice.Itachi nodded, with a slight smile. "Yes, they were very talented. They taught me everything I know. I'm grateful for everything they've done for me." He paused, and added: "I guess that's why I'm so eager to learn more about magic and our world."Itachi tried to turn the conversation to another topic. He didn't want to lie to Theodore, but he knew it wasn't time to tell him the truth yet. He hoped that someday he would be able to tell him everything, but for now he had to keep his secrets.They continued walking towards the Great Hall, and Itachi felt that Theodore seemed to believe his words. But he also knew that Theodore was a very intelligent and observant man, and that sooner or later he might suspect something wrong. But for now, he needed to focus on the present.They entered the Great Hall, and the noise that came from inside deafened them for a moment. The hall was crowded with students who were already thoroughly enjoying a late lunch. Conversations, laughter, and the clanging of cutlery could be heard at the tables. The aromas of food tickled their nostrils, reminding both of them how hungry they were.Itachi and Theodore took their seats at the Slytherin table, and immediately began to eat. They silently pounced on plates filled with various viands, trying to satisfy their hunger. They ate as eagerly as if they hadn't eaten in ages.But despite their focus on their food, Theodore couldn't help but notice what was going on around them. He noticed again that Itachi was being paid close attention to. And it wasn't the usual curiosity that was common in the Great Hall.The girls who sat at the neighboring tables were constantly casting glances at Itachi. They were whispering amongst themselves, blushing, and some were even trying to catch his gaze. The guys, in turn, looked at him with some envy and even bewilderment. Some of them, like the girls, gave Itachi interested glances and even started muttering to themselves, and some of them looked away awkwardly, as if he were some mysterious creature.Theodore watched the scene with a slight chuckle. He realized that Itachi, without wanting to, had become the center of attention of the entire Great Hall. And just like in the morning, Itachi seemed to be completely oblivious to what was going on around him. He continued to eat quietly, as if nothing special was happening.Theodore decided to tease his friend, unable to resist the temptation."Listen, Itachi," he said, with feigned indifference, "haven't you noticed that everyone's looking at you again?"Itachi, without taking his eyes off his plate, replied, "I've noticed. They always stare like that." He didn't show the slightest interest in the matter.In fact, he understood perfectly well. He knew that they were looking at him. He knew the girls were whispering behind his back and the guys were casting envious glances. He could feel it in his gut.But unlike many, Itachi wasn't surprised by this attention. In his past life, in the world he came from, he was used to such things. Back when he was just a child, the young genius of the Uchiha clan, he had been looked at the same way. Girls would blush at the sight of him, and guys would try to emulate him. Back then, as a child, he had felt embarrassed, and he himself often blushed at the attention.But years of training and battles had hardened his character. He learned to control his emotions, and he stopped paying attention to other people's stares. He had learned to focus on his goals, not to be distracted by nonsense. And now, at Hogwarts, he was doing the same.Itachi knew that his appearance and his demeanor attracted attention. He knew that his unusual beauty, his mysterious appearance, and his restraint attracted women and men alike. He could have used this to win the favor of others, or to manipulate them. But he didn't want to do that. He wasn't interested in being popular, or being praised.Itachi heard Theodore's words, and he realized that Theodore was teasing him. He realized that Theodore was amused to see how others reacted to him. But he wasn't going to play along with his jokes. He was too busy analyzing the situation and thinking about his plans.He heard Theodore say:"You're quite the heartbreaker at Hogwarts." Itachi dismissed the thought as unnecessary and shifted his gaze to his plate, continuing to eat. He didn't want to think about how others perceived him. He didn't want to think about the fact that he might be sympathetic to someone. He was busy with his thoughts, and he didn't want to be distracted.Itachi sank back into his thoughts, and his mind stopped registering what was going on around him. He thought about Quirrell, about Dumbledore, and about how they would be able to accomplish their mission. He knew that they had to be very careful, and that they had no margin for error. He realized that there was a lot at stake, and that they had to do everything they could to achieve their goal. He was so used to this kind of thing that it had become something commonplace.Theodore, watching Itachi sink back into his musings, couldn't resist bringing him back to reality. He knew that Itachi was capable of going into himself for long periods of time, and sometimes he needed to be brought back."Hey, Itachi," Theodore said, raising his voice slightly, "are you here?" He snapped his fingers in front of his friend's face, trying to get his attention.Itachi, as if snapping out of a deep sleep, blinked a few times and looked at Theodore. "What?" - He asked, his voice sounding slightly distracted.Theodore grinned. "You flew off somewhere else again. I was already thinking you'd been abducted by aliens."Itachi shook his head slightly. "Just wondering," he replied, trying to put his voice at ease."All right," Theodore said. "Just don't get lost. Otherwise I'll start looking all over the galaxy for you." He swallowed the last bite of his lunch and leaned back on the bench. "Listen, why don't we do something more interesting after lunch? Like discuss our next moves?"Itachi nodded, agreeing. "Yeah, that's a good idea. We should keep planning. Maybe we can practice some more later."Theodore thought for a moment. "Listen, you know what? Let's have our next training session closer to dinner, but not for practicing spells. But to practice using them against the enemy." He lowered his voice so the others wouldn't hear them. "I think we need to learn how to use our new skills in real combat. And we need to be prepared for any situation."Itachi looked at Theodore carefully. "You're right. We can't just study spells, we need to know how to use them. We need practice in a real situation. We have to learn how to think fast and make good decisions." He lowered his voice as well. "When are we going to practice?"Theodore looked around, making sure no one could hear them. "I think closer to dinner would be a good time. Then most of the students will be busy with their own things, and we can practice in the Ransom Room without drawing too much attention to ourselves."Theodore turned to Itachi with a sly smile playing on his lips before leaving the Great Hall."Listen, Itachi," he whispered, his voice sounding slightly ironic, "about our training tonight. Please be gentle. It's my first time, after all." He winked, with an innocent expression on his face.Then, after being quiet for a bit and enjoying Itachi's reaction, Theodore straightened up and his face took on a serious expression. "And seriously," he said, already in a normal voice, "I hope I can hold out long enough. I'm certainly under no illusions about my abilities, but I want to see what I'm capable of, and what still needs to be tightened up."He shrugged and added with a slight challenge in his voice: "I'm not going to just stand there and take the punches. I'm going to fight, and I'm going to show you that I'm not so useless." He smiled again, but this time his smile was more genuine and confident. "Yeah, and don't worry, I won't take offense if you beat me. It's practice, right?"Theodore looked at Itachi, waiting for his reaction. He wondered what Itachi thought about all of this. He knew that Itachi was very strong, and that he could easily defeat him. But he also knew that Itachi wouldn't have looked down on him.Theodore then nodded Itachi goodbye and turned around and left the Great Hall, leaving Itachi alone with his thoughts. He knew that Itachi understood, and that their training tonight would not just be a formal practice, but a real test for both of them.Itachi, after giving Theodore a glance as he walked away, chuckled faintly. He had heard all the meaningless chatter, the ironic tone, and the joking 'be nice', and it all brought up only one thought: Idiot.But that thought was more like a slight, condescending chuckle than actual annoyance. Itachi was used to Theodore's antics, to his constant attempts to tease him, and, to some extent, had even learned to appreciate them. There was something about them that diluted the gray routine of his life a little.When Theodore whispered about the 'first time', the corner of Itachi's lips quivered faintly. He realized that Theodore was purposely trying to throw him off balance, but his attempts were so clumsy and amusing that they only elicited a condescending smile.Then, when Theodore shifted to a serious tone and started talking about his expectations from the training, Itachi listened to him intently. He knew that underneath the mask of a joker and funny man lurked an intelligent and capable man. He knew that Theodore wasn't as simple as he seemed at first glance, and that he was capable of many things.When Theodore finished, Itachi glanced again in the direction where his friend had just stood. There was no annoyance or surprise on his face. There was only a slight chuckle that said he understood. He realized that Theodore wasn't as useless as he was trying to show himself, that he was willing to fight, and that he wasn't going to back down.Itachi sank back into his thoughts, but now there was a touch of amusement in them. He knew that Theodore would be looking forward to the evening, and so would he himself. He knew that this training session would not just be a formal sparring session, but a true test of their abilities. He knew that they would both fight hard, and that they would learn from each other. And that thought, for some reason, warmed his soul.He remained seated at the table, finishing his lunch, a slight grin still playing on his face. He thought of Theodore, of his jokes, and how serious he could be. And he, for some reason, felt a little more interested in life.After lunch, Itachi stayed in the Great Hall, pretending to be busy reading a book, but in reality, his thoughts were far from the text. He was mentally going over his upcoming training session with Theodore in his head, imagining different scenarios and tactical moves. He didn't just want to have a formal sparring session, but to really assess Theodore's progress, to see how much better he was than he had been at the beginning of the year, and what else he needed to tighten up.He closed his eyes, and a simulation of their future fight unfolded in his imagination. He saw Theodore attacking him using the Petrificus Totalus spell he had practiced so hard. Itachi saw him dodge his attack with ease and Theodore try to switch to another spell, Reducto.Itachi has seen Theodore move, he has seen him react to his attacks, he has seen him try to anticipate his actions. He saw Theodore use Protego to defend himself against his counterattacks, and how he tried to dodge his Expelliarmus.In his mental battle, Itachi analyzed each of Theodore's actions, trying to figure out what mistakes he was making and what he was succeeding at. He remembered their first training session, when Theodore could barely create a small stone figure, and how he had gradually, step by step, mastered more and more spells.Itachi remembered that Theodore was very good at analyzing situations and tactical planning. He was able to quickly adapt to changing conditions and find the enemy's weaknesses. But he also remembered that Theodore was too cautious and indecisive, and that he lacked self-confidence.He also realized that Theodore had become more persistent and persistent in his training. He no longer gave up after the first failure, but kept practicing until he got the results he wanted. It was an important change that spoke to his growth as a mage.Itachi mentally replayed the moment when Theodore had stated that he wasn't going to just stand there and take the blows, that he was going to fight. He realized that those weren't just words. He saw that Theodore was truly determined and ready to challenge him.Itachi went over all of their training in his head, and he realized that Theodore had taken a big step forward from what he had been at the beginning of the year. He had become more confident, more determined, and his skills in magic had improved greatly. But he also realized that he still had a lot to learn, and that he still had a lot of work to do on himself.Itachi opened his eyes and sighed. He was satisfied with what he had realized. He now knew what to expect from Theodore, and what he needed to do to help him become even stronger. And he was ready for it, looking forward to their upcoming training session.He closed the book and stood up from the table, heading towards the exit of the Great Hall. He was ready for a fight, and he was ready to help Theodore get stronger.Exiting the Great Hall, Itachi headed out into the courtyard, where a cool breeze pleasantly refreshed his face. He walked at a leisurely pace, letting his thoughts wander freely. His mind, like a kaleidoscope, was going through various fragments of information, trying to put them into a single picture. But at the center of his thoughts, like a beacon, stood one particular image - that of a young Gryffindor named Harry Potter.Immersed in his thoughts about Harry Potter and Quirrell, Itachi didn't immediately notice as he approached one of the secluded corners of the courtyard. He was suddenly snapped out of his reverie by voices that sounded very close by. The voices were animated, full of emotion, and Itachi immediately realized that this was no ordinary conversation.Instinct, honed by years of training, instantly kicked in. Itachi lurked like a shadow behind the thick trunk of an old tree, trying to remain undetected. He listened, and soon he heard scraps of phrases that immediately caught his attention.Itachi, lurking behind the tree, continued to listen intently to the Gryffindor's conversation. He realized that their suspicions of Snape had not diminished in the slightest; on the contrary, they had only grown stronger. He heard scraps of their phrases, and soon words came to him that made him frown."...I'm sure it's Snape! He wanted to kill me at that match!" - Harry exclaimed, his voice full of indignation. - "And I know he was the one who tried to get past Pusk!"Itachi inwardly chuckled. They call Fluff a three-headed dog? He listened for a moment.Hermione shifted her gaze to Hagrid, who had been silently listening to their reasoning all this time, and asked: "Hagrid, what do you think about this? You know Snape, don't you? Do you think he's capable of something like this?"Hagrid sighed, and his voice sounded hesitant. "I don't know, guys. Snape is certainly strange, but I don't think he's bad. I don't believe he wanted to kill you."Harry rolled his eyes. "But Hagrid! It was him! We saw his eyes, we saw him try to spell the broom !"Hagrid shook his head. "No guys, stay out of things that don't concern you. Dumbledore and NicholasFlamer know what they're doing." He looked around, and lowered his voice, "He's guarding the stone... it's none of your business to pry."Itachi was inwardly wary. A rock? Nicholas Flamel? What was this all about?The Gryffindors froze. They exchanged puzzled glances, and looked at Hagrid. "Nicholas Flamel? Who's that?" - Ron asked.Hagrid immediately realized that he had said too much. He frowned and shook his head. "Ah, no... no, it's... just an old name... Dumbledore, he has everything under control..."He faltered, and changed the subject, "Okay guys, I'm off... Just... trust Dumbledore, and everything will be fine." Hagrid quickly turned around and walked away, leaving the Gryffindors completely bewildered.Itachi remained standing behind the tree. He was stunned by what he had heard. Nicholas Flamel, some kind of stone, Dumbledore, Fluffy, Snape. It was all connected, and he knew he had to figure it all out.Itachi cautiously stepped out of his hiding place. He looked in the direction Hagrid had gone and then to where the Gryffindors were standing. They were arguing animatedly about something. Itachi realized that he had learned something very important. He now knew that Dumbledore had something to do with Nicholas Flamel. And he needed to figure out what it all meant.He must share this information with Theodore as soon as possible.He took a quick step towards the castle, looking around for his friend. He knew Theodore was probably busy doing something in the library or one of the corridors right now, so he decided to check those places first.He walked past several groups of students chatting and laughing merrily, but he didn't see Theodore anywhere. He kept walking, and soon noticed his silhouette looming in one of the distant corridors. He quickened his step, and soon caught up with his friend."Theodore!" - He called out, trying not to draw too much attention to himself.Theodore, hearing Itachi's voice, turned around and saw him rushing towards him. Curiosity was reflected on his face."What is it?" - He asked as Itachi approached him. "Is something wrong?"Itachi, trying to contain his excitement, lowered his voice. "I have some very important information. We need to talk. And preferably in private."Theodore frowned. "What kind of information? ""Very important," Itachi replied. " But I don't want to talk about it here. We need to find a quiet place."Theodore nodded, agreeing. "Alright, then let's go to the Vyruchai Room. No one will hear us there."They both headed towards the correct hallway, trying not to attract the attention of the other students. They passed several groups of students, whispering and speculating about what they were going to do.Once they reached the right wall, Itachi focused on the image of the Ransom Room, envisioning it as a safe place where they could talk in private. And as soon as they both walked inside, the wall behind them immediately disappeared and they were left in a spacious room filled with old books, comfortable chairs, and dusty artifacts.Itachi looked around, making sure they were indeed alone. He closed the door behind him, and turned to Theodore. "Now we can talk," he said, his voice sounding serious. "I have something we need to discuss."Theodore looked at Itachi carefully, his eyes expressing impatience and curiosity. "Well, spill it out, what did you find out?" - He asked. "What's the important information?"Itachi, making sure they were completely safe, began to tell Theodore everything he had heard in the courtyard. He detailed the conversation between the Gryffindors, their suspicions of Snape, their certainty that he had tried to enchant Harry's broom and infiltrate the three-headed dog. He also mentioned how Hagrid had spouted off about Nicholas Flamel and some stone that Dumbledore was guarding.Theodore listened very attentively, not interrupting and trying to memorize every detail. His eyes burned with curiosity, and he nodded occasionally, as if confirming his thoughts. When Itachi finished his story, Theodore was silent for a while, immersed in his own thoughts."That... that changes a lot," he finally said, his voice sounding thoughtful. " this Nicholas Flamel... it seems to be a lot more complicated than we thought."Itachi nodded, agreeing. "Exactly. And that 'stone' they were so interested in may play an important role. Something tells me these events are all interconnected."Theodore walked over to one of the old armchairs and sank into it, as if pondering their next steps. "I think," he said, looking at Itachi, "that we need to use this information to our advantage. We need to be one step ahead of the others.""Agreed," Itachi replied. " But what do you suggest?"Theodore smiled, a sly gleam in his eyes. "I think we should follow the Gryffindors."Itachi raised an eyebrow. "Keep an eye on them? Why?""Think for yourself," Theodore replied. "They're obviously not going to sit idly by. They suspect something too, and they'll obviously be digging for information. We can just keep an eye on them and get first-hand information. We can use their curiosity and their connections to our advantage."Itachi thought for a moment. "Do you think that would work?""Why wouldn't it?" - Theodore shrugged. "Harry Potter is a pretty prominent figure, and he's likely to be discussed by anyone who's interested. We'll just have to stay in the shadows and wait for the right time. We can use them to get answers to our questions without drawing too much attention to ourselves.""Hmm," Itachi uttered, his gaze becoming more thoughtful, "that makes sense. We can kill two birds with one stone. We'll be able to learn more about Nicholas Flamel, and at the same time stay out of the way ourselves."Theodore nodded, confirming his words. "Exactly. And most importantly, it will help us not expose ourselves prematurely. We can stay in the shadows until we're sure of what we're doing."Itachi agreed. "Then that's what we'll do.After agreeing to the plan of tracking the Gryffindors, Itachi and Theodore moved on to their planned training session. They decided not to procrastinate and use the time left before dinner to hone their skills.Itachi, as always, was collected and focused. He stood in the center of the room, his eyes fixed on Theodore, who stood across from him, preparing for battle. He did a short warm-up, kneading his muscles and preparing his body for the exertion."So," Itachi said, his voice sounding calm and confident, "we won't waste time with idle talk. We're going to work as if this is a real fight. Show me what you've learned."Theodore nodded, and his eyes lit up with determination. He drew his wand and assumed a fighting stance, ready to answer Itachi's challenge at any moment.The spacious Ransom Room, usually full of old books and dusty artifacts, had temporarily turned into an impromptu arena. Itachi and Theodore stood across from each other, their gazes focused and their faces expressing determination. The air seemed electrified, ready to explode from the clash of magic.Itachi, composed and collected, ducked slightly, his arms hanging loosely at his sides. He watched Theodore carefully, trying to read his intentions. Theodore, for his part, held his wand tightly, ready for a lightning-fast attack. His eyes burned with excitement, and he could feel a mixture of excitement and anticipation in his posture."Let's begin," Itachi said, his voice steady and calm. Those words sounded like the signal for the battle to begin.Theodore didn't hesitate, he was the first to launch his attack. His wand swung upwards and a bright beam of purple light burst from its tip, the Petrificus Totalus spell. The spell that Theodore had spent so long honing was aimed directly at Itachi, seeking to restrain his movements.But Itachi was ready. His reaction was lightning fast. He didn't block the spell, but lunged to the side, dodging the purple beam that flew centimeters from his body. It seemed to disappear for a moment, and immediately reappeared elsewhere.Theodore was not confused. He realized that Itachi wouldn't give him the slightest respite. No sooner had the purple light disappeared than Theodore intercepted his wand and quickly cast the next spell, Reducto. A beam of red light erupted from the wand and, just like last time, raced towards Itachi, aiming to destroy everything in its path.Itachi didn't wait for the spell to reach its target. He took a sharp step forward and, with a quick wave of his wand, cast Expelliarmus. A beam of light shot out from his wand and flew towards Theodore at an incredible speed.Theodore reacted quickly. He held his wand out in front of him, and focused and spoke Protego, creating a transparent shield in front of him. The Expelliarmus beam slammed into the shield, and from the impact, Theodore flew back a few steps.But Theodore was not broken. He quickly rose to his feet, his gaze full of determination. He realized that Itachi wasn't going to slow down, and he was going to have to go all out. He knew he had to use all his skills and all his cunning to make it through this fight.Itachi, seeing Theodore's tenacity, smiled with the edge of his lips. He was pleased that his friend wasn't backing down. He knew that only under such conditions could one truly hone his skills. And he was ready to give Theodore a real fight.The tension in the room grew with every second. The battle was just beginning.Theodore, flying backwards from the powerful Expelliarmus, didn't give himself time to catch his breath. He realized that Itachi had no intention of giving him a second to breathe, and that every delay could be fatal to him. Quickly regaining his composure, he made a sharp dash to the side, trying to get out of the line of fire and at the same time find a way to counterattack.Itachi didn't pursue him, letting Theodore choose his own strategy. He watched him like a predator watching its prey, waiting for the right moment to attack again. His gaze was sharp and penetrating, scanning Theodore's every move, trying to understand his intentions.Theodore, realizing that a direct confrontation with Itachi would be disadvantageous at this point, decided to try a change of tactics. His wand swung into the air once more, and he quickly muttered Incendio. Flames erupted from the tip of his wand and crawled across the floor like a snake, seeking to encircle Itachi.Itachi, seeing the impending wall of fire, didn't panic. He took a sharp leap, jumping over the flames and found himself on the other side of the room. His eyes seemed to flash for a moment, and he uttered Accio. An old, dusty chair that stood in the corner of the room shifted and flew straight at Theodore with the speed of a projectile.Theodore, noticing the chair flying at him, quickly put Protego in front of him, but the chair crashed into the shield with such force that it failed. The chair shattered into splinters and shards flew in all directions, forcing Theodore to retreat again.Theodore, realizing that Itachi wasn't going to give him any slack, decided to use his cunning. He abruptly changed his position, and began running around the room, constantly changing direction, in an effort to confuse Itachi and buy him some time to think of a new tactic.Itachi, watching Theodore's maneuvers, only smiled slightly. He realized that Theodore was trying to confuse him, but he wasn't going to fall for his tricks. He stood as still as a rock, waiting for Theodore to make a mistake.Theodore, realizing that his maneuvers were not yielding the desired result, decided to take a risk. He paused abruptly, and without waiting for Itachi to react, he uttered Levicorpus. Itachi, suddenly, felt his feet come off the floor and he was lifted into the air.Itachi, dangling in the air from Levicorpus, abruptly took the initiative. He didn't panic, but instead used his position to attack. With a wave of his wand, he uttered Incarcero, and the ropes, like snakes, swiftly wrapped around Theodore, restraining his movements.Their fight turned into a frenzied battle, where every spell was a shot, every movement a strategic move. Theodore gave his all, trying to show his skill and his determination. The first onslaught was over, leaving behind only the anticipation of further fighting, and the desire to prove who was the strongest. The tension in the room had risen to the limit, and none of them was ready to give in.Theodore, being trapped, did not despair. He realized that he had to find a way out of this situation quickly, and, trying to keep his composure, he tried to free himself from the restraints. He jerked sharply, but the ropes held him firmly. Then he tried to use his spell to break the ropes, but Itachi anticipated his actions, and in the same second he cast Depulso, throwing Theodore aside.Theodore crashed into the wall, and the ropes, loosened, crumbled into dust. He, quickly getting to his feet, realized that Itachi had taken his tactical game to a new level. He was no longer attacking head-on, but using the situation to force him to think and adapt.Theodore tried to create distance between them again, but Itachi wasn't about to let that happen. He used Accio again, pulling one of the remaining chairs towards him. This time the chair didn't hit Theodore, but flew into the floor, shattering into splinters and creating a cloud of dust, hiding him from view.Theodore, seeing what was happening, realized that this was his chance to attack. Without waiting for the dust to clear, he cast Confringo, aiming directly at where he thought Itachi was. A beam of fire erupted from his wand and pierced the dust cloud, creating a bright glow around him.But Itachi, like a shadow, had already moved to another location. He used the smoke screen to disorient Theodore and take a more advantageous position. He continued to play with him like a cat, giving him the opportunity to think he was in control of the situation while he played his own game.Theodore, realizing that his attacks were not reaching their goal, switched to a more defensive strategy. He began to use Protego constantly, creating a shield in front of him, trying to block any of Itachi's attacks. He realized that he needed to exhaust him to have a chance at victory.Itachi, watching his actions, smiled slightly. He realized that Theodore was trying to outsmart him, but he was ready for it.Their battle had become a battle of wits, where not only strength, but also cunning and adaptability played an important role. No one was willing to concede.Theodore, lurking behind Protego's shield, felt fatigue begin to creep up on him. The constant maneuvers, evasions, and attempts to counterattack were draining him of his strength. He was breathing heavily and sweat was dripping down his face. He realized that if he didn't do something soon, he simply wouldn't be able to stay on his feet any longer.Itachi, watching Theodore's actions, noticed the first signs of his fatigue. He saw how his movements had slowed down, how his gaze had become heavier. He realized that Theodore was on edge, and that he needed to give him a little push to get him to step forward.Itachi once again went on the offensive. He used Aktio again, but this time he drew not an object, but Theodore himself. Theodore, suddenly, felt himself being pulled forward, towards Itachi. He tried desperately to slow down, but his efforts were futile.Itachi, seeing Theodore approaching him, unleashed a lightning-fast Petrificus Totalus, aiming straight at him. Theodore, in desperation, tried to dodge, but, due to fatigue, his reaction was too slow. The violet beam hit him directly, stiffening his movements and making him unable to fight back.Theodore froze in place like a statue. His eyes were filled with frustration, and he felt his body refusing to obey him. He realized that Itachi had won, and that his strength was no longer enough to continue the fight.Itachi, seeing Theodore's condition, instantly stopped his attack. He walked over to him and removed the Petrificus Totalus spell, freeing him from his restraints. Theodore felt his legs give a shake as he freed himself and he fell to his knees, unable to hold himself up.He was breathing heavily, and his arms were shaking with fatigue. He looked up at Itachi, and in his gaze he read a mixture of admiration and annoyance."You... you were great," he whispered, trying to catch his breath. - I... I just couldn't..."Itachi, looking at Theodore, didn't smile. He realized that Theodore had given it his best shot, and that he had done his best. He lowered himself down beside him and looked him in the eye."You fought well," he said, his voice sounding calm and respectful. - But you still have room to grow."Theodore nodded, agreeing."I know. I... I need to train more."Itachi, seeing his determination, smiled with the edge of his lips."I know you won't give up. That's why I keep training you." He held out a hand, helping him to his feet. "So, ready for the next round?"Theodore, accepting his hand, slowly rose to his feet. Finding his strength, he smiled. "No, I should probably put this round off for later... But thanks."He was ready to take on new challenges, but he needed to rest first. And Itachi was willing to grant him that until they were both ready to continue the battle.After a grueling workout, Itachi and Theodore settled into the cushioned chairs in the Vyruchai Room. The room, as if adjusting to their needs, was filled with an atmosphere of calm and comfort. There was no trace of the recent fight, only the quiet hum of conversation and the rustle of turning pages of books.Theodore leaned back in his chair, feeling the tension leave his body. He was breathing heavily, his muscles were aching, and his face was covered in sweat. He closed his eyes, allowing himself to enjoy the rest."What an exhausting experience," he said, trying to get his breathing back to normal. "I thought I'd be good for more than that."He smiled faintly and, looking at Itachi, added with a playful intonation, "You were, of course, so gentle as always. Almost didn't hurt Thank you for not going all out, I think you even enjoyed chasing me around, didn't you, Itachi?" Theodore winked cheekily, trying not to give away his tiredness.Theodore looked at Itachi again, waiting for his reaction. He knew Itachi didn't like jokes on the subject, but he still couldn't resist provoking him. He loved teasing him, taking pleasure in his restrained reaction. Itachi was unfazed as always, and Theodore waited to see what he would say this time.Theodore realized that despite all his bravado, he was truly exhausted. He could feel the ache in his muscles and the burning in his lungs, but he didn't want to show it. He wanted Itachi to see him not just as some joker, but as a worthy opponent. That was why he was teasing, hiding his fatigue behind a layer of irony.Itachi, sitting across from him, watched him relaxedly. He looked as if he hadn't even been in the battle. His breathing was even and his face remained calm and collected.Theodore, opening his eyes, looked at him in surprise."Listen," he said, frowning, "are you sweating at all? It feels like you didn't even fight at all."Itachi smiled slightly, and a light flashed in his eyes. "I'm just good at controlling my body," he replied, his voice sounding steady and calm. - And I know how to distribute my powers properly."Theodore looked at Itachi with admiration."This is just incredible," he whispered. - I'm drenched in sweat, and you look like you just woke up."Itachi, looking at Theodora, shook his head. "Don't exaggerate," he said. - I'm tired, too. I just don't show it."Theodore shook his head. "No, Itachi, you're really cool.Itachi thought for a moment. "I've been training since I was a kid," he said. - And I've always strived for perfection."They both fell silent, immersed in their thoughts. Theodore, looked at Itachi. He realized that he was very lucky to have met such a friend who was not only strong, but also wise. He knew that they could accomplish a lot if they worked together.After a brief pause, during which Theodore seemed to be enjoying his role as a tired but unbroken warrior, Itachi broke the silence. He looked at Theodore, and his gaze was calm and penetrating."You fought well today, Theodore," he began, his voice smooth and devoid of any mockery. "But you have some work to do."Theodore pouted slightly upon hearing the praise, but immediately became wary, expecting criticism. He knew full well that Itachi wasn't in the habit of throwing compliments around, and that they were always followed by a constructive remark."Your spells are much more accurate than before," Itachi continued, his gaze still focused on Theodora."But there are still many mistakes," Itachi continued, not letting Theodore relax. - You're still too predictable in your actions. You use the same spells too often, and I know what to expect from you. Besides, you need to learn how to allocate your powers properly. You're exhausted already in the middle of a fight, and that's unacceptable."Theodore frowned, agreeing with Itachi's remarks. "I know," he said. - I felt like I didn't have enough strength. I put myself out there too quickly, and then it's hard for me to keep going.""And you're too slow to make decisions," Itachi continued, not relenting. "You spend too much time thinking about your next move, when you should be reacting faster and making decisions on the fly. In real combat, every second counts."Theodore nodded again, admitting his mistake.He looked at Theodore, and his gaze softened. "But despite all these mistakes, I still think you're a very fast learner," he added, and a slight smile appeared on his face. - And I'm sure you'll become a very strong mage if you keep practicing as hard as you do now."Theodore looked at Itachi. He realized that despite all the criticism, he really believed in him. He knew that his training with Itachi would help him get better, and he was ready to take on any challenges that lay ahead.