Chapter 58. A Fairytale Without Words

The next day, in the Great Hall during breakfast, Harry and Hermione started telling their friends about their plans to revive Dumbledore's Army.

"We've decided to resume our defensive magic training in the Room of Requirement," Hermione said, leaning towards Neville and Luna. "Would you like to join us?"

"Of course!" Neville exclaimed. "That's great, I've missed our sessions so much."

"I'd love to come too," Luna dreamily replied. "Can I bring my good luck charms?"

Next to them, Ginny also became interested in the idea.

"I'll definitely be there! I've missed the training sessions," she said.

Gradually, other former members of the Army joined the initiative as well.

On the appointed Saturday evening, the group gathered at the entrance to the Room of Requirement. Excitedly, they entered the room, taking out their wands and preparing to practice spells once again.

There were Harry, Ron, Hermione, Neville, Luna, and Ginny. Dudley was also present, holding a broomstick for training, Sam was thoughtfully twirling his magic wand in his hands, shy Katie Bell, and cheerful Agatha Sanspark, who had already adorned the room with glowing figures.

In the corner sat Mash Kyrielight, her hands neatly folded on her lap. Next to her, Jeanne Alter stared attentively into space.

Once everyone was settled in their places, Harry announced:

"Today, we're going to start practicing non-verbal spells. It's difficult, but it might come in handy during a fight. Has anyone already tried casting spells this way?"

After Harry asked the question, he noticed Hermione eagerly raising her hand, ready to answer. Ron rolled his eyes upon seeing her reaction.

"I've tried a couple of times!" Hermione immediately blurted out. "It's very challenging, but I believe we can get the hang of it with practice."

"I haven't tried it at all," Neville confessed, looking embarrassed. "It just seems impossible to me."

"Don't worry, we'll figure it out for sure!" encouraged the cheerful Agatha.

Luna looked thoughtfully at her wand.

"I wonder if non-verbal spells can chase away Nargles? We should try it."

Harry heard Dean whisper quietly to Sam, "We'll definitely succeed, don't doubt it." Sam nodded in response.

"What about you, Jeanne?" Harry asked her. "It seems like you did well in Snape's lesson?"

"Well, I know a thing or two in this area," Jeanne blushed and answered modestly.

"Don't be modest, Jeanne!" Hermione exclaimed. "You were the only one who nailed non-verbal spells in class. Share your experience with us!"

"Alright," Jeanne nodded after a pause, during which Harry even noticed a hint of excitement on her face. "I can show you how I concentrate magic and direct it without uttering a spell."

Jeanne nodded and took a seat across from a mannequin. Her face was focused, eyebrows furrowed, and shoulders squared. She swiftly waved her wand and the mannequin flew back towards the wall as if struck by a powerful blow.

"Wow!" Ron exclaimed, raising his hands in excitement.

Dudley leaned his head to the side, interested, as he examined the mannequin. His fingers tapped impatiently on his wand.

"I want to try too! That's awesome!"

Harry nodded encouragingly and patted Dudley on the shoulder.

"Go ahead, practice. Concentrate and feel the flow of magic."

The students paired up and started rehearsing. Determination and concentration were clearly visible on many faces as they aimed to master this new challenging technique.

Harry looked around at the practicing students. Neville stood with his fingers interlocked and brows furrowed, his wand barely twitching. Next to him, Luna smiled dreamily, gracefully moving her hand through the air.

Ginny clenched her lips and swung her wand sharply, her red hair billowing in a wave. Agatha quickly whispered something, observing the sparks shooting from her wand.

Hermione took a deep breath, her shoulders tensed, and the tip of her wand trembled. Beside her, Ron bit his lip, determination evident in his gaze.

Harry smiled as he looked at everyone. Of course, they would succeed! They had learned so much together. And this training would definitely help them in the future challenges that awaited them.

He waved his wand, focusing on the desired spell.

The exercises in non-verbal magic continued one after another. The Room of Requirement was filled with a concentrated silence, only interrupted by the sounds of impacts against walls and floors when someone managed to move the mannequin with their spell.

Dudley furrowed his brows and bit his lip, his curly bangs falling onto his forehead from the tension. Sam clenched his wand tightly in his fist, his shoulders tense.

Katie briefly covered her eyes before each attempt, her movements cautious and precise. Mash pursed her lips, observing the results of her efforts.

Jeanne stood tall and rigid, her face remained impassive. She elegantly waved her wand, showcasing her refined technique.

Harry felt how gradually he was able to direct magic without words. With each attempt, concentration came easier. He saw that the others were making progress too. Just a little bit longer and they would all succeed!

After a while, Harry decided to check on the others' progress. He approached Ron and Hermione. Ron furrowed his brows in concentration, trying to move the mannequin with a non-verbal spell. Hermione bit her lip, her wand subtly twitching.

"How's it going?" Harry asked softly.

"I think I managed to do something," Hermione whispered. "The mannequin moved slightly. But Ron hasn't had any success yet."

Ron let out a deep sigh in response, his focused gaze never leaving the target.

Harry nodded at them and moved on. He saw how Neville wearily slouched his shoulders, and Luna encouragingly patted him on the back. Ginny energetically stretched her wrist after another attempt. They all looked determined and focused on succeeding.

"Great job, everyone!" Harry told them. "Just a bit more, and it will definitely work!"

Harry continued to walk around the room, observing the practicing students. Agatha waved her wand energetically, her face radiating excitement. Katie looked exhausted but didn't give up, biting her lip and furrowing her brows.

Sam shook his head, pushing his sweaty bangs off his forehead. Dudley gave him a sporty pat on the shoulder, encouraging him. Dean stood a little distance away, staring intently ahead.

Mash carefully repeated her wand movements, her tassels swaying rhythmically. Jeanne continued to demonstrate her refined technique, her face remaining calm and composed.

Harry surveyed the partially destroyed mannequins and the traces of spells on the walls. Yes, without a doubt, everyone was improving with each passing minute! This skill would definitely come in handy for them soon.

After a little while longer, Harry decided it was time for a break.

"Great job, guys! Let's take a little rest," he announced.

There was a collective sigh of relief and everyone lowered their wands, relaxing their tired hands.

"Phew, I'm all soaked!" Ron admitted, wiping the sweat off his forehead.

"And I'm so hungry! Does anyone want a snack?" Agatha asked, taking out some pastries from her bag.

"Oh, gladly!" Dudley exclaimed.

Everyone settled on the soft poufs materializing in the room. Now they could rest for a while and gather their strength before continuing the training.

During the break, a creak suddenly sounded, and a passage appeared in one of the room's walls. Everyone turned their heads in surprise at the sound.

Draco Malfoy emerged from the opening. He stopped in the middle of the room, looking puzzled at the gathered group. They all silently stared back, not understanding how he got there.

Neville nervously clenched his fists. Hermione frowned. Harry and Ron exchanged equally perplexed looks. The only sound breaking the silence was the crackling of the fire in the fireplace.

Malfoy slowly surveyed the presence, as if searching for an answer to an unasked question. Then he silently turned and disappeared into the passage, just as quietly as he had arrived. The wall closed behind him without making a sound.

Everyone exchanged glances. What was that? How did Malfoy find the Room of Requirement? And why did he come here? Harry felt confused but decided that he would talk to Draco about this strange incident later.

As soon as the passage closed behind Malfoy, a buzz of voices filled the room.

"What in the world was that?" Ron exclaimed, eyes wide open.

"How did he find us?" Hermione murmured in astonishment.

"Is this some kind of trick?" Neville questioned warily.

"Weird, he looked perplexed..." Luna mused thoughtfully.

"What did he want here?" Ginny scoffed in disbelief.

Harry frowned, looking at the closed passage. Malfoy's behavior truly seemed very peculiar.

"I will talk to him about it," Harry decided. "I believe there's a mystery behind all this. But for now, let's continue with our training."

He tried to calm his friends and refocus everyone on nonverbal magic. Nevertheless, thoughts kept returning to the mysterious incident.

Although Harry tried to bring everyone back to training, the participants' thoughts kept returning to the mysterious appearance of Malfoy. It was no longer possible to concentrate properly.

"Alright, let's call it a day," Harry announced. "We've accomplished a lot today. Excellent work, everyone!"

"Yeah, I'm completely exhausted!" Ron admitted, stretching.

"Let's go rest, or else curfew will be here soon," Hermione added. "We've been here for a few hours already."

Gathering themselves, the group left the Room of Requirement, discussing their successes in nonverbal magic and the mysterious appearance of Malfoy. Harry walked, pondering the upcoming conversation with Draco. What did he want to show them?