The next few days passed in a blur of classes and late-night study sessions, but Yasuke's mind
was still preoccupied with the mystery surrounding the Philosopher's Stone. While Harry, Ron,
and Hermione continued to piece together clues, Yasuke spent his free time practicing magic
and training Typhoon. He knew they were getting closer to something dangerous, and if they
were going to face whatever lay ahead, he needed to be prepared—both in skill and in strength.
One cold evening, while the rest of the castle was settling in for the night, Yasuke made his way
to his usual spot by the Black Lake. The snow had turned the grounds into a glittering expanse,
and the frozen surface of the lake reflected the moonlight, giving the whole scene an ethereal
glow. Typhoon perched on his arm, his sharp eyes scanning the area, as if always on alert.
Yasuke exhaled slowly, his breath fogging in the crisp air. He raised his wand and focused,
practicing the Spatium Orbis spell again, determined to master it. The faint shimmer of the
spatial sphere formed around him, more stable than it had been before. It was a difficult spell,
one that required precision and control, but Yasuke could feel himself getting closer to mastering
it.
Typhoon let out a soft cry, fluttering his wings as he hopped from Yasuke's arm to a nearby
perch. Yasuke smiled, knowing his companion was keeping a close eye on him. The bond
between them had grown stronger, and training Ty was just as important as his own magical
practice.
After another successful attempt at the sphere, Yasuke shifted his focus to his elemental spells.
With a flick of his wand, he conjured a stream of water from the tip, manipulating it into a
controlled arc before freezing it mid-air. Aguamenti and Glacius had become two of his favorite
spells to practice together. He knew that mastering elemental magic could give him an edge,
especially if they had to face any more challenges like the troll.
As Yasuke practiced, he couldn't help but think about Harry. His friend had been acting more
restless lately, his curiosity about Snape growing with each passing day. Harry had mentioned
wanting to use the Invisibility Cloak to spy on Snape, but Yasuke hadn't heard from him all
evening. Knowing Harry, Yasuke figured he was probably off investigating on his own.
Yasuke couldn't blame him. They all knew something was off with Snape—and Quirrell, for that
matter. The two professors had been acting strangely ever since the beginning of the term, and
Yasuke had no doubt they were somehow connected to the Stone.
After a while, Yasuke decided to take a break from practicing. He stretched his arms, feeling the
fatigue in his muscles from the intense training session. Typhoon, sensing his rest, flew back to
his shoulder and nuzzled against his neck. Yasuke chuckled, gently stroking the falcon's
feathers.
"You're getting better too, Ty," he said softly. "We're going to make a great team."
The night was quiet, peaceful, but Yasuke couldn't shake the feeling that something was
happening inside the castle. Harry had been too eager to act, and Yasuke worried about what
his friend might find—or get himself into.
With that thought in mind, Yasuke headed back toward the castle. As he entered the entrance
hall, the quiet seemed almost too still, as if the castle itself was holding its breath. He made his
way to the Gryffindor common room, half-expecting to find Harry and the others waiting there,
but the room was empty, save for the crackling fire.
Yasuke frowned, glancing at the clock on the wall. It was late, and the halls were supposed to
be empty at this hour. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should wait for Harry, but
something told him his friend was already deep into whatever plan he'd cooked up.
Just then, the portrait door swung open, and Harry, Ron, and Hermione slipped quietly inside.
Harry had the Invisibility Cloak bundled in his arms, and all three of them looked a little shaken.
"There you are," Yasuke said, standing from his seat by the fire. "I was wondering where you all
disappeared to. Let me guess—you were spying on Snape?"
Harry, looking slightly sheepish, nodded. "Yeah… we just came back from the staff room. You
wouldn't believe what we overheard."
Yasuke raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. "Try me."
Ron, looking pale, jumped in. "Snape was threatening Quirrell! He was demanding that Quirrell
tell him how to get past whatever's guarding the Stone. Quirrell kept stuttering, saying he didn't
know how to do it, but Snape wasn't buying it."
Hermione, who looked both anxious and determined, nodded. "It's worse than we thought,
Yasuke. Snape is after the Stone, and he's trying to get Quirrell to help him. We need to do
something."
Yasuke's frown deepened. He had suspected Snape's involvement, but hearing it confirmed
made everything feel more dangerous. "Did they say anything about when they're going to
make their move?"
"No," Harry said, shaking his head. "But it's clear that Snape is getting impatient. I think he's
waiting for the right moment. We've got to be ready for whatever he's planning."
Yasuke nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. "We need to be careful. If Snape is
after the Stone, then we can't just sit around and wait for things to happen. We need to figure
out how to stop him."
Hermione agreed, her expression serious. "We should keep researching. There has to be
something in the library that can help us understand the protections around the Stone."
"And we should keep an eye on Quirrell," Ron added. "He's the weak link. If Snape pushes him
too hard, Quirrell might crack."
Yasuke considered their options, feeling the weight of the situation settle over him. They were
just first-years, but they were caught in something far bigger than themselves. Still, Yasuke
knew one thing for sure: they couldn't back down. Not now.
"Let's get some sleep," Yasuke said finally, glancing at the others. "Tomorrow, we'll figure out our
next steps. We've got to stay one step ahead of Snape."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione nodded, though the tension in the room remained. As they all headed
to bed, Yasuke lay awake for a while, his mind spinning with everything they had learned.
Typhoon perched quietly on his stand, his eyes half-closed, but Yasuke could feel the bird's
presence like a comforting weight in the room.
Whatever was coming, they would face it together. And Yasuke knew that when the time came,
he would be ready.
--
The next day, Yasuke found himself in the library, surrounded by stacks of books on wards,
protection spells, and magical barriers. He had been diving deep into the subject, hoping to find
a way to use wards as some kind of silent alarm system. He had a theory that, if he could
understand the intricacies of these protective spells, he might be able to use them for remote
viewing or even to alert him if someone crossed certain magical boundaries. With everything
going on—Snape, Quirrell, and the looming danger of the Philosopher's Stone—Yasuke knew
they needed every advantage they could get.
He flipped through the pages of an ancient text titled Warding the World: Advanced Magical
Barriers and Their Applications. The words were dense, but Yasuke had always been a fast
learner, and the more he read, the more he began to understand how wards could be used for
more than just physical protection.
Silent alarms... That could be useful, he thought, scribbling down notes in the margins of his
parchment. If I can figure out how to link the wards to a spell that sends a signal, we might be
able to create an alert system around certain areas of the castle.
As he worked, he became so engrossed in his reading that he didn't notice Hermione
approaching until she sat down across from him, a thick book of her own in hand.
"Researching wards, are we?" Hermione asked with a knowing smile.
Yasuke looked up and returned her smile. "Yeah. I've been thinking about how we can use them
as an early warning system, or maybe even to create a way to monitor certain areas. With
everything happening around the Philosopher's Stone, we need something like that."
Hermione nodded, clearly intrigued. "That's a brilliant idea. Wards are powerful, but most people
only think of them as protection against direct attacks. You're thinking outside the box."
Yasuke grinned, pleased that Hermione saw the potential. "Exactly. If we can set up wards that
alert us if Snape—or anyone else—tries to get into certain areas, we'll have a better chance of
stopping them before they reach the Stone."
Hermione shifted in her seat, pulling out her own stack of books. "I've been doing some
research too. Mostly into magical protections, like the kind Dumbledore and the others would
have set up around the Stone. If we can figure out what kind of enchantments are in place, we
might be able to predict how Snape plans to get past them."
"Brilliant!"
The two of them exchanged a look, a shared understanding passing between them. Yasuke had
always known that Hermione was brilliant, but sitting here with her, discussing magical theory,
he realized just how well they meshed. Their minds seemed to work in similar ways—curious,
always seeking answers, and constantly thinking ahead.
"Mind if I join you?" Hermione asked, though she was already scooting closer to him.
"Not at all," Yasuke replied, shifting some of his books to make room for her. Soon enough, they
were sitting side by side, their shoulders brushing as they leaned over the texts.
For the next few hours, they worked in companionable silence, occasionally sharing ideas and
discussing the spells they found in their respective books. Yasuke found it easy to talk to
Hermione, their conversations flowing naturally from one topic to the next. They discussed the
intricacies of ancient wards, how to cast them without drawing attention, and even debated
whether it would be possible to layer different spells on top of each other for added protection.
"I've read that some wards can be linked to objects," Hermione said, flipping through one of her
books. "So if someone crosses the ward, it triggers a reaction—like a bell ringing or a candle
lighting up. But I'm wondering if we could modify that to send a magical signal instead.
Something only we would notice."
Yasuke's eyes lit up. "I was thinking the same thing. If we can create a magical signal that only
we can detect, we could keep an eye on areas around the castle without anyone else knowing."
Hermione smiled, clearly enjoying the challenge. "This could work. We just need to figure out
the best way to cast the ward without making it too obvious. We don't want Snape—or anyone
else—realizing we're watching them."
They continued talking, their heads close together as they pored over the books. The quiet of
the library seemed to fade into the background as they got deeper into their conversation.
Yasuke was surprised by how easy it was to talk to Hermione. She was sharp and driven, but
there was also something comforting about her presence—like she understood the pressure of
wanting to be the best, of always pushing herself to learn more.
As they discussed various spells and theories, Yasuke realized they had unconsciously scooted
even closer together, their hips now touching as they leaned over the same book.
"Have you always been this into magical theory?" Hermione asked, her voice soft but filled with
curiosity.
Yasuke chuckled. "Yeah, pretty much. I've always been curious about how things work, and
magic is no different. I guess I'm always looking for new ways to push the limits of what I can
do."
Hermione smiled, her eyes shining with understanding. "I know what you mean. There's so
much to learn, and I feel like I'm barely scratching the surface. That's why I love
Hogwarts—there's always something new to discover."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, both of them lost in their thoughts. Yasuke felt a
strange sense of contentment being this close to Hermione. He hadn't spent much one-on-one
time with her before, but now that they were working together, he realized just how much they
had in common.
"Thanks for helping me with this," Yasuke said after a while, glancing at Hermione with a sincere
smile. "It's nice having someone to bounce ideas off of."
Hermione blushed slightly, but she smiled back. "Of course. I enjoy it. You're always thinking of
creative solutions, and it's refreshing. I think we make a good team."
Yasuke felt a warm surge of pride at her words. "I think so too."
As the afternoon wore on, the library began to empty out, but Yasuke and Hermione remained,
still deep in discussion. They covered everything from magical protections to advanced charms,
their ideas bouncing off each other with ease. The closer they worked, the more Yasuke realized
how well they fit together—both as friends and as magical partners.
By the time they finally packed up their books and headed back to the common room, Yasuke
couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. They had made real progress with their research.
As they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady, Hermione glanced at Yasuke, her expression
thoughtful. "You know," she said softly, "I'm glad we had today. It's nice knowing there's
someone else who loves learning as much as I do."
Yasuke smiled, his heart feeling a little lighter. "Same here, Hermione. I think we're just getting
started."
--
The days following Yasuke and Hermione's intense research session passed quickly, with
classes returning in full swing. Despite the return to routine, there was a new energy between
Yasuke and Hermione. They continued to meet regularly in the library, bouncing ideas off each
other and discussing magical theory in ways that left Yasuke feeling more invigorated than ever.
Their growing friendship had strengthened their resolve to uncover the mystery surrounding the
Philosopher's Stone, and Yasuke could tell Hermione was equally excited about their
discoveries.
One morning after breakfast, Yasuke, Harry, and Ron made their way toward the Gryffindor
common room, discussing Quidditch tactics for the upcoming match. As they climbed the stairs,
Ron turned to Yasuke, looking curious.
"So, what's going on with you and Hermione? You've been spending a lot of time with her lately,"
Ron smiled.
Yasuke shrugged, though he couldn't help but smile. "We've been working on some research.
Hermione's really into magical theory, and we've been figuring out ways to use wards and other
spells to help us keep an eye on things."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Sounds like you two have been pretty productive. What's the plan?"
"We're getting close to figuring out a way to use wards as an alert system," Yasuke explained as
they reached the entrance to the common room. "If someone crosses the wards, it'll send a
magical signal that only we can detect. It's not ready yet, but we're close."
Ron looked impressed. "Blimey, you two are really onto something. If we can set those up, we'll
know if Snape—or anyone else—tries to get near the Stone."
Yasuke nodded, feeling a sense of pride in their progress. "Exactly. And the more we learn
about the spells guarding the Stone, the more prepared we'll be."
As they entered the common room, the three of them settled into their usual spots by the fire.
Harry pulled out his Potions homework, while Ron leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful.
"You know," Ron said after a moment, "it's kind of weird. I mean, Snape and Quirrell—two
professors working against each other, and we're caught in the middle of it all. What do you
reckon Dumbledore knows?"
Yasuke considered the question. "I think Dumbledore knows more than he's letting on."
Harry looked up from his homework, his expression serious. "Either way, we need to stay ahead
of Snape. If he's really after the Stone, we don't have much time."
Before Yasuke could respond, Hermione entered the common room, her arms full of books. She
spotted them by the fire and made her way over, her eyes bright with excitement.
"I've found something," Hermione said, setting the books down on the table. "It's about the
protections around the Philosopher's Stone. There's a theory that one of the protections is a
magical creature—possibly a powerful one."
"A creature?" Harry asked, looking intrigued. "Like that three-headed dog we saw?"
Hermione nodded. "Exactly. But it might not be the only one. There could be more magical
creatures guarding the Stone, and each one would be harder to get past than the last."
Ron groaned. "Great. More creatures. What are we going to do if Snape figures out how to get
past them?"
"That's what we need to find out," Yasuke said, leaning forward. "If we can predict the
protections—or even figure out how to disable them—we might have a chance of stopping him
before he gets too far."
Hermione sat down next to Yasuke, flipping open one of the books. "There's more to it, though. I
think some of the protections might involve ancient magic—magic that even wizards today don't
fully understand. It's going to take more research, but I'm confident we'll find something useful."
Yasuke and Hermione exchanged a glance, the shared determination in their eyes clear. They
had made great progress, but there was still so much more to uncover. The deeper they dug,
the more complex the mystery became.
As they discussed their findings, Harry leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. "We need to
be careful, though. If Snape realizes we're onto him, he might make his move sooner than we
expect."
"Agreed," Yasuke said, his mind already racing with possibilities. "We'll keep a low profile and
continue gathering information. But we can't let our guard down—not even for a second."
--
The days stretched on, and the tension around Hogwarts began to grow. Rumors circulated
among the students about strange occurrences—whispers of shadows moving in the halls at
night and secret meetings between the professors. Yasuke could feel it in the air: something
was brewing, and it wouldn't be long before they were thrust into the middle of it all.
One afternoon, Yasuke and Hermione were back in the library, sitting at their usual table with
piles of books scattered around them. The sun streamed through the tall windows, casting long
shadows across the pages.
As they worked, Hermione glanced at Yasuke, her expression thoughtful. "You know, Yasuke,
I'm really glad we've been doing this together. I don't think I would've gotten this far on my own."
Yasuke smiled, feeling the same. "I was thinking the same thing. We've been a good team. And
honestly, I've learned a lot from you."
Hermione blushed slightly but smiled back. "Well, you've certainly taught me a thing or two
about thinking creatively with magic."
They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the only sound in the library being the soft rustling of
pages. Yasuke felt more at ease with Hermione. She understood the pressure he put on himself
to always learn more, always push the limits of his abilities. And he, in turn, admired her
relentless drive to understand every detail of magic.
After a while, Hermione spoke up again, her voice soft but serious. "Do you ever wonder if we're
in over our heads? I mean, Snape… the Philosopher's Stone… it's all so much bigger than us."
Yasuke leaned back in his chair, considering her question. "Yeah, I do. But that's exactly why we
can't back down. If we don't figure this out, who will? I'm not saying it's easy, but we've come
this far. We can't stop now."
Hermione nodded, a flicker of determination crossing her face. "You're right. We can't stop."
As the day faded into evening, they continued their research, side by side, their connection
growing stronger with every passing hour. Whatever lay ahead—whether it was Snape, the
Stone, or something even more dangerous—Yasuke knew that he and Hermione would face it
together. And with each new discovery, they were getting closer to the truth.
--
It was a crisp afternoon when Yasuke, Harry, Ron, and Hermione made their way toward
Hagrid's hut at the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The snow from the Christmas season had
mostly melted, leaving the grounds wet and slushy. The four of them walked with purpose,
determined to gather more information about the mysterious protections around the
Philosopher's Stone—specifically about Fluffy, the three-headed dog they had encountered
earlier in the term.
"Hagrid's bound to know something," Harry muttered as they approached the hut. "He's the one
who keeps all the magical creatures, and he's the one who put Fluffy in the castle."
Hermione nodded, though she looked slightly uneasy. "We just have to be careful. Hagrid can
be… well, a little too trusting. He might not realize how dangerous giving out certain information
could be."
Ron snorted. "Yeah, especially when it comes to anything with more than two legs."
Yasuke smiled at that, He had a feeling that Hagrid knew more than he was letting on, and with
Snape and Quirrell acting so suspicious, it was time to start digging deeper. And if there was
anyone who might slip up and give them a useful clue, it would be Hagrid.
As they reached the front door of Hagrid's hut, Harry knocked loudly. They could hear Fang,
Hagrid's enormous boarhound, barking from inside. A moment later, the door swung open,
revealing Hagrid's large, bearded face, looking as friendly as ever.
"Well, 'ello there! What brings you lot to me hut this fine day?" Hagrid asked, stepping aside to
let them in.
The four of them crowded into the small, warm hut, the smell of wood smoke and cooking meat
filling the air. Fang bounded over to them, sniffing eagerly at their feet, though Yasuke noticed
Typhoon shift slightly on his shoulder, watching the large dog warily.
"Hagrid, we wanted to ask you something," Harry began, his tone casual but determined. "It's
about Fluffy."
At the mention of the three-headed dog, Hagrid's friendly expression became a bit more
guarded. He walked over to the fireplace, stirring a large pot of stew before turning back to face
them.
"What about Fluffy?" Hagrid asked, though Yasuke could tell he was being cautious.
"We know Fluffy's guarding something in the castle," Hermione said, stepping in with her usual
directness. "We just want to know if there's more to it—like, what else is protecting the
Philosopher's Stone?"
Hagrid stiffened at the mention of the Stone. He set down the ladle and gave them a stern look.
"Now listen 'ere, that's not somethin' you lot should be stickin' your noses in. Dumbledore's got
everything well protected. Fluffy's just one part of it. Ain't no need for you to worry about that."
Ron, undeterred, leaned forward. "We're not worried, Hagrid. We just… we don't want anyone
getting hurt. We've heard things—about Snape. He might be trying to steal the Stone."
Hagrid's eyes widened slightly, but he shook his head firmly. "Rubbish! Professor Snape
wouldn't do somethin' like that. He's one o' the teachers protectin' the Stone, same as the rest
of 'em."
Yasuke exchanged a quick glance with Harry. It was clear that Hagrid wasn't going to give up
any details easily. They needed to be more subtle.
Before they could press further, however, there was a sudden, sharp noise from a dark corner of
the hut. Yasuke frowned, looking toward the noise, just in time to see something shifting inside a
large wooden crate.
"Hagrid… what's that?" Yasuke asked, his curiosity piqued.
Hagrid's face flushed slightly, and he quickly walked over to the crate, trying to block their view.
"Nothin'. Nothin' for you to worry about."
But it was too late. As Hagrid moved, the top of the crate lifted slightly, revealing a pair of small,
leathery wings and a snout poking through.
"A dragon!" Hermione gasped, her eyes wide with astonishment.
Hagrid let out a heavy sigh, realizing the jig was up. "Alright, alright. It's a dragon. I've been
lookin' after 'im since he hatched. Norbert's his name. Ain't he beautiful?"
Yasuke's eyes widened as he approached the crate. The tiny dragon—Norbert—was still in its
early stages, its scales dark and glistening, its wings twitching as it blinked up at them with
curious eyes. Yasuke crouched down, fascinated by the small creature.
Norbert let out a tiny puff of smoke, wiggling around in the crate as it sensed Yasuke's
presence. The dragon seemed to focus on him, moving toward the edge of the crate, its beady
eyes locking onto Yasuke's as if trying to get a better look. Yasuke couldn't help but smile,
feeling a strange connection to the little dragon.
"You've really outdone yourself this time, Hagrid," Ron said, shaking his head in disbelief.
Norbert continued to shift around, clearly interested in Yasuke. The dragon let out another puff
of smoke and moved closer, nudging Yasuke's hand with its snout. Yasuke chuckled softly,
gently reaching out to stroke the dragon's tiny head. Norbert responded with a pleased croon,
as if Yasuke had instantly become his favorite person in the room.
"Looks like Norbert's taken a liking to you, Yasuke," Harry remarked, watching with amusement.
Typhoon, however, was less than impressed. From his perch on Yasuke's shoulder, Ty
narrowed his eyes, staring down the small dragon with a mixture of suspicion and disdain. The
falcon let out a sharp, almost indignant chirp, as if to remind everyone that he was Yasuke's
number one companion.
Yasuke chuckled, glancing at Ty. "It's okay, Ty. Norbert's just curious."
Ty ruffled his feathers but remained on Yasuke's shoulder, keeping a close eye on the dragon.
Hagrid, meanwhile, was grinning broadly at the interaction.
"Dragons are special creatures, they are," Hagrid said proudly. "Hard to raise, but worth it. And
looks like Norbert's found himself a friend in you, Yasuke."
Hagrid reached out, his large hand moving toward Typhoon, clearly intending to pet him. But
Typhoon was having none of it. The falcon's feathers fluffed up, and he leaned back, glaring at
Hagrid with a warning look. Yasuke quickly stepped in, gently placing his hand on Ty's chest to
calm him.
"He doesn't really like anyone touching him except me," Yasuke explained with an apologetic
smile. "He's a bit… particular."
Hagrid chuckled, withdrawing his hand. "Aye, I see. Falcons can be like that. Loyal to their
owners."
As the conversation continued, Yasuke couldn't help but feel a strange sense of connection to
Norbert. The little dragon seemed to trust him in the same way Typhoon did, and Yasuke
wondered if that bond could be useful later on.
After a while, Hagrid finally spoke up again, his tone more serious. "Listen, I know you lot are
tryin' to look out for each other, but trust me when I say Dumbledore's got it all covered. Fluffy's
just the start—there's plenty o' protection around that Stone. Ain't no one getting past it."
"But if someone did figure it out…" Harry pressed, clearly still worried about Snape.
"They'd 'ave to be smarter than all the teachers at Hogwarts combined," Hagrid said firmly. "And
I don't reckon anyone is."
With that, it was clear that Hagrid wasn't going to reveal any more. But the visit hadn't been
entirely fruitless.
As they left Hagrid's hut and made their way back up to the castle, Yasuke couldn't help but
think about what they had learned. The protections were strong, but Snape was clever. They
couldn't afford to underestimate him—or anyone else.
"Whatever happens next," Yasuke said, his voice steady, "we need to be ready. Snape's not
going to wait forever, and when he makes his move, we'll be there to stop him."
The others nodded, their expressions serious. They were getting closer to the truth, and with
every step, the danger grew. But Yasuke felt more determined than ever. Together, they would
protect the Philosopher's Stone—no matter what.
--
The Gryffindor common room was unusually quiet as Yasuke sat by the fire, his mind deep in
thought about the Stone and the threats they faced. Typhoon perched quietly on the back of his
chair, his sharp eyes half-closed, as Yasuke absentmindedly flipped through a book on magical
theory.
It wasn't until he got up to stretch that he noticed the new poster pinned to the message board
by the wall. The bright, bold lettering caught his attention immediately:
"Join the British Wizard Duelling Association! Test your magical skill and compete with the best!"
Yasuke's eyes widened, and a spark of excitement shot through him. A duelling association? He
quickly scanned the poster for more information. It mentioned that students could sign up to
attend workshops, competitions, and even duels organized by the association. The chance to
learn advanced duelling techniques and compete against other witches and wizards in a real
tournament setting made Yasuke's heart race.
This is exactly what I've been looking for!
Duelling had always fascinated Yasuke. The precision, the strategy, the raw power of magical
combat—it was a perfect match for his competitive nature. And with everything happening
around the Philosopher's Stone, improving his duelling skills seemed like the next logical step. If
Snape or anyone else tried to get to the Stone, Yasuke wanted to be ready.
Without wasting a moment, Yasuke turned to Typhoon. "What do you think, Ty? This could be
my chance to push my limits."
Ty blinked lazily at him, clearly unbothered by the prospect of magical duels, but Yasuke's mind
was already made up. He needed more information—details about the duelling association, the
competitions, the rules. And there was only one person who could give him that: Professor
McGonagall.
He grabbed his things and headed out of the common room, making his way toward
McGonagall's office. As he walked through the winding corridors of Hogwarts, he couldn't help
but imagine himself in a duelling arena, casting precise spells, dodging counterattacks, and
thinking strategically in the heat of battle. The thought of testing himself against skilled witches
and wizards, proving what he was capable of, thrilled him.
When he reached McGonagall's office, he knocked firmly on the door. A moment later, the door
creaked open, revealing Professor McGonagall seated at her desk, a stack of papers in front of
her. She glanced up, her expression stern but curious.
"Mr. Okikaze," McGonagall said, raising an eyebrow. "What brings you here today?"
Yasuke stepped into the office, feeling a mix of excitement and respect. "Professor, I saw a
poster in the common room about the British Wizard Duelling Association. I wanted to ask you
about it. Should I attend? What should I practice to prepare? What are the rules?"
McGonagall's eyes flicked over him, and for a moment, Yasuke wondered if she thought he was
being too ambitious. But then, to his surprise, her expression softened slightly, and she set her
quill aside.
"The British Wizard Duelling Association is one of the most respected duelling organizations in
our world," McGonagall began, her tone serious but encouraging. "They host competitions and
workshops for students and professionals alike, offering training in advanced duelling
techniques. It's an excellent opportunity for those who wish to hone their magical combat skills."
Yasuke's heart leapt. "So you think I should attend?"
McGonagall studied him for a moment, her sharp gaze assessing. "Duelling requires more than
just raw magical power, Mr. Okikaze. It demands discipline, quick thinking, and precision. From
what I've seen of you in class, you certainly have the potential. However, it is not something to
take lightly."
Yasuke nodded eagerly. "I understand, Professor. I'm willing to put in the work."
McGonagall's lips twitched in what might have been the ghost of a smile. "Very well. The next
workshop will be held in two weeks at the Ministry of Magic. Students who wish to participate
must register ahead of time, and I can arrange that for you if you're certain."
"I'm certain," Yasuke said, his voice steady.
"As for preparation," McGonagall continued, "you'll need to focus on a variety of defensive and
offensive spells. Shield charms, stunning spells, and disarming techniques will be crucial. You'll
also want to practice casting quickly and efficiently, without hesitation. In a duel, hesitation can
mean the difference between victory and defeat."
Yasuke absorbed every word, already planning how he would structure his practice sessions.
"Are there any specific rules I should know about?"
McGonagall nodded. "Yes. Duels are strictly regulated to ensure the safety of all participants.
Spells that cause lasting harm are forbidden, and there are rules governing the types of magic
that can be used. However, creativity and adaptability are highly valued. The duelling arena is
not just about brute force—it's about strategy."
Yasuke smiled, feeling even more excited now. This was exactly the kind of challenge he
craved. "Thank you, Professor. I'll work hard to prepare."
McGonagall gave him an approving nod. "I expect nothing less. If you're serious about this, Mr.
Okikaze, you'll need to put in the effort. But I have no doubt you're capable. I'll make sure you're
registered for the next workshop."
Yasuke thanked her again and left the office, his mind already racing with plans. The British
Wizard Duelling Association was an opportunity he couldn't afford to miss. Not only would it
allow him to improve his magical abilities, but it would also be a chance to compete against
some of the best duelists in the country.
--
Back in the Gryffindor common room that evening, Yasuke sat by the fire, flipping through one of
his advanced spell books. He had already begun compiling a list of spells he wanted to
practice—Stupefy, Expelliarmus, Protego, and several more obscure charms he had come
across in his studies. Typhoon sat on the back of his chair, watching quietly as Yasuke planned
his training.
"Oi, Yasuke," Ron called from across the room, joining him by the fire. "What've you been up to?
You look like you've got something big on your mind."
Yasuke grinned, showing Ron the poster he had taken from the common room. "I'm signing up
for the British Wizard Duelling Association. They've got workshops and tournaments, and I'm
going to start preparing."
Ron's eyes widened. "Duelling? Blimey, that's intense. Are you sure you're ready for something
like that?"
Yasuke nodded confidently. "I'm going to practice as much as I can. I think this is exactly what I
need to push myself."
Harry, who had overheard their conversation, came over and glanced at the poster. "Duelling,
huh? Sounds like your kind of thing. Think we'll see you in the finals?"
Yasuke chuckled. "That's the goal."
Hermione joined them, looking intrigued as she read the poster. "Duelling can be dangerous,
you know. But… I suppose it would be a good way to improve your spellwork. Just be careful,
Yasuke."
Yasuke smiled at her concern. "I'll be careful. Besides, I'm not going in unprepared. I'll train
hard, and I'll make sure I'm ready."
Ron leaned back in his chair, looking thoughtful. "Well, I reckon we should help you, then. We
could practice some duelling in the empty classrooms when we've got free time."
"Definitely," Harry added, nodding. "We can take turns, and you'll have all the practice you
need."
Yasuke's grin widened. "Thanks, guys. I appreciate it."
--
The next morning, Yasuke gathered his friends in one of the empty classrooms on the fifth floor.
The room was large, with plenty of space to move around, and the high ceiling gave it an echo
that made every spell sound more dramatic. Sunlight filtered through the tall windows, casting
long shadows on the stone floor. Yasuke stood in the center, his wand in hand, while Harry, Ron,
and Hermione positioned themselves around him.
"Alright, we're going to practice some basic duelling spells," Yasuke explained, feeling a surge of
excitement. "I need to work on my Protego, Expelliarmus, and Stupefy—but first, we're going to
start with defense."
Ron grinned, twirling his wand. "You've got it, mate. We'll throw spells at you, and you've got to
block them. Simple enough, right?"
Yasuke nodded, his muscles already tensing in anticipation. His reflexes were sharp, but he
needed to push himself further, react faster, and cast more efficiently. "Yep. Let's see how
quickly I can react."
Harry and Hermione exchanged a quick glance before they raised their wands, ready to cast.
"Remember," Hermione said, her voice serious as always, "don't take too many risks. We're just
practicing, not trying to hurt each other."
Yasuke smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Don't worry, Hermione. I'll be fine."
Hermione sighed but lifted her wand anyway. "Alright. Ready?"
Yasuke positioned himself, wand raised, eyes scanning the room. "Ready."
Without further hesitation, Harry was the first to cast. "Stupefy!"
A bolt of red light shot toward Yasuke, and in an instant, he whirled around, flicking his wand
with precision. "Protego!" A shimmering barrier of magic appeared just in time, blocking the spell
before it could hit him.
"Nice block!" Ron shouted before firing his own spell. "Expelliarmus!"
Yasuke spun again, his body moving instinctively as he cast Protego once more, deflecting
Ron's disarming spell with ease. The magical barrier shimmered and dissolved as he turned to
face Hermione, who quickly followed up with her own spell.
"Rictusempra!"
The tickling charm came at him fast, but Yasuke's reflexes kicked in, and he raised his wand
again. "Protego!"
The charm bounced harmlessly off his shield, and Yasuke grinned, feeling the rush of blocking
three spells in quick succession. But they weren't finished yet—his friends continued to cast,
and Yasuke had to keep moving, his body twisting and turning to face each spell as it came at
him from different angles.
"Stupefy!" Harry yelled again, sending another stunning spell his way.
Yasuke barely had time to react, but his reflexes didn't fail him. He cast Protego in a flash, the
barrier appearing just in time to absorb the impact.
"Keep going!" Yasuke urged, the excitement building in his chest. "Don't hold back!"
Ron, Hermione, and Harry kept firing spells at him, forcing Yasuke to block each one as quickly
as possible. His movements became fluid, his wand an extension of his body as he cast
Protego over and over, turning, spinning, and reacting faster with each attempt.
After several intense minutes, Yasuke lowered his wand, panting slightly from the effort.
"Alright," he said, grinning. "Now it's my turn."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "You sure? That was a lot of blocking."
Yasuke nodded, determined. "I need to work on offense too. Get ready."
This time, it was Yasuke who would be casting, while his friends tried to land spells on him.
Yasuke steadied himself, his eyes locking onto his targets.
"Expelliarmus!" Yasuke shouted, aiming at Ron.
Ron barely had time to react before his wand flew out of his hand and clattered to the floor.
"Blimey, you're fast!" Ron said, scrambling to pick up his wand.
Yasuke didn't give him time to recover. He turned toward Hermione next. "Stupefy!"
Hermione blocked with a swift Protego, but Yasuke was already moving on to Harry.
"Aguamenti!"
A jet of water burst from Yasuke's wand, catching Harry off guard. Harry dodged just in time, but
before he could cast a spell in return, Yasuke followed up with Glacius, freezing the floor
beneath Harry's feet. Harry slipped slightly but managed to regain his footing, grinning.
"Nice one," Harry said, his eyes gleaming with the challenge.
Yasuke's movements were swift and precise as he alternated between disarming, stunning, and
elemental spells. He aimed to take each of them out before they could land a hit on him. His
goal was to push his speed and precision as far as possible, casting spells in rapid succession
while dodging their retaliations.
For the next hour, they trained in this way, with Yasuke alternating between offense and
defense. His reflexes were sharp, and he managed to block or dodge most of the spells thrown
his way. His friends were impressed with his quick thinking and fluid movements.
As they neared the end of the session, Yasuke had one more challenge in mind—dodging
practice.
"Alright, last thing," Yasuke said, wiping a bit of sweat from his brow. "I need to work on dodging.
You lot will cast spells at me, and I'll try to dodge them without using any magic."
Ron raised an eyebrow. "You're going to dodge spells without using Protego?"
Yasuke nodded. "Yep. Let's see how good I am at avoiding getting hit."
Hermione, however, didn't seem thrilled with the idea. She crossed her arms, looking
concerned. "Yasuke, that's dangerous. You could get seriously hurt if you don't dodge in time."
"I'll be fine," Yasuke reassured her. "Besides, I trust you guys not to throw anything too serious
at me."
Hermione still looked hesitant, but she sighed and reluctantly raised her wand. "Alright, but if
you get hurt, don't say I didn't warn you."
Harry grinned, clearly enjoying the idea. "Let's see what you've got, Yasuke."
They spaced themselves out around the room again, and Yasuke positioned himself in the
center, ready to dodge. Harry was the first to cast, sending a simple Expelliarmus spell his way.
Yasuke sidestepped it with ease, the red bolt of magic flying past him harmlessly.
"Nice dodge!" Ron called before sending a Rictusempra at him.
Yasuke ducked under the spell, then rolled to the side as Hermione cast a Stupefy.
For the next several minutes, Yasuke dodged spell after spell, his reflexes working in overdrive.
He ducked, rolled, sidestepped, and leapt out of the way, all without using his wand. It was
exhilarating, pushing his body to its limits and honing his agility.
Hermione, true to her cautious nature, tried to keep her spells on the lighter side, but even she
had to admit that Yasuke's dodging skills were impressive. "You're impossible," she muttered
under her breath, though there was a hint of admiration in her voice.
By the time they finished, Yasuke was panting but grinning widely. His body was sore from all
the movement, but he felt alive—energized by the challenge.
"That was brilliant," Ron said, clapping Yasuke on the back. "I don't think I could dodge spells
like that without getting hit."
Harry nodded, equally impressed. "You've got some insane reflexes, Yasuke. You're going to
crush it at the duelling tournament."
Yasuke smiled, feeling more confident than ever. The training had pushed him to his limits, but
he knew he still had more work to do before the competition. .
"Thanks, guys," Yasuke said, his voice full of gratitude. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Hermione gave him a small smile, her earlier concern fading. "Just be careful, alright? Duelling
is serious business. But I have no doubt you'll do well."
With their training session over, Yasuke felt a renewed sense of purpose. The duelling
tournament was fast approaching, and he was ready to face it head-on. Whatever obstacles
came his way, Yasuke knew he would be prepared—both mentally and physically.
--
The days following their intense training session flew by, and Yasuke found himself even more
focused on his goal: the upcoming duelling workshop. Every spare moment was dedicated to
refining his skills.
His friends continued to help him train whenever they could, always pushing him to improve
while making sure to keep things lighthearted. Even Hermione, who had initially been wary of
the dodging drills, started offering more tips on magical theory and spellcasting techniques. Her
knowledge of spell mechanics helped Yasuke sharpen his skills even further.
One evening, as they sat in the common room after dinner, Yasuke noticed the familiar flutter of
wings as Typhoon soared through the open window, landing gracefully on the back of his chair.
Yasuke grinned and stroked his falcon's head, feeling a sense of calm settle over him.
"I reckon you're ready for this duelling workshop, mate," Ron said, lounging on the couch with a
half-eaten biscuit in hand. "All that training's paid off—you've been dodging spells like it's
second nature."
Harry nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you're definitely one of the fastest I've ever seen. You've got
a real knack for thinking on your feet, too. That's going to come in handy."
Yasuke smiled, appreciating their encouragement. "Thanks, but I still feel like there's more I
need to work on. I've been thinking about combining some of the elemental spells we
practiced—like Aguamenti and Glacius—with offensive duelling spells. Maybe I can catch
people off guard with them."
Hermione, who had been flipping through a book on defensive charms, looked up at that.
"That's actually a good idea. If you can control the timing and flow of those spells, it'll make you
unpredictable in a duel. You'd be able to keep your opponent guessing."
Yasuke nodded thoughtfully, considering her advice. He had been practicing the
basics—Expelliarmus, Stupefy, and Protego—but adding in more complex spells could give him
an edge. The idea of catching his opponents off guard with unexpected combinations excited
him. It wasn't just about raw power; it was about strategy.
"You know, I've been thinking," Yasuke said, glancing around at his friends. "Maybe we should
all train together more often. Not just for me, but for all of us. We've been getting closer to the
Philosopher's Stone, and if something happens, we'll need to be prepared."
Harry and Ron exchanged a look, then nodded in agreement. "You're right," Harry said, his
expression serious. "We've been getting deeper into this mystery with Snape, and it's not just
about the Stone anymore. If things go wrong, we'll need to know how to defend ourselves."
Hermione frowned, clearly concerned. "I just hope it doesn't come to that. But… you're right. We
should be ready for anything."
Yasuke's determination deepened. The duelling workshop was just one part of the bigger
picture. While he was focused on his own goals, he couldn't forget the larger threat looming
over them. If Snape—or whoever was after the Stone—made a move, they would all need to be
ready to defend themselves and protect each other.
--
The days leading up to the duelling workshop were intense. Yasuke's focus was razor-sharp as
he trained with his friends every spare moment he had. Whether it was perfecting his casting
speed or experimenting with combinations of offensive and defensive spells, Yasuke knew he
needed every edge he could get for the competition. His friends were by his side every step of
the way, pushing him to improve, but ultimately, the moment of truth would be his alone.
When the day finally arrived, Yasuke stood with Professor McGonagall at the entrance to the
Great Hall, ready for his journey to the Ministry of Magic, where the British Wizard Duelling
Association was holding its workshop. His nerves buzzed with anticipation, but Yasuke had
never felt more prepared.
"You're going to do great, mate," Ron said, clapping him on the back. "Just remember all those
insane dodges and spells you pulled off in practice."
"Yeah, you've got this," Harry added with a grin. "Just keep calm and show them what you're
made of."
Hermione, always the voice of reason, gave him a small, encouraging smile. "Just stay focused
and don't rush your spells. You've got the skills—just remember to use them wisely."
With a final nod of thanks, Yasuke stepped forward, ready for the day ahead. McGonagall
activated the portkey, and in the blink of an eye, they were whisked away, landing in the grand
halls of the Ministry of Magic. The duelling arena was even more impressive than Yasuke had
imagined. Large open spaces were lined with duelling rings, and the air hummed with the
energy of wands at the ready, spells crackling, and magical barriers shimmering.
After registering, Yasuke was led to his designated duelling ring, where he would face his first
opponent. His heart raced as he saw the tall, confident boy from Beauxbatons Academy
standing across from him, his robes pristine and his wand already at the ready.
Yasuke gripped his wand tightly, his mind already calculating the strategy. He had trained for
this—every moment had led him here.
The referee raised his hand, signaling the start of the duel. "On my count. Three, two,
one—begin!"
Yasuke barely had time to react as the Beauxbatons boy immediately fired a rapid Expelliarmus.
Yasuke twisted his body, raising his wand just in time to cast Protego, deflecting the spell with a
shimmering barrier of magic.
The boy was quick, following up with a Stupefy aimed at Yasuke's chest. Yasuke dodged to the
side, his feet light as he moved across the duelling platform. He needed to act fast.
Without hesitation, Yasuke cast Aguamenti, but instead of a simple stream of water, he conjured
a massive spout. Water surged forward, twisting and expanding with a ferocity that caught his
opponent off guard.
The Beauxbatons boy's eyes widened in surprise as the torrent of water rushed toward him. He
raised his wand to block, but Yasuke was already moving. With a swift flick of his wand, Yasuke
shouted, "Glacius!"
The water froze mid-air, forming a massive shard of jagged ice. Yasuke pushed the shard
forward, aiming not to harm his opponent but to blind him temporarily by blocking his view. The
ice loomed between them, and the boy was forced to shield his eyes as the sunlight reflected off
the massive frozen spout.
It was the opening Yasuke needed.
With a sharp movement, he cast both Stupefy and Expelliarmus simultaneously. The spells split
into two arcs, twisting around the shard of ice like a wave of crimson and gold. The
Beauxbatons boy, still trying to recover from the blinding ice shard, couldn't react fast enough.
The two spells hit their marks perfectly. The Stupefy stunned him in place, while the
Expelliarmus disarmed him, sending his wand flying across the arena.
There was a brief, stunned silence as the ice melted away and Yasuke stood tall, wand still
raised. His opponent, now defenseless and dazed, had no choice but to concede.
The referee raised his hand. "Winner: Yasuke Okikaze!"
A rush of adrenaline surged through Yasuke as the crowd around the duelling arena burst into
applause. He had done it—he had won his first duel. The strategy, the reflexes, and the
spellwork had all come together in a moment of perfect precision. He lowered his wand, a grin
spreading across his face as he caught his breath.
His opponent, now recovering, gave him a nod of respect before retrieving his wand. "Well
fought," the Beauxbatons boy said, his voice steady but clearly impressed.
"You too," Yasuke replied, grateful for the sportsmanship.
As the workshop continued, Yasuke faced more opponents, each duel challenging him in new
ways. But after that first victory, Yasuke's confidence soared.
By the end of the day, Yasuke had emerged as one of the unique duelists in the workshop.
When it was all over, Yasuke stood in the quiet halls of the Ministry, waiting for the portkey that
would take him back to Hogwarts. Exhausted but exhilarated, he reflected on everything that
had happened.
He had learned, not just by raw power, but through strategy and creativity—through thinking on
his feet and adapting to the moment. A
As the portkey activated and transported him back to the familiar grounds of the castle, Yasuke
knew that the duelling workshop had been just the beginning.
--