And as promised please enjoy these chapters! And a day early. I am almost finished with the first book! Mainly just editing, and doing some grammer and spell check. I'll be away for a few days without a reliable internet connection. Im hoping that im wrong and will be able to post while on vaction.

But i do have a question for my readers. Would you guys prefer 1 continuous story like "unbowed crows" where I continue to keep the story in one place or have each book its own separate entry? Let me know what you guys think!

As always messages and comments are welcome!!

Chapter 10: Dont Thank Me Yet

"Where are we going?" Harry asked as they climbed the staircase to the fourth floor.

"Our usual spot," Daphne said simply, leading the way to the abandoned classroom.

When they arrived, Daphne shut the door behind them and waved her wand to cast a series of silencing charms on the room. Harry watched her work, impressed by how fluidly she performed the spells.

"You're getting faster at that," Harry said.

Daphne smirked. "I've had practice. Now, let's see what you've been working on."

Harry hesitated. "I've been practicing some of the defensive spells you showed me and a few offensive spells from , but I still feel like I'm not fast enough. I need to get better so I can catch up to you."

"Speed comes with time," Daphne said. "For now, focus on precision. Show me the Shield Charm again."

Harry nodded and raised his wand. "Protego!" A shimmering barrier appeared in front of him, but it wavered slightly.

Daphne circled him, scrutinizing the shield. "Better, but you're not focusing enough on your intent. A Shield Charm isn't just about blocking something—it's about your will to protect yourself. Try again."

Harry took a deep breath and repeated the spell, this time visualizing the barrier as a solid wall. The shield stabilized, its edges glowing faintly.

"Much better," Daphne said, nodding in approval. "Now, let's test it."

Before Harry could respond, Daphne flicked her wand, sending a jet of red light straight at him. Harry's shield held, but the impact caused him to stumble back.

"Warn me next time!" Harry exclaimed.

Daphne raised an eyebrow. "Do you think an opponent will warn you before attacking? You need to stay on your toes, Harry."

Harry sighed but nodded, bracing himself for another round. They spent the next half-hour practicing spells, with Daphne alternating between coaching and challenging him.

Finally, Daphne lowered her wand and crossed her arms. "You're improving. But there's something else I need to ask you."

Harry wiped sweat from his forehead. "What is it?"

"Have you found your center yet?" Daphne asked, her tone unusually serious.

Harry frowned. "What do you mean?"

Daphne stepped closer, her gaze piercing. "Every witch or wizard has a center—a place within themselves where their magic feels strongest. It's not just about power; it's about understanding who you are and what drives you. Until you find that, your spells will never reach their full potential."

Harry looked down at his wand, turning it over in his hand. "I'm not sure if I have. How do you even find something like that?"

Daphne's expression softened. "It's different for everyone. For me, it's about control—knowing that I can shape my destiny with my own hands. But for you…" She hesitated, as if unsure how to phrase her next thought. "I think it has something to do with why you fight. You're not just trying to survive, Harry. You're trying to protect something, aren't you?"

Harry thought about her words, the weight of them settling in his chest. "I guess I am. I just… I don't want anyone else to get hurt because of me."

Daphne studied him for a moment, then nodded. "That's a good place to start. We'll work on it together."

Harry managed a small smile. "Thanks, Daphne."

"Don't thank me yet," she said, a hint of mischief returning to her voice. "We've still got a lot of work to do. Now, let's see if you can dodge a Stunning Spell without tripping over your own feet."

Harry groaned but readied his wand, determined to keep up.

Harry lowered his wand, panting slightly after their last round of spell practice. "Can we try something else?" he asked, looking over at Daphne. "Something… bigger. I want to start working on the animagus transformation."

Daphne's eyebrows shot up, and she tilted her head as she studied him. "You realize that's not something you can just practice the way you've been practicing the Shield Charm, right? Animagus transformation is advanced magic. Dangerous magic, if done wrong."

"I know," Harry said quickly. "But I want to try. You said yourself we need every edge we can get, and if I can manage it…" He hesitated, his voice softening. "I don't want to wait until something bad happens to be ready."

Daphne sighed, crossing her arms as she leaned against one of the dusty desks. "You're relentless, you know that? Fine. We'll start with the basics, but don't think for a second that this is something you'll see results from overnight. Animagus transformation isn't just about magic—it's about discipline. It takes time. A lot of time."

"I'll do whatever it takes," Harry said firmly.

Daphne gave him a measured look before nodding. "Alright. First things first: meditation. If you're going to even think about attempting animagus training, you need to learn how to clear your mind and focus entirely on your magic and your intent. That's the foundation of everything."

Harry frowned. "Meditation? That's it?"

Daphne rolled her eyes. "Trust me, Harry, it's harder than it sounds. Sit down." She gestured to the floor in the center of the room. "Cross your legs and close your eyes."

Harry did as he was told, feeling a bit silly but determined to follow her instructions. "Now what?"

"Now," Daphne said, sitting across from him, "I want you to focus on your breathing. In through your nose, out through your mouth. Let everything else fall away—the sounds, the room, even me. Just focus on the rhythm of your breath."

Harry tried, but almost immediately, his thoughts began to wander. His mind buzzed with everything that had happened recently—the ritual at the lake, their detention, the puzzle of what might be stolen. He opened one eye and glanced at Daphne.

"You're not focusing," she said without looking at him, her voice calm but firm.

"It's hard," Harry admitted. "I can't just stop thinking about everything."

"That's the point," Daphne said, her tone softening. "Clearing your mind isn't easy, especially when you're under stress. It takes practice. Try again."

Harry sighed but closed his eyes once more, attempting to block out the noise in his head. This time, he lasted a little longer before frustration got the better of him. "This is impossible," he muttered, opening his eyes and throwing his hands up.

Daphne shook her head, her expression patient. "It's not impossible. You're just trying too hard. Meditation isn't about forcing your mind to go quiet—it's about letting go. Don't fight your thoughts. Acknowledge them, and then let them drift away like leaves on a stream."

Harry stared at her. "That sounds… vague."

Daphne smirked. "It's supposed to. This isn't something you can master in a single afternoon, Harry. It takes time. And patience. But I know you—you're determined enough to figure it out. You just have to keep trying."

Harry nodded, though he still looked uncertain. "Alright. One more time."

This time, as he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing, Daphne's voice guided him. "Picture a calm, still place. It can be anywhere—a meadow, a forest, even the lake. Imagine yourself there, completely at ease. Let that image fill your mind."

Harry's breathing slowed, and for a moment, he felt the faintest sense of calm. It was fleeting, but it was there, and when he opened his eyes again, Daphne was smiling.

"There," she said. "That's progress."

Harry frowned. "I don't feel much different."

"You won't, not yet," Daphne said. "But every step counts. The more you practice, the easier it'll get. And once you've mastered this, we can move on to the next phase of animagus training—and maybe even Occlumency."

"Occlumency?" Harry asked.

"It's the art of protecting your mind," Daphne explained. "It's similar to meditation, but it requires even greater control. If you can master that, no one will be able to read your thoughts or manipulate you. But for now, let's focus on one thing at a time."

Harry nodded, his determination rekindled. "Thanks, Daphne. For all of this."

"Don't thank me yet," she said with a wry smile. "We've got a long road ahead."