- SECUNDUS DIES -

7:00am - September 1st, 1976 - Defense Against the Dark Arts Classroom- Earth - Universe Designation: 1.638.2

The Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom buzzed with anticipation as Sixth Year Gryffindors and Slytherin's trickled in. Their eyes collectively darted toward Harry, who stood at the front of the room. The tall windows allowed beams of morning sunlight to illuminate his emerald-green robes, lending him an air of authority. James and Sirius entered first, laughing as usual, with Remus, Rose, and Peter trailing behind. The Slytherin's filed in slowly. Severus Snape, his expression unreadable, sat in the second row. Bellatrix Black swept in like a storm cloud. Lucius Malfoy followed. His platinum hair was dishevelled and his posture unusually tense, no doubt still recovering to the death of his father and the destruction of his ancestral home.

Harry let the room settle before stepping forward. His tone was firm but not harsh. "Good morning. For those who don't know, my name is Professor Potter. You've passed your O.W.L.s, which means you've proven a basic understanding of defensive magic. But let me be clear. This class will not be easy. You are entering the most advanced stage of your education. Mistakes here could cost you more than house points,"

The room grew still. James, who was seated in the back with Sirius, whispered something under his breath, prompting a chuckle from Sirius. Harry didn't miss a beat. With a subtle flick of his fingers, James and Sirius vanished from their seats and reappeared on opposite sides of the room. Sirius found himself between Bellatrix and Severus, while James was deposited in the front beside Emmeline Vance. The sudden relocation earned gasps from the class, and James and Sirius exchanged bewildered looks.

"Let me make one thing clear," Harry said, his voice cutting through the noise. "I won't tolerate distractions. This is not a joke, and I will not go easy on you. Stay focused, or I will ensure you do," James muttered something under his breath but straightened in his seat. Sirius glared briefly at Bellatrix, who sneered back at him, clearly enjoying his discomfort.

Bellatrix smirked, leaning slightly toward Sirius. "Comfortable, cousin?"

Sirius shot her a glare, but Harry continued before the exchange could escalate. "Now that we have an understanding, let's move on. Today's lesson is on non-verbal defense," He turned to the chalkboard and, with a flick of his wand, words appeared in crisp white script.

The Art and Application of Non-Verbal Spellcasting.

"Non-verbal spellcasting is essential in a duel. It grants you speed, the element of surprise, and the ability to cast without giving your opponent time to counter. Who can tell me why non-verbal magic is particularly effective in combat?"

Lily Evans raised her hand. "It forces your opponent to rely on visual cues to anticipate your spell,"

"Correct! Five points for Gryffindor," Harry said with a nod. "And what is the primary challenge of non-verbal casting?"

"Focus," Severus Snape said, his voice cutting through the room. "Most wizards lack the mental discipline,"

Harry turned to face Severus, his expression unreadable. "Good. And do you believe you possess the discipline, Mr. Snape?"

Severus's eyes narrowed slightly. "I do. But what about you, Professor?" His tone was laced with scepticism. "You're the same age as most sixth years. What qualifies you to teach us?" A ripple of tension spread through the room. James and Sirius exchanged knowing smirks, but Harry remained calm. He met Severus's gaze evenly.

"You're right to question me," Harry said. "My age, my experience...on paper, they make me an unusual choice for this position. So let's address that," He gestured for Severus to join him at the front of the class. Severus hesitated, his dark eyes narrowing, but he stood and approached.

"Since you're unsure of my qualifications, let's settle it," Harry said. "Duel me. If you can best me, I'll admit I have no business teaching you," The class erupted in whispers. Severus hesitated, his jaw tightening. After that moment of hesitation, he moved to stand opposite Harry. The other students exchanged excited whispers as Harry waved his hand, clearing the desks to the edges of the room. A wide duelling space now stretched between him and Severus. "The rest of you, move back. Watch carefully,"

"This will be a simple duel," Harry said. "No verbal casting, and no restrictions. The objective is to disarm your opponent. Begin when ready,"

"Aren't you going to grab your wand?" a Slytherin girl asked from one of the windows, her hand motioning to Harry's aspen wand. He had left it sitting on his desk, which now sat several feet behind him.

Harry promptly ignored the question, allowing the room to fall silent. Severus struck first, a silent Sectumsempra slicing through the air. Harry deflected it with a casual flick of his wrist, the curse dissolving into a shimmer of light. Harry ignored the effects of that curse and the fact that Severus had so casually cast it toward him and instead continued with the duel. Severus followed up with a barrage of spells. Confringo, Reducto, Stupefy. Each one faster and more aggressive than the last. Harry countered them all effortlessly, his movements precise and fluid.

The Codex whispered in his mind, its tone mocking. This is the best they can offer?

Harry ignored it, his focus unwavering. Severus's frustration grew evident as his attacks began to escalate. Harry sidestepped a particularly vicious curse, his voice calm. "You're powerful, Mr. Snape, but you're predictable. Diversify your spells. Move your feet," Severus's face flushed with anger, and he unleashed a silent Bombarda. Harry raised his hand, and the spell dissipated mid-air. With a flick of his wrist, Severus's wand flew from his grasp, and a non-verbal Expulso sent him sprawling onto his back.

The class erupted into whispers as Harry stepped forward, extending a hand. Severus glared up at him, his pride clearly wounded. After a moment, he pushed himself up without accepting the help. Harry could hear the sound of James and Sirius excitedly murmuring to themselves in the corner, discussing how effeciently he had dismantled 'Snivellus' with ease. Harry turned away, unfazed by both their antics and Severus' rejection. "Age, blood, or political standing mean nothing in a duel," Harry said, addressing the class. "Underestimating your opponent will get you killed. Keep that in mind,"

Turning away, Harry conjured a row of enchanted test dummies and turned back to the class. "You have ten minutes to practice non-verbal spellcasting on these dummies. If you can't manage it, work with someone who can. Go," The students spread out, and the room filled with the hum of magic as spells flew. Lily Evans was among the first to succeed in casting ten precice and silent spells. She turned to assist Marlene McKinnon, her instructions calm and clear. Bellatrix, by contrast, refused to help anyone, her spells cutting through the air with precision.

Sirius moved to James, who was struggling to maintain focus. "C'mon, Prongs," Sirius said with a grin. "It's just like Quidditch. Keep your eye on the target," Remus worked patiently with Peter, offering encouragement as Peter managed a weak but effective Stupefy. Meanwhile, Lucius and Severus unleashed barrages of spells that bordered on dark magic, drawing wary glances from their classmates. Harry watched them carefully, though his expression was unreadable.

When the ten minutes were up, Harry called the class to attention. "Now, let's see how you fare against one another. Mr. Potter, you're with Ms. Evans," James grinned while Lily sighed, giving Harry a pleading look that he promptly ignored. "Mr. Black, you're with Ms. Black," Sirius' eyes widened, flickering between Harry and Bellatrix with a hint of betrayal. "Mr. Lupin, you're with Ms. Potter," Remus nodded, nervously stepping toward Rose, who gave him a weak smile. "Mr. Pettigrew, you're with Ms. McKinnon. Mr. Malfoy, you're with Ms. Vance," His emerald-green eyes swept over the paired students, who stood in varying states of confidence and apprehension. With a flick of his wand, the enchanted dummies vanished, leaving the room open and ready for duelling.

Harry turned to face Severus Snape, meeting the young man's defiant eyes. "It looks like we're partners once again,"

The room buzzed with nervous energy as the pairs spread out, leaving ample space for their duels. Harry raised his voice, commanding attention. "Remember the principles we've discussed. Precision, control, and focus. Non-verbal casting is your objective. No verbal incantations. Begin,"

James sauntered to his position, his hazel eyes twinkling with mischief. He twirled his wand between his fingers before pointing it at Lily. "Ready to lose to my charm, Evans?" he quipped, his grin broad and confident.

Lily stood with her wand held at the ready, choosing not to dignify his comment with a verbal reply. Her wand flicked sharply, and a silent Expelliarmus shot across the space between them. James' wand soared from his hand, spinning through the air before clattering to the ground behind him. She crossed her arms, her green eyes narrowing. "You're not even trying, Potter,"

Caught off guard, James let out a nervous laugh as he scrambled to retrieve his wand. "Was just warming up!" he called, straightening his glasses and regaining his stance. He raised his wand again, a bit more serious now, and fired off a silent Stupefy. The red streak of light zipped toward Lily, but her shield charm flared to life in an instant, absorbing the spell as though it were nothing.

Without waiting for him to recover, she fired a silent Petrificus Totalus. The spell hit James squarely in the chest, and his arms and legs snapped to his sides as he toppled backward like a felled tree. She winced slightly as he collapsed on the floor with a loud thud. "Merlin's beard, Evans!" James groaned, his grin faltering as the spell wore off and he regained control of his limbs. He sat up, rubbing the back of his head. "Take it easy, will you?"

Lily raised an eyebrow, visibly unimpressed. "I am taking it easy. If I wasn't, you'd still be lying there," Her words were biting, but her wand was already moving, her next spell flying toward him with precision.

James scrambled to his feet, his grin completely gone now as he deflected her spell with a hastily conjured shield. "All right, Evans," he said, his tone growing serious. "No more Mr. Nice Guy." He fired off a silent Impedimenta, but Lily sidestepped it effortlessly, countering with a non-verbal Expulso that forced James to dive out of the way.

Her spells came quicker now, each one silent, sharp, and relentless. James struggled to keep up, his own spells becoming sloppier as he was forced to block her onslaught. Sweat began to build on his brow as he worked to defend himself, and his initial cockiness was replaced by determination. Lily, meanwhile, barely broke a sweat, her focus unbroken as she continued to push him back. By the time Harry called for the end of the duel, James was panting, his robes disheveled. Lily lowered her wand, her expression calm as she regarded him with a mixture of annoyance and satisfaction.

Bellatrix stepped into their dueling circle with a fluid grace, her dark eyes gleaming with anticipation. Her lips curled into a cruel smirk as she eyed Sirius. "Come on, cousin," she purred, her voice dripping with mockery. "Show me what that Gryffindor bravery of yours is worth,"

Sirius's jaw tightened, and without waiting for further provocation, he fired a silent Stupefy. The spell was powerful, the red streak of light blazing toward Bellatrix, but it was hastily cast. Bellatrix sidestepped it effortlessly, her smirk widening into a full-blown grin. "Pathetic!" she taunted, her tone sharp and biting. "Is this what the great Black family has come to? A reckless little boy who can barely aim?"

"Shut it, Bella," Sirius snapped, his voice tight with anger. His wand moved rapidly as he unleashed a string of non-verbal spells. Petrificus Totalus, Expulso, Expelliarmus. Each one came with force, the sheer energy behind them enough to make some of the watching students flinch. But Bellatrix remained unfazed, her movements quick and deliberate as she dodged or deflected each spell with sharp flicks of her wand.

"You're trying too hard," she sneered, her voice cutting through the air. "All that power, wasted on someone who doesn't even know how to aim,"

Sirius's temper flared, and his next spell - a silent Reducto - blazed toward her with enough force to leave scorch marks on the wall behind her. Bellatrix blocked it with a shield charm, though the impact caused her to stumble slightly. For a brief moment, her smirk slipped, but it returned just as quickly. "That's better," she said, her tone mocking. "At least now you're making me work,"

Her counterattack came swiftly. A non-verbal Langlock aimed directly at Sirius. He barely managed to block it, his shield flaring up at the last moment. The resulting sparks illuminated the fury in his eyes. "Predictable," Bellatrix said, her laughter ringing out. "Always letting your emotions lead. That's why you'll lose,"

Sirius's grip on his wand tightened, and he fired off a silent Confringo. The explosion was deafening, sending a shower of sparks and debris through the air. Bellatrix deflected it, but the force of the blast sent her skidding backward. Her smirk faltered, replaced by a flash of annoyance. "Guess I'll just have to keep surprising you," Sirius snarked back, his confidence returning despite the sweat dripping down his face.

The duel continued, each spell coming faster and more forceful than the last. Bellatrix's taunts only seemed to fuel Sirius's anger, his attacks growing wilder and more unpredictable. Bellatrix, for all her skill, was forced to stay on the defensive, her smirk giving way to a determined scowl as she blocked and dodged his relentless barrage.

When Harry called for the end of the duel, both cousins were breathing heavily, their wands still raised as if daring the other to make one last move. Bellatrix lowered hers first, her eyes flashing with grudging respect. Sirius smirked, though his exhaustion was evident. "Not bad," Bellatrix said, her tone still laced with mockery. "For a blood traitor,"

"Not bad yourself," Sirius shot back, his smirk widening. "For a lunatic,"

Remus began with visible caution, his stance defensive. His wand movements remained controlled but hesitant. He raised his wand and sent a silent Stupefy toward Rose, the red jet of light glowing faintly. Rose, who stood with a poise that contradicted her youth, flicked her wand with practiced ease. The Stunning Spell collided with her shield and dispersed harmlessly, leaving her expression cool and unreadable. "Come on, Remus," she said. Her voice was measured but carried an edge of challenge. "If you're going to duel me, at least try,"

Remus hesitated, his brows furrowing. "I don't want to hurt you," he said quietly, though his tone was resolute.

Rose's lips twitched, the barest flicker of amusement crossing her face. "You won't,"

Before Remus could react, she raised her wand and cast a silent Expulso. The spell rocketed forward, invisible but powerful. Remus's eyes widened as he was caught off guard. The force of the blast hurled him off his feet and into the padded wall behind him. He hit the cushioned surface with a grunt, the wind momentarily knocked from him. "That's for underestimating me," Rose said coolly, her wand never wavering as she waited for him to recover.

Remus blinked at her after air returned to his lungs, his expression equal parts surprise and chagrin as he sat up. "All right, point taken," he muttered, brushing himself off as he got to his feet. This time, his movements were sharper, more deliberate, as though he finally understood she wasn't holding back.

Adjusting his stance, Remus fired a non-verbal Expelliarmus, aiming to catch Rose off guard. She pivoted with a practiced ease, deflecting the Disarming Spell into the floor. Her counter was swift and merciless. A silent Petrificus Totalus that Remus barely managed to evade in time. The spell streaked past him, dissipating harmlessly against the far wall.

"Better," Rose said, though her tone made it clear that she still expected more.

Remus adjusted his grip on his wand, determination replacing the hesitation in his eyes. He began to move, circling her slowly as he alternated between attacks and defenses. A silent Protego shielded him from her quick Expulso, and in retaliation, he fired off a non-verbal Rictusempra. Rose flicked her wand to the side, the spell bouncing away harmlessly.

For the next few moments, their duel intensified. Remus pushed harder, his spells growing stronger and faster. Rose, however, remained unnervingly composed, countering his attacks with precision and efficiency. When Remus finally tried a silent Impedimenta, Rose's patience seemed to waver. Without a word, her wand moved like lightning, and a wave of invisible force knocked Remus off balance. His knees buckled, and with a quick flick of her wand, she sent him sprawling backward into the padded wall once more.

"I told you not to hold back," Rose said evenly, though this time there was a faint smirk on her lips.

Remus groaned. He carefully pushed himself to his feet a second time, his expression sheepish but determined. "Noted," he muttered, adjusting his robes. This time, he didn't hesitate, his spells sharp and deliberate as the duel continued.

Peter Pettigrew stood at his mark. His shoulders were stiff with tension and his wand trembled slightly in his grip. Across from him, Marlene McKinnon stood tall and confident, her wand held lightly but ready. Her calm demeanor was in stark contrast to Peter's obvious nerves. The duel began with Marlene initiating. Her first spell was a simple but swift Rictusempra. The jinx sailed toward Peter, a streak of light shimmering through the air. Peter managed to raise his wand just in time, his shield charm flickering into place like a thin pane of glass. The spell hit the shield, and for a moment, Peter looked almost surprised that it had worked.

"Good," Marlene said with an encouraging nod. "Now try something,"

Peter hesitated, his face flushing with color as he searched for a spell. After a long moment, he stammered out a weak, silent Expelliarmus. The Disarming Spell fizzled toward Marlene with barely enough force to reach her. She dodged it easily, stepping to the side and countering with a non-verbal Tarantallegra. The jinx hit Peter's shield, but this time it wavered dangerously before dissolving. The pressure made him stumble backward, nearly dropping his wand. His face reddened further, and beads of sweat appeared on his forehead.

"Don't overthink it," Marlene said kindly. "Focus. You're too worried about getting it wrong,"

Peter nodded quickly, his grip tightening on his wand as he raised it again. His next spell, a silent Stupefy, came faster and with a little more force. Marlene's shield blocked it, but the effort required to deflect the spell was noticeable. "There you go!" Marlene called, smiling faintly. "That's more like it,"

The encouragement seemed to bolster Peter's confidence. He cast another Stupefy, this one stronger, though still not quite enough to catch Marlene off guard. She countered easily, sending a Jelly-Legs Jinx his way. Peter deflected it, though his shield still wavered. His determination began to show, however, and for the first time, he managed to hold his ground for more than a few seconds.

Marlene continued to push him, her spells coming steadily but without cruelty. Though Peter stumbled and faltered several times, he grew steadier with each exchange. By the time Harry called for the end of the duel, Peter was panting, his hair sticking to his forehead, but there was a glimmer of pride in his eyes. Marlene gave him a small, approving nod as she lowered her wand.

"See? You just need to trust yourself," she said softly.

Peter nodded, still breathless. "Thanks," he mumbled, though his face was still red with embarrassment.

Lucius Malfoy stepped into position with his usual arrogant poise, though there was something disheveled about him today. His blonde hair fell messily around his face, and his movements were sharp with frustration. Across from him, Emmeline Vance stood composed. Her calm expression made her look far more collected than her opponent. She tilted her head slightly, as if studying Lucius before the duel even began.

The moment Harry gave the signal, Lucius struck first. A non-verbal Incarcerous burst from his wand, ropes shooting toward Emmeline like serpents. She dispelled them effortlessly with a flick of her wand, the ropes dissolving into smoke. "Is that all you've got, Malfoy?" Emmeline asked, her tone light but cutting.

Lucius's jaw clenched, and his next spell - a silent Reducto - came with enough force to rattle the desks nearby. Emmeline raised a shimmering shield just in time, the spell exploding against it in a shower of sparks. Without missing a beat, she countered with a silent Expelliarmus, aiming directly for Lucius's wand hand. Lucius sidestepped it, firing off another curse with quick succession.

The duel quickly became a flurry of motion. Lucius's spells were sharp and aggressive, fueled by anger that crackled in the air around him. His non-verbal incantations were quick and dangerous. Confringo, Diffindo, Stupefy. But his anger made his movements predictable, and Emmeline used it to her advantage. "You're wasting energy," she said, sidestepping a particularly aggressive Confringo. The spell struck the wall behind her, leaving scorch marks. "Focus,"

Her calm precision only seemed to enrage Lucius further. He hurled a silent Bombarda, but Emmeline was unshaken. Her movements were fluid, her spells quiet and exact. She deflected his attacks with shields and countered with Disarming Charms that forced Lucius to remain on the defensive.

Lucius' teeth gritted as he fired a silent Serpensortia. A snake erupted from his wand, slithering toward Emmeline with a hiss. She didn't flinch, her wand flicking as the serpent vanished into smoke. Her response came immediately. A silent Stupefy that Lucius barely managed to block. The impact against his shield sent him stumbling back a step, his breathing heavy.

The duel ended with Emmeline standing tall, her wand steady, while Lucius looked frustrated and disheveled. His robes were singed, and sweat dripped down his face. His eyes burned with resentment. Lucius continued to glare at her as he straightened his robes. When Harry called for them to separate, Emmeline gave Lucius a curt nod and stepped back to her spot, composed and unshaken. Lucius, still fuming, reluctantly followed suit, his wand hand trembling with frustration.

The tension in the classroom was palpable as Harry and Severus stood opposite each other. The rest of the students had gathered along the perimeter of the room, their earlier sparring forgotten as they focused entirely on the impending confrontation. This duel felt different and the air seemed to crackle with the weight of expectation.

Severus Snape's black eyes burned with intensity, his wand raised like a poised dagger. His posture was rigid, his shoulders drawn tight, and his lips curled with equal parts determination and disdain.

Harry, by contrast, looked almost unnervingly calm. His emerald eyes were sharp, watching Severus with the keen focus of a predator that had already anticipated its prey's every move. He stood with practiced ease, his expression unreadable.

"Begin," Harry said quietly.

Severus struck first. His wand moved like a whip, quick and precise as it cut through the air. A dark, silent Sectumsempra streaked forward, a glimmer of razor-sharp magic that could have torn through flesh if not stopped. But Harry was prepared. With a fluid flick of his wand, he conjured a shield that again absorbed the curse effortlessly, the energy dispersing in a shimmer of sparks. "Impressive," Harry said, his voice steady and calm, though there was a faint edge of approval beneath it. "But predictable,"

Severus's eyes narrowed, his face paling slightly as frustration flickered across his features. He responded with a sharp wave of his wand, launching a barrage of curses without hesitation. Expulso, Petrificus Totalus, Confringo. The spells shot forward in rapid succession, the force of his magic shaking the floor beneath their feet. Harry didn't flinch. He moved with a grace that seemed almost unnatural, his fingers twitching in elegant arcs as he batted away each curse with practiced ease. Expulso fizzled harmlessly against a shield. Petrificus Totalus veered into the wall with a muted crack. Confringo exploded in a shower of sparks, but Harry was already moving, stepping sideways and weaving through the onslaught as though he were dancing.

"You have power, Mr. Snape," Harry said, his tone even, almost patient, as he sidestepped another vicious hex. "But power alone isn't enough. You need creativity. Strategy,"

Severus's lips twisted into a snarl at the criticism. His wand moved faster now, anger fueling his magic. A silent Bombarda shot forward, the spell crackling with dangerous energy. It collided with Harry's shield in a thunderous explosion, a shockwave reverberating through the room. Desks scraped against the stone floor, and the watching students instinctively shielded their faces from the debris and sparks. Harry stepped back from the dust cloud, unshaken. His shield had absorbed the brunt of the spell's force, and his calm demeanor remained utterly intact. He lowered his hands slightly, his gaze locking onto Severus with something almost resembling pity.

"You rely too much on brute force," Harry said softly.

Severus's face was red with fury and exertion. His chest heaved, and sweat glistened along his brow as his grip on his wand tightened. "You think you know everything," he spat, his voice low and venomous.

Harry's expression remained impassive. "I know enough,"

Severus's wand snapped upward again, his next spell a dark and wordless Reducto, aimed not at Harry himself but at the ground near his feet. The floor splintered violently, shards of stone flying into the air in a burst of jagged force. The attack was reckless but creative, a feint intended to distract Harry and catch him off guard.

It didn't work.

Harry moved with blinding speed. With a mere flick of his wrist, the shards of stone halted midair, suspended in place as though time itself had frozen. Severus's expression shifted from fury to shock as Harry released the suspended debris with a casual wave of his hand, allowing it to clatter harmlessly to the ground. "That was better," Harry said, his voice carrying the faintest edge of approval. "But it's still not enough,"

Severus let out an inarticulate growl, his fury boiling over. His wand moved in a blur, unleashing a spell Harry hadn't expected. A silent Fulgura Vincta, an advanced chaining curse that summoned streaks of crackling white lightning to bind an opponent. The tendrils of lightning lashed out, sparking and twisting toward Harry like serpents seeking their prey. Harry's hand moved faster still.

He didn't even speak the incantation. With a sweep of his arm, the lightning dispersed in a spectacular burst of energy, the arcs sizzling into nothingness. The movement was seamless, effortless. Like swatting away an insect. For a heartbeat, Severus froze, disbelief flickering across his face as he realized how little impact his attacks had made.

Harry tilted his head. "You're quick, Severus," he said, his tone quieter now, almost conversational. "And your spells have force. But you're relying on the same tactics over and over again. Power means nothing if your opponent knows what to expect,"

Severus's teeth ground audibly, his pride warring with the frustration written across his features. Without warning, he lunged forward, his wand moving to fire off another spell. Desperate, determined, and furious. Harry ended it. With a flick of his fingers, as though commanding the very air itself, Harry disarmed Severus in an instant. The Slytherin's wand soared from his grasp, spinning through the air before landing neatly in Harry's outstretched hand. A second wave of Harry's other hand sent Severus sprawling backward onto the stone floor, landing with a muted thud that echoed in the silent room.

The duel was over. Severus was lying on the floor, breathing hard, his eyes blazing with frustration and humiliation. The watching students were stunned into silence. Their earlier conversations were now reduced to whispers as they took in what they had just seen. Severus had been defeated twice in a single lesson.

Harry stepped forward, his movement slow and deliberate as he approached Severus. He extended his hand once again. "You fought well," Harry said calmly. Severus stared at the offered hand for a long moment, his pride a tangible force between them. His chest was still heaving from exertion. Finally, he pushed himself up without accepting Harry's hand once again. Harry had thought he would make some headway with this second duel, but it seemed he still had a lot of work to do.

Harry didn't seem surprised. He simply nodded, handing Severus' wand back to him. "Take what you've learned and improve," he said quietly, his words meant for Severus alone. "You have the talent. Don't let your anger blind you," Severus snatched his wand back with a glare, turning sharply and retreating to the back of the room without another word. The tension in the room remained heavy, the air thick.

Once Severus had returned to the crowd, Harry took a moment to examine the rest of the students. They were visibly exhausted, their robes disheveled and their brows slick with sweat. Some, like James and Sirius, wore cocky smirks despite their exhaustion. Others, like Lucius and Severus, looked strained, their expressions unreadable. Bellatrix was simmering with frustration, her eyes narrowed. Only Rose remained entirely composed.

Harry walked to the center of the room, his presence once again commanding silence. His swept over the students, lingering on each pair as they straightened their backs, waiting for his feedback. There was no gloating or unnecessary sharpness in Harry's voice as he spoke. Only calm authority. Harry turned first to James and Lily, his eyes narrowing slightly at James's attempt to lean casually against the back wall as though he'd just returned from a friendly game of Quidditch. Lily, in contrast, stood straight, her expression stern but triumphant.

"Mr. Potter. Focus less on flirting and more on the task," His gaze pinned James in place, erasing the boys self-satisfied grin. "If Ms. Evans had wanted to kill you, she would have," A ripple of laughter threatened to spread across the class, but one look from Harry kept it at bay. James blinked and opened his mouth to argue, but a glance at Lily, who smirked knowingly, stopped him. His grin faltered, replaced by something closer to reluctant understanding.

"Ms. Evans," Harry continued, turning to her with a faint nod of approval. "Your precision is excellent. One of the best I've seen so far. But tighten your wand movements," He demonstrated with a smooth flick of his wrist. "Your spells are precise, but the motion wastes a fraction of a second. Against an experienced opponent, that time can mean everything,"

Lily inclined her head, absorbing the critique. "Understood, Professor,"

"Good,"

Sirius had slouched into his usual cocky posture, his arms crossed tightly over his chest as if to hide his frustration. His cheeks were flushed from exertion, and he occasionally shot a glare at Bellatrix, who stood on the other side of the room looking unbothered. Bellatrix's lips curled into her trademark sneer, her wand twirling idly between her fingers. "Mr. Black," Harry said, his voice firm. "Don't let emotions dictate your choices in a duel,"

Sirius's smirk twitched. "I was handling it just fine -"

"No," Harry interrupted, his tone offering no argument. "You let Ms. Black provoke you. You fought with anger rather than focus, and that's why you left yourself open," Sirius' jaw clenched, and he looked away, clearly stung but unwilling to argue. Harry softened the blow slightly with a glance. "You're powerful, Mr. Black. But raw power without discipline is a weakness, not a strength,"

Bellatrix let out a low chuckle, and Harry's gaze snapped to her like a whip. "Ms. Black," he said, his voice cold. "You're no better. Less talking, more casting,"

Her smirk slipped, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "I had him on the ropes,"

Harry tilted his head, unamused. "You wasted time provoking him. In a real duel, your opponent wouldn't hesitate to strike you down while you gloat," He stepped closer to her, his tone dropping an octave. "A fight isn't a game, Miss Black. If you treat it as such, you will lose," Bellatrix said nothing, though her knuckles turned white around her wand. Harry ignored her glare and moved on.

Remus straightened as Harry turned his attention to him, adjusting his robes self-consciously. Rose, for her part, stood calm and composed, her expression betraying only faint amusement. Her wand was still held loosely in her hand. She had gotten used to Harry's harsh form of feedback. "Mr. Lupin," Harry began, his tone softer now while remaining serious. "Never underestimate an opponent,"

Remus nodded, shame flickering across his face. "I won't make that mistake again,"

"See that you don't," Harry said simply. "Holding back out of kindness might seem noble, but it can cost you dearly. Approach every duel as if your life depends on it...because one day, it might,"

He turned to Rose. "Ms. Potter,"

She raised an eyebrow, her lips quirking faintly. "Yes, Professor?"

"You performed well," Harry said, his voice quieter now, his critique brief. "But next time, don't take offense when someone gives you room to breathe. Use it," Rose smirked and dipped her head, her silence answering for her.

Peter looked like he wanted to disappear entirely as Harry approached him. His face was flushed, and he glanced nervously at Marlene, who offered him a small, reassuring smile. Marlene, by contrast, stood tall, though her expression carried a hint of disappointment in her own performance.

"Mr. Pettigrew," Harry said, his tone gentler than before. "Your shielding was shaky, but I'll give you this. You didn't give up," Peter blinked in surprise, looking as though he couldn't believe Harry had found something positive to say. "But that won't be enough next time," Harry continued. "You're hesitating. Confidence, Mr. Pettigrew. Magic listens to confidence," Peter nodded quickly, avoiding eye contact.

"Ms. McKinnon," Harry said, turning to her. "Your spells were clean and well-aimed, but you're holding back. You can push harder. You're capable of more,"

"Yes, Professor," Marlene replied.

Harry stepped back and glanced between them both. "Come see me Saturday morning. We'll work on your form and spellwork. You both have potential, but it'll take effort," Peter nodded again, looking relieved, while Marlene gave him a firm nod of encouragement.

Lucius Malfoy stood stiff, his silver-blond hair disheveled from exertion and his face set in a cold mask. There was no mistaking the anger still simmering beneath the surface. Emmeline Vance, his opponent, stood a few feet away. "Mr. Malfoy," Harry began, his voice sharp. "You have impressive raw power, and your spells were executed with skill. But you let your anger dictate your actions,"

Lucius's lip curled slightly, his pale eyes flashing. "I didn't lose,"

"No," Harry said coolly. "But you didn't win either. Power without control is a double-edged sword, Mr. Malfoy. Learn to direct it, or it will destroy you," Lucius's expression didn't change, though his fists tightened slightly at his sides. "Ms. Vance," Harry said, turning to her. "You demonstrated excellent control and precision. Your calm gave you the upper hand. Use that to your advantage,"

"Thank you, Professor," Emmeline replied politely, her chin lifting slightly.

At last, Harry turned to Severus, who stood rigid. His face was pale and glistening with sweat. His eyes burned with frustration, though he kept his gaze fixed somewhere over Harry's shoulder, refusing to look him directly in the eye. "Mr. Snape," Harry said, his tone steady but not unkind. "Your power and speed are remarkable. You're one of the strongest in this room," The praise caught Severus off guard, his gaze flicking to Harry's face, as though searching for mockery. "But," Harry continued. "You're predictable. You recycle spells, and you don't move. If you want to best an opponent, you need to be unpredictable. Vary your spells. Change your angles. Keep them guessing,"

Severus's lip curled faintly, though his gaze remained sharp. "I'll keep that in mind," he muttered.

"See that you do," Harry replied, nodding.

Harry turned to face the class, his calm demeanor intact. "Remember this. No matter who you are, no matter how strong you think you or your opponent are, you must always be prepared. A single moment of arrogance or hesitation can cost you everything," His gaze lingered on each student in turn, pausing briefly on James, Sirius, and Lucius before finally settling on Severus again. "What you've learned today is foundational. Master it. Learn to fight with creativity, not just power. Learn to surprise your opponents,"

For a moment, the only sound in the room was the faint crackle of the torches along the walls. Harry's words hung in the air like a challenge, daring each of them to take what they had seen and push themselves further. At last, he leaned back against his desk, signaling the end of the exercise. "Class dismissed,"

The students filed out slowly, their whispered conversations buzzing with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and unease. Bellatrix swept out with a sneer, with Sirius glaring after her. James attempted to crack another joke, but Lily shot him a look that silenced him instantly. Severus lingered at the back of the group, his eyes flicking toward Harry with an unreadable expression before he finally slipped out the door. Harry sighed, allowing the silence to settle over the now empty classroom. The torches flickered faintly, casting dancing shadows along the walls.

And then...his gaze drifted toward the window. Beyond the glass, the mist curled like smoke over the distant hills. At first, there was nothing but shifting gray. Then Harry saw it.

A figure.

A tall, cloaked man stood just beyond the castle wards, his form blurred by distance and fog. Beside him, a massive, monstrous dog sat, its eyes glowing faintly red even through the mist. Harry froze, his blood running cold. Every muscle in his body tensed as the memories clawed at the edges of his mind. Memories of fallen worlds. Chains. The sickening cracks of bones and teeth. He could almost hear the distant growl of the dog and the echo of footsteps against stone. The figure was unmistakable. The Gladiator Harry knew as Tracker.

The figure didn't move. It simply watched. Harry blinked and the man was gone. The mist swirled over the empty space where Tracker and his dog Snuffles had stood moments before. Harry's worse fears had been confirmed. Remnants of the Domus Mortis remained. It was still alive. The Codex stirred in the back of his mind, its voice whispering. They're coming for you. You know it's true. A faint pause. You thought you could escape them?

Harry closed his eyes briefly, forcing the whispers aside, though the tension in his shoulders refused to ease. He turned sharply, his fingers tightening around the edge of his desk as his breathing slowed. The war he thought he'd escaped wasn't over.

Updated: 3/7/2025