Dueling Preparation

Sal decided his final enchanted project for the term would be a cloak—one for Tulip and another for himself to use in dueling.

Tulip's cloak needs to protect her from the elements and be durable. That shouldn't be too hard, Sal thought as he outlined the design in his journal. Mine, however, needs to resist not only the weather but also magic. I'll need to research exactly what that entails, especially since magical resistance is more advanced.

Needing a change of scenery, Sal packed up his notes and decided to head to the library. As he wandered through the towering shelves, his gaze kept drifting toward the entrance of the restricted section. The heavy iron gate loomed at the far end, and curiosity tugged at him.

I wonder what I could find in there… he mused.

Unable to resist, Sal approached Madam Pince at her desk. "Professor, who can I ask to get access to the restricted section?"

Madam Pince raised an eyebrow. "A student asking permission rather than trying to sneak in? That's a refreshing change."

Sal grinned sheepishly. "I'd rather not get banned from the library."

Madam Pince nodded approvingly. "If you want access, you need written permission from the headmaster or one of the professors."

Sal thanked her and left, already forming a plan. During Herbology that afternoon, as students tended to their potted plants, he approached Professor Sprout.

"Professor Sprout, may I ask you something?"

Professor Sprout looked up from a particularly stubborn Mandrake. "Of course, Sal. What is it?"

"I was wondering if you could give me permission to access the restricted section of the library."

She raised a brow, wiping soil from her hands. "What could you possibly need from the restricted section, Sal?"

Sal hesitated for a moment. "Truthfully, I'm not entirely sure. I don't know what's in there. But I'm researching runes to craft a magic-resistant matrix for an enchanted object I'm working on. I thought the restricted section might have something useful."

Professor Sprout chuckled softly. "Well, at least you're honest. I tell you what—why don't you ask me for the information you need first? If it's something I can't help with, I'll speak to the headmaster about getting you access. Deal?"

Sal smiled. "Deal. Thank you, Professor."

"Now, if you're researching runes, I believe Professor Flitwick might have something in his collection you'd find helpful. Speak with him after class."

"I will. Thanks again, Professor."

Later that day, after Charms, Sal approached Professor Flitwick as the other students filed out. The small professor was stacking books on his desk, humming softly.

"Professor Flitwick, do you have a moment?"

Flitwick smiled warmly. "Ah, Sal! Of course. What can I do for you?"

"Professor Sprout mentioned you might have some books on runes and magical resistance. I'm working on an enchantment project, and I want to make sure I get the matrix right."

Flitwick's eyes sparkled with interest. "Ah, runic matrices for enchanted garments—fascinating work! Yes, I do have a few texts on the subject. Wait here."

The professor climbed a small ladder to reach the top shelf of his office and returned with two worn books. One was titled Advanced Rune Crafting: Protective Weaves and Matrices and the other, Warding Through Weavework: Cloaks and Robes of Defense.

"These should help," Flitwick said, handing them over. "Take your time with them. They're rather dense, but very thorough. If you need any clarification, I'd be delighted to assist."

Sal took the books gratefully. "Thank you, Professor. I really appreciate it."

Over the next week, Sal buried himself in the texts during his free time. The library became his second home as he poured over diagrams of ancient rune clusters and their applications. He learned that magical resistance was not simply about inscribing a single rune, but layering different symbols to create a web of protections. One rune could deflect basic spells, but when combined with certain elemental runes, the enchantment could also protect against weather and physical force.

No wonder this is so complex, Sal thought, sketching new designs in his journal. Each layer has to complement the others, or the whole matrix could collapse.

Tulip popped her head into the library one evening, spotting Sal surrounded by books. "You know, I was joking when I asked for the cloak," she teased, sitting across from him.

Sal smiled without looking up. "I know. But I like the challenge. Besides, if it works, you'll have the best winter cloak in Hogwarts."

She smiled. "Fair point. Just don't forget to eat while you're at it."

As the days passed, Sal's cloak project slowly came together. Each stitch held meaning, each rune carefully placed to enhance the enchantment's strength. And with every layer he added, Sal felt closer to mastering the delicate balance between craftsmanship and magic.

One afternoon in the workshop, Sal stretched the fabric for Tulip's cloak over the worktable, smoothing it with his hands. The base layer of protective runes had set perfectly, glowing faintly under the soft light.

Tonks wandered in, holding a half-eaten apple. "Still at it? You're practically living in here."

Sal grinned. "Almost done with Tulip's. I just need to weave in the final durability rune."

Tonks leaned closer, inspecting the pattern. "It looks amazing. You should start charging for custom cloaks."

Sal laughed. "I'd rather not. This is more fun when it's for you two."

Tonks nudged him playfully. "Well, when you finish that, I call dibs on enchanted gloves that warm my hands and prank Filch at the same time."

Sal grinned. "I'll see what I can do."

Later, as Sal finished the final touches on the cloak, Tulip arrived to check on his progress. She pulled the cloak around her shoulders, spinning dramatically. "This is brilliant, Sal. I feel like I could walk through a blizzard in this."

Sal smiled, watching his friend admire his work. "You'll be the best-dressed Hufflepuff out there."

Tulip laughed, throwing an arm around his shoulders. "You're the best, Sal. Hogwarts wouldn't be the same without you."

Now that Tulip's cloak was finished, Sal had a clearer understanding of the complexity involved in crafting enchanted garments. The experience gave him valuable insight into the intricacies of layering protective runes and balancing enchantments.

Whenever he wasn't with his friends or in class, Sal could be found in the workshop, steadily working on his dueling cloak. The design was more ambitious than Tulip's—requiring not only elemental protection but resistance to magical attacks.

"Stupefy!"

Tonks's voice echoed through the practice room as Sal deflected her spell with a flick of his wand. A shimmering blue barrier formed in front of him, absorbing the spell harmlessly. Tonks lowered her wand, raising an eyebrow. "Sal, are you sure you have time to duel me? I thought you were drowning in that cloak project."

Sal nodded, lowering his wand. "Of course I do. Believe it or not, I also practice sword fighting in my spare time."

Tonks's eyes widened in disbelief. "Seriously? You never stop, do you?"

Sal chuckled. "What can I say? Keeps me sharp. Besides, dueling's good practice for everything."

Deciding to mix things up, Sal took a few steps back, twirling his wand. "Let's make this interesting—first to disarm wins. No shields allowed."

Tonks grinned, clearly intrigued by the challenge. "Alright, but don't cry when I beat you."

They squared up, circling each other. Tonks made the first move, flicking her wand. "Expelliarmus!"

Sal ducked, countering with a quick Flipendo. Tonks rolled to the side, narrowly dodging the burst of magic.

"You're going to have to do better than that!" Tonks called out, sending a stream of sparks from her wand. Sal deflected them mid-air with a precise swish, redirecting them harmlessly into the stone floor.

Sal smirked, stepping forward. "Alright. No more holding back. Petrificus Totalus!"

Tonks gasped and countered just in time. "Protego!"

The spells collided in a flash of light, and Tonks took the opportunity to send a surprise hex his way. Sal twisted his wand, deflecting it at the last second.

"Expelliarmus!" Sal shouted, aiming for her wand.

Tonks flicked her wand downward. "Finite!" The spell fizzled out just as her disarming charm hit him square in the chest.

Sal's wand flew from his hand and clattered to the floor a few feet away. Tonks grinned triumphantly, spinning her wand. "That's one for me. Want to go again?"

Sal laughed, retrieving his wand. "Absolutely. Best out of five."

By the end of their sparring session, both were sprawled on the floor, exhausted but laughing. "You know, I think you're ready for that dueling circuit," Tonks said between breaths. "You're a nightmare to spar with."

Sal grinned. "Thanks. I'll take that as a compliment. And don't forget, you've still got that enchanted glove coming your way."

Tonks laughed. "Oh, I haven't forgotten. But you better believe I'm wearing it next time we duel."

Sal's preparation for the junior dueling circuit became more intense over the following weeks. His sessions with Tonks and Tulip turned into regular sparring matches, sometimes even drawing small crowds of curious students in the practice hall.

In addition to their friendly duels, Sal began incorporating physical training—early morning runs around the Black Lake, strength exercises, and reflex drills in the Room of Requirement.

One evening, after a particularly exhausting session, Tulip collapsed onto the mat beside him. "You're insane, Sal. Why are you pushing so hard?"

Sal wiped sweat from his forehead, grinning. "I want to be ready. Dueling Isn't just about magic—it's about endurance and keeping a clear head under pressure."

Tonks sat cross-legged nearby, inspecting a scorch mark on her sleeve. "You're taking this way more seriously than anyone else. But I can't say it's not paying off. You're getting faster."

Sal leaned back against the wall, catching his breath. "I have to. I'm entering the junior circuit as one of the youngest duelists. I'll be up against older students, and they won't hold back."

Tulip nudged him with her foot. "We'll be there to cheer you on. And if you get hexed into oblivion, I'll make sure Tonks carries you back to the common room."

Tonks snorted. "I'm not carrying him. He's getting too heavy."

Sal laughed, shaking his head. "I appreciate the vote of confidence. But I'm not planning on losing anytime soon."

As the competition approached, Sal's cloak neared completion. The enchantments hummed softly with latent energy, stitched carefully into the fabric's lining. When he finally tried it on, he felt the protective runes settle over his shoulders like an invisible shield.

"Ready for battle," Sal muttered to himself, staring at his reflection.

With his friends by his side and weeks of preparation behind him, Sal felt more determined than ever to prove himself in the dueling circuit.

The end of his first year came quickly for Sal. He had aced his classes and completed his dueling cloak, the enchantments humming with power. Despite his excitement for the upcoming junior dueling circuit, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness at leaving his friends behind for the summer.

In the common room on the final night, Sal sat with Tonks and Tulip by the fireplace, the warm glow reflecting off their faces.

"Now, I know I'm going to be busy," Sal said, adjusting the hem of his cloak, "but I still want to hear from the both of you. Promise me you'll write."

Tulip grinned, leaning back in her chair. "You won't just hear from us. I'm coming to your matches if I can."

Tonks crossed her arms with a playful smirk. "My cousin Sirius loves a good duel, so I'll try to get him to take me."

Sal's eyes brightened at the thought. "Deal. I'll make sure you two get front-row seats."

As the Hogwarts Express carried them home the next day, Sal watched the landscape blur past, already making plans for his summer. When he arrived back at his family's estate, his mother greeted him warmly at the door.

"Welcome home, Sal," Lindsey said, pulling him into a hug. "I imagine you've had quite the year."

Sal grinned and stepped inside, placing his trunk down. "I did. And I brought something to show you."

Later that evening, Sal donned his dueling cloak and stepped into the courtyard, where his mother and Julius, his mentor and the Wizard King of Clover Kingdom, awaited him.

Julius's eyes twinkled with curiosity as he leaned forward. "Let's see what you've been working on, Sal."

Sal pulled his wand and twirled it, the runes on his cloak faintly glowing. "I wove layered protective runes into the fabric. It can resist most basic spells, and I'm working on adding elemental resistance."

Lindsey smiled with pride. "You've done well. I see you've taken your studies seriously."

Julius clapped his hands together. "Impressive craftsmanship for your first year. But a cloak is only as good as the duelist who wears it. How about a quick demonstration?"

Sal's grin widened. "I thought you'd never ask."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sal faced off against Julius, the sparks from their spells dancing through the twilight air. The summer had just begun, and Sal knew this was only the beginning of his journey.

In the days that followed, Julius took Sal under his wing for more advanced training. Each morning, they met in the courtyard, where Julius would test Sal's reflexes, spellwork, and dueling technique.

"Your stance is solid, but you're hesitating on the counter-attack," Julius remarked one morning after deflecting Sal's disarming spell. "Confidence, Sal. If you hold back, your opponent will take advantage of that."

Sal nodded, wiping his brow. "I'm trying to balance defense and attack. Sometimes I second-guess myself."

Julius rested a hand on Sal's shoulder. "That's natural, but remember—dueling isn't just about winning. It's about understanding your opponent, adapting, and staying calm under pressure. Trust your instincts."

Sal looked up at him, admiration clear in his eyes. "Is that how you became Wizard King?"

Julius chuckled. "Partly. But I also lost plenty of duels along the way. Learning from failure is just as important as practicing spells."

As the weeks passed, Sal's technique sharpened. Julius pushed him to experiment with different strategies, even encouraging him to incorporate non-magical tactics, like feints and footwork.

One afternoon, after a particularly grueling session, Sal sat beside Julius under the shade of a large oak tree. "Why did you take me as your student?" Sal asked, glancing at his mentor.

Julius smiled thoughtfully. "Because I see potential in you—not just as a duelist, but as someone who wants to understand magic on a deeper level. You remind me of myself when I was younger. And who knows? Maybe one day you'll surpass me."

Sal laughed, but the thought stayed with him long after their training ended for the day. He wasn't just training for the circuit anymore—he was learning to master the kind of magic that could one day shape the world around him.