October 14, 1992, 2:00 PM, Hogwarts Grounds
Adam Clarke
After a week filled with almost non-stop studying and training, I had decided to grant myself a rare luxury— doing absolutely nothing on a Saturday afternoon.
With my mind and body in dire need of a break, I found myself perched by the tranquil shores of the Great Lake, simply savoring the breathtaking scenery.
The azure waters of the lake stretched out before me, its surface gently rippling in response to the caress of a light breeze.
The afternoon sun cast a warm, golden glow upon the surrounding landscape, almost making me forget that it was mid-October for a few moments.
The castle itself, nestled on the hilltop, stood as a timeless sentinel against the vast expanse of the sky.
It was passing odd, though.
Most of the students from the other participating schools in the League of Nine Tourney remained within the confines of their respective establishments, content in their own spaces.
Then again… I thought to myself. The novelty of it all would have worn off, and people would prefer to mingle with ‘their own kind’, as opposed to those who are different.
In this particular instance, one’s own kind would be someone with the same nationality, as opposed to separations through race, or blood status.
The other schools had already set up their own additional encampments near their portions of the lakeshore, which is where most of their students hung out when not exploring Hogwarts Castle itself.
I allowed myself to lose track of time as I absorbed the sights and sounds of this haven. The soft lapping of the lake’s waters against the shore, the distant calls of birds in flight, and the gentle rustling of leaves in the nearby trees all contributed to a sense of contentment.
As I observed the foreign students, each representing their respective magical schools with pride and unique skills, a sense of anticipation welled up within me.
The question of whether I was truly ready for the challenges of the League of Nine weighed on my mind.
It was true that I had faced battles against fully-grown wizards and witches before, but those situations had been marked by chaos and uncertainty, offering little insight into the skill levels, or even the relative freshness or readiness of my opponents.
Recalling those encounters, I couldn’t help but acknowledge that I had not faced adversaries who exhibited a high degree of skill, with the exception of that one peculiar witch at the Village du Phantasime, who had wielded a boomerang spell with precision.
Much the same could have been said of the wizards at Phoenix’ Roost, come to think of it. True, there had been recruits and officers who were highly dedicated to their training, but I would have only considered a few of them to have the raw talent needed to stand above their peers.
In contrast, the tournament promised battles against the best students from the most renowned magical schools, each likely possessing their own unique and advanced abilities.
It was a prospect that filled me with a not-insignificant amount of trepidation.
I knew that my training had prepared me to a certain extent, but the unpredictability of duels and the sheer diversity of magical traditions represented by the other schools left me with a lingering sense of uncertainty.
I took a deep breath, shaking my head gently to clear away the anxious thoughts that threatened to overwhelm me.
It was clear that I needed to put aside my worries and anxieties for the time being.
The week before had been an intense period of training and preparation, and I had pushed myself to the limit. Now, more than ever, I needed to allow myself the opportunity to rest and absorb all that I had learned.
Overthinking and dwelling on what I didn’t know would only serve to exhaust my mind and drain my energy, leaving me ill-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
I reminded myself that moments of relaxation and respite were just as crucial to my growth and readiness as rigorous training.
With that in mind, I settled back by the raised spot along the lakeshore. Time seemed to slip away, and the tranquil beauty of the lakeside surroundings enveloped me.
The soft murmur of the lake’s waters created a soothing symphony that held me in its sway.
However, the serenity of the moment was abruptly interrupted by the sharp sound of crushed leaves from behind me. My senses instantly heightened, and a sense of tension washed over me.
Slowly, I turned to face the source of the disturbance, my eyes locking onto an unexpected figure not fifteen feet from me.
Fleur Delacour stood amidst the golden, red and brown leaves of the autumn trees, her presence exuding an air of curiosity mixed with a hint of mild displeasure.
Her ethereal beauty was only accentuated by the golden sunlight, giving her graceful form a gentle glow.
Through it, I could see her aura grasping at the world around her, as well as her soul thread swaying with every movement of said aura.
I’d observed this in Madam Durand, before, and seeing it in her now gave me confirmation.
The Veela Allure was not only a method of ensnaring men, but it also seemed to function as an additional, if somewhat unrefined sense.
I wonder what would happen if she learned to harness it… I mused before another thought occurred. How did I not see her aura during the summer? Perhaps the trauma she endured drove her magic to awaken early?
I shook the thoughts away; now was not the time.
“Bonjour, Adam.” Fleur greeted me with a cool and polite tone, her blue eyes fixed upon me as she offered a small, distant smile.
“Ça va?” I automatically returned, though a sense of unease lingered in the air between us.
I’d had time to deal with her shift in temperament since the last time I’d seen her, but I still couldn’t help but revisit my wonderings on why she had chosen to distance herself.
Duh. I thought. I knew why.
Her friend Claire’s tragic fate and the horrific ordeal Fleur, herself, had narrowly escaped had left deep scars on her soul. And then there was the matter of my actions in that harrowing place— I was sure that killing people in front of her, as well as her own subsequent act of vengeance hadn’t helped.
Fleur was far from a delicate flower; that much was evident. But no one, no matter their strength or resilience, was immune to the lasting effects of trauma.
It was a heavy burden to bear, and I understood why she might choose to keep her distance now, even if it presented me with entirely unnecessary difficulties.
We were on the same side, after all, weren’t we?
“Ça va bien.” Fleur replied, her demeanor softening ever so slightly.
“That’s good to hear.” I replied, matching her tone. “Were you looking for a secluded spot, to think?”
“Oui.” Fleur nodded, her gaze briefly drifting to the serene surroundings. “I needed a moment of tranquility.”
I took a breath, looking at my surroundings. “I suppose I’ve lingered here for long enough. You can have my spot. I’ll find another.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, it’s fine.” I said, smiling slightly as I got up and dusted myself off. “I’ve been here a while, anyway. Legs cramping, and all that. Could use a walk. Have a good one, Fleur.”
Just as I turned to make my exit, her voice called out my name. “Adam.”
I stopped me in my tracks, turning back to her with a curious expression.
“Yes?” I prompted.
“I wish to duel against you.”
What.
I took a step back. The unexpected request hung in the air like a charged spell, and for a moment, I was poised to immediately reject it.
As I met Fleur’s gaze, however, I saw that a fire burned within her eyes; it gave me pause. I swallowed my initial response, curiosity and a hint of apprehension compelling me to ask. “Why, Fleur? For the League?”
“No. Nothing so vain.” She looked down briefly, her expression shifting from hesitation to resolve, before meeting my eyes again. “I wish to duel because you are strong.”
Her words, I realized, were laden with a weight that only those who had endured the same harrowing event could truly understand.
I hesitated for a moment, weighing her request.
While I had intended to enjoy a day of relaxation and respite, it seemed that life was trying to pull me in a different direction.
Well, I wasn’t having it. Today was my day off!
“I understand where you’re coming from, Fleur.” I began, my tone thoughtful. “Believe me, I do. But today is my day off, and to be honest, I’m starting to feel like a practice dummy with everyone wanting to spar against me. You would make… the sixth person to want to duel me these past few weeks alone, I think.”
An unmistakable note of annoyance crept into my voice as I reflected on the numerous duel requests I had received since the tournament’s arrival.
Daphne, a fellow student from Hogwarts, was a regular sparring partner with whom I dueled once every week. Then there was Mira, the Ravenclaw Prefect, who had seemingly decided that I was going to meet with her as well, without any consultation from me— perhaps I should disabuse her of such notions? Meh, she’s harmless, though.
Draco Malfoy’s duel request was already on the horizon, scheduled for a few days from now. The memory of my agreement with him loomed. Takeshi, the student from Mahoutokoro, had once more expressed his desire for a duel, adding to the growing list.
Furthermore, there were also a few determined boys from Durmstrang, eager to prove their mettle among their peers.
It was becoming apparent that my reputation as the Rising Star, as well as my actions during the events which Fleur and I went through, had attracted a flurry of challengers, and the demands on my time were steadily increasing.
As I considered this, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of weariness creeping in, even as the allure of each duel remained enticing.
“Oh, I did not know. My apologies.” Fleur said, looking a little uncomfortable at my revelation but plastering on the cool, polite expression I came to expect from her. “I shall leave you to it, then.”
I couldn’t help but smirk, waving her words away with a casual gesture.
“Said I’d give you the spot, didn’t I?” I replied, a hint of playfulness in my tone. “Plus, I didn’t say ‘no’ to your request. Just not today, yeah?”
Fleur accepted my response with a nod, and I watched as she moved to take my previous spot by the lakeside before patting the space beside her.
“I thought you wanted to be alone?” I asked, a touch of curiosity in my tone.
Fleur offered a small smile as she replied. “I changed my mind.”
“Fair enough.” I said and sat beside her, saying nothing for a while. I was content to watch the lake water stir.
“I am curious about something, Adam…”
“Yes?”
“Where is it that you learned French?” Fleur said. “It is very good.”
I paused for a moment, considering how to respond as I sent her a glance.
It was a question I had been asked before by others— namely, Harry— and I couldn’t reveal the true source of my knowledge: my previous life.
Instead, I offered a half-truth, saying. “Books, and practice. Lots of practice. Some of the TV channels were in French so that helped.”
It wasn’t a lie, and it was a simple answer, one that didn’t delve into the complexities of my unique situation. I hoped it would satisfy her curiosity while still maintaining the boundaries of the secrets I carried.
“Speaking of which, your English has improved quite a bit, come to think of it.” I added quickly, distracting her with a small but genuine compliment.
Fleur’s response was a momentary shift in her gaze, as if she were momentarily flustered.
“I felt compelled to learn.” She replied. She didn’t offer any further explanation, and I respected her choice to keep that particular motivation to herself.
“Hm. So you have.”
We settled into a comfortable silence, the peaceful ambiance of the lakeside enveloping us as we enjoyed the tranquility of the moment.
However, our serene interlude was interrupted by a familiar voice coming from behind. “Knew I’d find you here.”
I turned to see Tony’s familiar face. “Tony. What’s up?”
“I just heard—” Tony said, though he stopped to take a breath. He looked like he’d run all the way here.
Knowing him, that’s likely to be exactly what he did.
“Easy.” I said, holding my hand up to stop whatever he was about to say. “Take a breath.”
However, halfway through my sentence, it became apparent that he had been ensnared by Fleur’s charm and allure.
The realization prompted a somewhat exasperated response from me.
“Do you really have to do that?” I asked, a note of frustration coloring my words.
“I have no control over it.” Fleur said with a glare. “If I did, do you not think I would stop it?”
Fleur’s response held a hint of heat and frustration.
As she spoke, I couldn’t help but observe her soul thread, searching for any signs of deception or manipulation. However, to my surprise, her soul thread remained steadfast and unwavering.
I was no expert at it, but even I could tell that this was an unmistakable indicator that Fleur was telling the truth— or, at the very least, that she wholeheartedly believed in the sincerity of her words.
It prompted me to reconsider my initial assumptions and judgments. “I see.”
And yet…
As Fleur’s words resonated in my mind, I couldn’t help but let my thoughts drift into the realm of potential solutions.
Her powers, while uncontrollable at the moment, were undoubtedly intriguing. Noting the way her aura seemed to flare with her emotions, particularly when she was agitated, I pondered whether techniques like Occlumency might offer a means of control or mastery.
However, before I could further delve into my thoughts, Fleur interrupted my musings with a pointed question. “And yet?”
I blinked, momentarily taken aback by her interruption.
“Did I speak out loud?”
Fleur only nodded in response.
I abruptly got up and checked on Tony, placing a hand in front of his face to gauge his condition
Tony pushed my hand away and redirected his gaze toward Fleur, his expression clearly indicating that he had been completely entranced by her charm.
Fleur sighed and offered a helpless shrug, her demeanor a mixture of resignation and acceptance. “Tu comprends? It just happens.”
“Yes…” I said, though I didn’t sound very convinced.
My dubiousness, however, turned the spotlight back on me, prompting her to speak. “It is strange, however. You have resisted me: how?”
I hesitated, unsure of whether I should divulge my ability to see magic and the influence it had on the world around it.
Instead, I chose to provide a simpler response. “Let’s just say that I have my ways.”
She did not seem pleased, but then I wasn’t under any obligation to please her, was I?
Still, I offered Fleur a nod of understanding. While there was no reason for me to answer her questions, there was no reason for me to be a jerk about it, either.
“I will get back to you on your earlier request.” I assured her. “For now, I believe I have a friend to save. See you later.”
With that, I took Tony away, gently, but forcefully moving him. Fleur watched me go for a few moments before turning her attention to the lake once more.
Tony and I put some distance between ourselves and the lakeside.
It didn’t take long before he finally snapped out of the enchanted state, blinking in disorientation as he tried to make sense of his surroundings.
“Where… where am I?” Tony asked, his voice slightly groggy.
I offered him a reassuring smile and replied as I grasped his shoulder, keeping the boy steady. “We’re near the lake, mate. You got hit by Fleur’s charm and went out of it.”
As he slowly regained his bearings, I could see the confusion in Tony’s eyes give way to understanding, and he let out a groan.
“Please tell me I didn’t do anything stupid.”
“Heh.” I smirked. “Aside from just staring at her, no.”
“Oh.” Tony said, and then his eyes widened in alarm. “What do you mean ‘staring at her’?”
“You just basically stared at her the entire time.” I said, though I quickly added when he covered his face. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. First time that Veela charm hits you, it’s like trying to stop the Hogwarts Express with your bare hands.”
“That bad?”
“Why do you think all the girls have been annoyed recently?” I said, gesturing at Fleur’s general direction. “All the guys have been throwing themselves at Fleur.”
“But you haven’t.” Tony pointed out, still looking displeased with himself.
“Well, I’m a bit of a special case…” I said, looking away. “I’ve had some practice at keeping my mind safe.”
Here, Tony winced. “I’m sorry— didn’t mean to remind you of what happened at the end of last year.”
But I shook my head. “Don’t worry about it. I was referring more to my mental exercises, but now that you mention it, that could also be a reason why I can resist her.”
“Still, I’m sorry.”
“… Apology accepted. I know better than to tell you that there’s nothing to forgive.” I said, and the two of us shared a laugh before I spoke again. “What was it you came to see me for, by the way?”
Tony furrowed his brow for a moment, a hint of confusion clouding his expression. It took him a brief moment to recall the reason for seeking me out.
“Oh, right.” He said, a light bulb moment evident in his eyes. “We talked about checking out one of the other schools today like we did last week.”
I blinked in surprise, my memory catching up with his words.
“Wait, that’s this Saturday?” I repeated, momentarily taken aback. “I thought we planned for the one after.”
“No.” Tony said. “That’s today.”
“Damn.” I said, scratching the back of my head sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I thought it was next week.”
“No, no. We just didn’t communicate it right. I can wait until next week.” Tony said quickly, though the look of disappointment in his eyes told me everything.
“No.” I replied, shaking my head decisively. “Let’s stick with your plan. I could use something to pass the time, anyway.”
“Are you sure?” Tony asked, looking uncertain. “Maybe you’d like to go back to spend time with your new friend?”
“I wouldn’t go so far as to call her friend.” I said, scoffing. “A rival, a potential ally, sure. A friend? Don’t know about that.”
“With that kind of attitude, you’ll certainly have a hard time making friends, Adam.”
“I have enough friends, already.” I said, patting him on the shoulder playfully. “You trying to get rid of me?”
“Perish the thought.”
“Hmph.” I smirked at that. “Hermione’s right— I am rubbing off on you guys.”
“So, which school will it be this time?” Tony said after a moment of shared amusement.
“I’ve no clue.” I said, shrugging as I swept my gaze over the lake and all of the schools there. “Last week we checked out Beauxbatons. What do you think about Longling?”
But Tony shook his head. “I don’t think Su would want us to go there without her.”
“Fair enough.”
As we considered more options for our impromptu visit, I suggested going to Castelobruxo, the Brazilian school. However, Tony seemed hesitant, and a hint of unease crossed his face at the thought.
“Castelobruxo?” He echoed, looking a little creeped out. “I don’t know, Adam. It’s too close to the Forbidden Forest for my liking. And have you seen their students? They’re completely unbothered by all the wildlife and stuff.”
I couldn’t help but raise my eyebrows at Tony’s apprehension. “What’s the matter, Tony? Afraid of a few woodland creatures?”
I shook my head at his puffing up, waving away whatever he was about to say. “I know, I know. A different school then.”
Tony pointed in the direction of Uagadou, which was situated up in the mountains, its presence marked by a distant silhouette against the horizon. I whistled softly at the sight.
“That’s a bit of a walk, mate.” I commented, a hint of amusement in my voice.
Tony grinned, unfazed by the distance. “You like walks, don’t you? Besides, I’ve brought snacks.”
He reached into his pack to reveal a selection of treats he had brought along.
I mirrored his grin. “Now, you’re speaking my language.”
“Well?” Tony said, taking a step back as if to protect his snacks from my voracious nature.
I scoffed and rolled my eyes, moving in the direction of our school of choice for the weekend. “What’re you waiting for!”
With that, we set off through the open hills, our conversation flowing as we chatted and snacked, the landscape around us changing as we made our way toward Uagadou. The crisp, fresh air and the promise of adventure filled the journey with a sense of excitement and anticipation.
As we continued our leisurely walk toward Uagadou, I couldn’t help but agree with Tony’s sentiment. The change of scenery and the prospect of exploring a new place were refreshing, offering a welcome diversion from the old mysteries and challenges that had been occupying my thoughts.
Yes, perhaps this is what I needed. I thought to myself, my gaze drifting over the picturesque landscape before I started speaking out loud. “A nice walk and a new place to explore.”
“Yep!” Was Tony’s answer.
The open hills and the promise of discovery ahead seemed to lift my spirits, providing a much-needed break from the weight of unanswered questions and unresolved issues.
“What do you think we’ll find?” I inquired as we made our way toward Uagadou.
“Well, I know that they’ve been doing some kind of display of wandless magic on the weekends.” Tony revealed. “A few students turned up last week, but it seems like barely anyone is going now.”
I pondered this for a moment, an expression of interest on my face.
“Hmm.” I hummed and began murmuring to myself. “I wonder why. Ministry interference, or perhaps people just aren’t interested in learning something other than wand magic?”
As we began the hike up the mountain trail leading to Uagadou, the conversation gradually tapered off into comfortable silence. The rhythmic sound of our footsteps on the rocky path and the gentle rustling of grass in the breeze provided a peaceful backdrop to our journey.
Tony, ever considerate, shared a bottle of water with me as we ascended the mountain. We took occasional breaks to catch our breath and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
After a while, we finally reached Uagadou, its imposing structure perched atop the mountain. The school’s unique architecture and the aura of magic that surrounded it left us both in awe. We exchanged excited glances, ready to explore what this extraordinary place had to offer and eager to discover the secrets it held within its walls.
As we approached Uagadou, the grandeur of the school became increasingly apparent. The building itself was carved out of the mountain, its walls and towers adorned with intricate carvings.
The school’s main entrance was an impressive arched doorway, flanked by massive stone pillars in the shape of baobab trees as tall as thirty of me.
“We made it.” I said, my breathless words a testament to our climb up the mountain.
Tony nodded in agreement as we took in the view of Uagadou’s main courtyard.
Students bustled about, some chatting with friends, while others were engrossed in their studies, their noses buried in books. It struck me how similar they were to us in so many ways, despite the distance that separated our schools.
Of course. I thought to myself. No matter where they are, we humans will be humans.
Our arrival did not go unnoticed for long, as what looked to be an older student approached us.
“Hello.” He said, giving us nods. “I am Advisor Thabo Nkosi. Are you boys lost, perhaps?”
I exchanged a quick glance with Tony before answering for the both of us. “No, we’re here to explore, if that’s all right.”
“Of course. All are welcome here— come.” Thabo’s welcoming smile soothed our concerns and we eagerly accepted his offer for a tour of Uagadou.
As Thabo led us through the open halls of Uagadou, we had the opportunity to witness the daily life of the school’s occupants.
He proudly showed us the mess hall, where students were gathered to enjoy their meals, and we peeked into a few classrooms where they held their magical lessons, but seeing as it was Saturday, there was no one there.
Disappointing.
Then, we entered a spacious courtyard where students were engaged in a curious game involving leather balls. They were attempting to throw the balls into a pot, which occasionally exploded with no rhyme or reason— at least, none that I could detect. Recognizing the game, I couldn’t help but speak up.
“That’s Quodpot, isn’t it?” I asked Thabo, a hint of curiosity in my voice.
Thabo smiled and nodded in confirmation. “Indeed, it is. Some of our students have visited the Ilvermorny camp, and taken an interest in trying it out. Would you care for a game?”
I shook my head with a polite decline. “Thank you for the offer, but I was actually more interested in seeing your wandless magic? I heard that the school was hosting a seminar of sorts on the weekend.”
“You’ve heard right.” Thabo replied in amusement. “It’s actually not due to begin for another fifteen minutes. You have auspicious timing, young ones. Come.”
How old is this guy? I thought in interest, even as we expressed our gratitude and followed Thabo.
“Speaking of exploration.” Thabo said as we walked. “I’m of a mind to pay your school a visit as well.”
“You’ll certainly find a lot there, Mr. Thabo.” Tony said, hoping he didn’t mangle the man’s name.
“Yes. I have seen your many expansive halls.” Thabo said, nodding as he continued to lead us towards our destination. “But I would appreciate any suggestions you may have as to where to begin.”
“Hm…” Tony said, throwing me a glance.
“I suppose you could start with the basics.” I said, gesturing in the general direction of the Castle. “You’ve been to the Great Hall, of course. Have you been to the Library?”
“I am not so interested in books as I am in the exploration of the Castle itself, though the Library is one of my eventual destinations.”
“Oh.” I said, revising my thoughts for a moment. “Then, maybe you could start with the Grand Staircase— you never know where it’ll take you, so you can safely explore without aim. Who knows, maybe you’ll stumble on something we haven’t yet seen?”
“I will attempt this. Thank you, boys.” Thabo nodded thoughtfully, seemingly intrigued by the idea. “Ah, almost there.”
We turned one final corner, passing through a hall which led us to an open courtyard near the center of the building we’d explored so far. A small gathering of people had already assembled, sitting on benches or standing in small groups.
As my eyes scanned the courtyard, I noticed a diverse mix of individuals. Some were clearly students from Uagadou, but what caught my attention was the presence of students from Mahoutokoro and other foreign schools, their unique uniforms and insignias distinguishing them from the others.
I realized that we were the only Hogwarts students there.
Voicing that out to Tony, a hearty chuckle emanated from the center of the courtyard followed.
My attention was drawn to a distinguished-looking, dark-skinned, and very bald gentleman with a voluminous silver beard, reaching all the way to his chest.
With a friendly smile, the man responded.
“Ah, our first visitors from Hogwarts Castle. Fear not, my dear friends, for your numbers will surely increase as the dueling tournament unfolds. Once the participants witness the advantages and versatility of wandless magic in action, their interest will undoubtedly grow.”
As I observed the old man more closely, I couldn’t help but notice how different his ambient magical energy was in comparison to all around him.
Unlike many other wizards I had encountered, the film of magic surrounding his body was relatively still and well contained. It was as if every ounce of his power was harnessed with utmost control.
Caught in my observation, the old man’s coal-black eyes met mine, and a knowing, amused glint danced within them. His wrinkled face bore an expression of interest and surprise, but he chose not to comment on my scrutiny.
Instead, he gracefully gestured for us to join the gathering of students, his demeanor inviting us to become a part of the upcoming seminar.
Swallowing, I joined the other students, but not before thanking Thabo for the help.
“A pleasure to aid you, children.” Thabo said and, with a nod to the man at the center of the courtyard, took his leave of us.
After a brief moment of contemplative silence, the old man clapped his hands together, breaking the quietude that had enveloped the courtyard. With a warm and welcoming demeanor, he introduced himself to the assembled students.
“Welcome, young witches and wizards, to this gathering of curious minds.” He began, his deep voice carrying the weight of wisdom and experience. “I am Professor Mwezi Isaka, and it is my privilege to guide you on your first steps into the realm of wandless magic.”
As his introduction washed over the eager students, the atmosphere in the courtyard seemed to brim with anticipation.
“I hope you’ll forgive me if we begin with something of a history lesson.” Professor Isaka said, before letting out a hearty laugh at those who wore put-upon expressions in response. “Ah, to be young and impatient.”
As Professor Isaka gestured with a commanding hand, the ambient lights in the courtyard dimmed in response.
With my altered vision, I saw a visible film of magic appear in the air, its presence clear as it reflected and refracted the dwindling light.
Professor Isaka’s small yet enigmatic smile persisted as he guided the students’ attention to the center of the courtyard, which was oddly enough pitch-black. Without the use of a wand or spoken incantation, he conjured a single, radiant mote of silver light, which hung suspended in the darkness, casting an ethereal glow.
Isaka posed a question to his now attentive audience.
“Who is it that invented the wand?” The Lumos Charm lingering in the air served as a visual aid, enhancing the aura of mystery that surrounded the question.
No one could answer the question, prompting Professor Isaka to smile again. “I would not expect you to know, since the fine details have been lost to time, but we do know that they have been around for over two thousand years. Perhaps an easier question, then. Why have they been made?”
“Yes?” He gestured at one of the students from Mahoutokoro, who’d raised her hand.
“To better channel our magic.” She said. “More… Efficiently?”
Professor Isaka acknowledged the response with a nod and a slight incline of his head.
“Yes, indeed. The wand is a tool designed to help wizards and witches channel and focus their magical abilities. It acts as an amplifier, allowing for more precise control and greater power in spellcasting. But, as we shall explore today, it is not the only way to harness and wield magic with efficiency.”
As he spoke, he subtly manipulated his Lumos Charm, causing the mote of light to split into two, each hovering on either side of him. The courtyard was now illuminated by a gentle, silvery radiance, casting long, shifting shadows.
He continued. “Today, my young friends, we will delve into the world of wandless magic, a discipline that predates the use of wands and offers a unique and versatile approach to spellcasting. Are you ready?”
A series of excited nods met his question.
Isaka smiled, and then began, even as he made his motes of light swirl around each other in a spiral. “Wandless magic is a branch which relies on the direct connection between the wizard and the magical energy that flows within and around them… What do I mean by this? Well…”
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