104 Might
*Narrator pov*
Durmstrang Institute, a mysterious and prestigious wizarding school, stands as a formidable bastion of magical education. Located in the far north of Europe, the castle emerges from the rugged landscape, surrounded by misty mountains and dense forests. Its architecture, crafted from dark stone, boasts imposing spires and towers that pierce the sky.
The exterior is adorned with magical carvings, hinting at the school's rich history and traditions. Durmstrang's halls are lined with tapestries depicting epic magical duels, showcasing the prowess of its students and alumni. The overall aesthetic emanates an air of strength, discipline, and ancient wisdom.
The atmosphere was nothing like Hogwarts. Where Hogwarts felt warm, adventurous, and inviting; Durmstrang felt strict, cold, and guarded.
Within the castle's walls, common areas are characterized by roaring fireplaces that combat the perennial chill, creating a warm yet austere atmosphere. The grand hall, where students gather for meals and events, echoes with the murmur of various languages spoken by its diverse student body.
Durmstrang is renowned for its emphasis on physical prowess, magical combat, and the study of the Dark Arts. The curriculum encompasses a wide range of magical subjects, reflecting the school's commitment to producing resilient and skilled wizards. Transfiguration, dueling, and the study of magical creatures are integral components of the education at Durmstrang. It was much like a military school in a way.
The staff at Durmstrang consists of seasoned and often formidable wizards, with the headmaster Ivan Volkovitch Zharov possessing a reputation for strength and discipline, a former duelest and war veteran himself he gave off an aura that demanded respect.
The professors are known for their demanding approach to education, fostering an environment where students are expected to excel both academically and magically.
Students at Durmstrang wear practical uniforms designed to withstand the harsh northern climate, favoring heavy robes and furs. The school emblem, a snarling wolf, symbolizes strength, cunning, and the indomitable spirit that defines Durmstrang. The students seemed to be mainly discussing the up-and-coming duels, surprised they were finally given the chance to show their superiority to Hogwarts.
One of the professors looked toward the Headmaster Ivan and said, "I am surprised Albus has agreed to the join the duels," she spoke Russian perfectly
Ivan nodded, "Albus has always been a hard man to figure out, we best prepare sufficiently," his deep voice replied
One of the listeners laughed, "Prepare for what? It's just Hogwarts those students barely started dueling," the speaker sounded and looked cocky
Ivan glared at the man, "Arrogance doesn't suit someone like you. Hogwarts has dominated the European wizarding world for a long time do not underestimate them," his tone was cold and uncaring
'Albus, just what are you thinking,' Ivan thought skeptically
It was a thought many schools shared after hearing Albus agree to join the duels.
After breakfast, the students of Durmstrang left the hall and made their way to the classrooms, "Gather our duelists," Ivan said to the woman on his right
Soon the students on the Durmstrang dueling team gathered outside of the castle, the intense chill permeating the air didn't seem to bother the students.
Ivan stood before them wand in hand, "Begin!" his voice seemed to thunder in the air
Immediately the students broke off into pairs and started to duel.
"Begin!" and duel
"Begin!" and duel
"Begin!" duel after duel the students were given no breaks and no time to catch their breath it was apparent Ivan did not want to lose to Albus.
The date was slowly approaching for the big duel, will Hogwarts show their might once again or will Durmstrang overshadow them?
*Morpheus pov*
"Seeing as I told my third years it's only appropriate I tell you as well. This year your mid-term will obviously be different from the year prior. I will not spoon-feed you the exact contents of the midterm but I will say one part will be burning an herb or making it into a paste for a desired effect which you will tell me of beforehand. I also strongly suggest you study the names of herbs I handed out and of course, as always I hope you are all practicing with your resonated technique," I told my class after we finished most of today's lesson
Seeing a hand I said, "Yes, Ms. Black. Once again just call out your question," she always raises her hand I don't know why I bother
She nodded as if she would next time, "Sir, practicing with the herbs and the resonated art takes a long time will we have class time for this?" she asked
"Mmhm, of course, I will give you all proper time to prepare it's not like the midterms are next week. Keep in mind the resonated technique portion is just a benchmark to see how much you have improved it won't lower your overall grade that much," Hearing that many of the worried students seemed to be relieved
I'm not a horrible person who would make my midterms needlessly difficult. If I see they put in the work then their grade will reflect that.
"Now with the remainder of the class, practice anything you want and ask questions if you need help,"
***
Sitting in Albus's office I sipped on some tea and enjoyed some candy, "This tea is good Albus," I commented lightly
Albus nodded, "The elves really out did their selves, they must like you," he chuckled showing he knew about my little drinking session with the elves
"It was just some whisky Albus they needed it," I replied
They really did that race has had the short end of the stick for ages.
"Anyways, tell me about what you saw," he referred to the other night during the celestial cascade
"I performed a scrying spell, it was at a high level enough to break through all the troublesome wards old family houses carry," I replied, "I found out our friend Tom really likes to move around, he's been bouncing from Britain to France all the way to Bulgaria," I took out a map I prepared for this meeting
"As we thought he only shows up at places with high levels of influence and doesn't stay for long. Mass recruiting must be going well for him," I said motioning to some of the places I marked
"He always had a way with words," Albus replied heavily
"A way with words is underselling it some of my contacts have spoken of a man fitting Tom's description amassing a large amount of support in the dark families. However, I have heard that the Black family is staying neutral. I think now is the time to start reaching out to the lighter families while I approach the grey area," I suggested
He ran his hand down his beard in thought, "Indeed, things are in motion and time is running out," he said gravely
"The duel with Durmstrang is more important than the students think," he added softly
"Much more important, if we don't win we must at least show that the students are strong," I replied while I finished my tea
"It is a chance to sway some of the dark families," Albus said popping a piece of candy
"That it is,"
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